Call for Applications: DBT BioCARe Programme for Women Researchers 2026-27 (India)

Deadline: 23-Sep-26

The Biotechnology Career Advancement and Re-orientation (BioCARe) Programme provides research grants and fellowship support to Indian women researchers seeking to establish their first independent research projects in biotechnology and allied fields. The programme, implemented by the Department of Biotechnology (DBT), Ministry of Science & Technology, Government of India, supports unemployed or temporarily employed women researchers who have not previously received extramural research funding as a Principal Investigator. Eligible researchers can receive funding of up to Rs. 60 lakh for PhD/MD/MDS/M.V.Sc. holders or Rs. 40 lakh for M.Tech./M.Pharma/equivalent degree holders, including a consolidated monthly fellowship. Projects can run for up to three years and must be undertaken with the support of a suitable mentor and host institution. What Is the BioCARe Programme? The BioCARe Programme is a career advancement and research funding initiative of the Department of Biotechnology designed to increase the participation of Indian women scientists in biotechnology and related disciplines. The programme is particularly intended for women researchers who are unemployed or temporarily employed and have not yet received an extramural research grant as a Principal Investigator (PI). The initiative provides researchers with financial and institutional support to: - Start their first independent research project. - Re-enter mainstream scientific research. - Develop independent research expertise. - Build a stronger academic and scientific career. - Generate research outcomes in biotechnology and allied areas. - Prepare for future research grants and long-term scientific positions. BioCARe Programme Funding The programme provides financial assistance in two major categories based on the applicant’s educational qualification.

- PhD/MD/MDS/M.V.Sc. holders: Up to Rs. 60 lakh, including a consolidated fellowship of Rs. 75,000 per month.

- M.Tech./M.Pharma/equivalent degree holders: Up to Rs. 40 lakh, including a consolidated fellowship of Rs. 58,000 per month. The project duration can be up to three years. Funding may cover eligible research and project-related expenses, including: - Fellowship support. - Research consumables. - Contingency expenses. - Domestic travel. - Institutional overhead charges. - Minor non-recurring equipment. Minor equipment costs can account for up to 10% of the total grant. The programme does not provide funding for hiring additional project staff. Research Areas Supported The BioCARe Programme supports research proposals in biotechnology, life sciences, agricultural biotechnology, environmental biotechnology, and related disciplines.

Eligible research areas include:

- Animal biotechnology. - Marine biotechnology. - Bioengineering and biomaterials. - Medical biotechnology. - Environmental biotechnology. - Bioenergy. - Plant biotechnology. - Agricultural biotechnology. - Other allied areas of biotechnology. Applicants should propose research that demonstrates scientific relevance, feasibility, and potential to contribute to the development of biotechnology and related fields. Who Is Eligible for the BioCARe Programme? The programme is specifically targeted at Indian women researchers seeking to establish their first independent research careers. Applicants must generally meet the following requirements: - Be an Indian woman researcher. - Be up to 55 years of age. - Be unemployed or temporarily employed/not in a regular position. - Be seeking their first independent research grant as Principal Investigator. - Hold the required doctoral or postgraduate qualification by the application deadline. - Identify a suitable mentor and host institution. - Submit the required endorsement from the host institution. - Propose research in biotechnology or an allied field. Educational Qualification Applicants must have completed one of the following qualifications by the application deadline: - PhD. - MD. - MDS. - M.V.Sc. - M.Tech. - M.Pharma. - An equivalent eligible degree. The level of qualification determines the applicable funding category. Who Is Not Eligible? The programme excludes researchers who do not meet its career-stage and employment requirements. The following applicants are not eligible: - Women researchers in regular or permanent employment. - Applicants who have previously received extramural research funding as a Principal Investigator. - Candidates currently pursuing higher studies. - Applicants who have not completed the required degree by the application deadline. - Researchers who do not meet the programme’s age requirements. - Applicants who fail to identify an appropriate host institution or mentor. A key eligibility condition is that the applicant must be seeking to establish her first independent research project as a Principal Investigator. What Does the BioCARe Grant Cover? The grant is designed to provide researchers with financial support for conducting their proposed research project.

Eligible costs can include:

- Monthly fellowship support. - Laboratory and research consumables. - Minor equipment. - Domestic travel related to the research. - Contingency expenses. - Institutional overheads. - Other approved project-related expenses. Equipment purchases are restricted to minor non-recurring equipment, with such costs capped at 10% of the total grant. The programme does not support the appointment of additional project personnel. Role of the Mentor and Host Institution Applicants are expected to identify a suitable mentor at a host institution before submitting their proposal. The mentor and host institution are important components of the BioCARe framework because the programme is intended to help researchers establish independent scientific careers while benefiting from an appropriate research environment. Applicants must obtain an endorsement letter from the host institution as part of the application. The proposed host institution should h