What you get
- The residency period of VAJRA Faculty in India would be for a minimum of 1 month and a maximum of 3 months. | - VAJRA Faculty will be provided US$ 15000 in the first month of engagement and US$ 10000 p.m. in the subsequent two months. While no separate support is provided for travel, accommodation, medical/personal insurance, etc. the host institute may consider providing additional support. | - Return visit of Indian faculty to the Institute of VAJRA Faculty: One research visit by the Indian host to the Institute of the VAJRA Faculty for a period not less than a week and not exceeding 30 days will be supported. The board will provide return economy airfare, not exceeding ₹1.5 lakhs per diem, and accommodation as per the norms of the Board. 1. Student mobility (Doctoral & Postdoctoral Level: Across labs): Collaborative research visit of not more than 2 students, doctoral, preferably co-advised / post-doctoral level after 2 years of engagement from the research group of Indian host to the Institute of the VAJRA Faculty for a duration of three to six months will be supported. The board will provide a return economy airfare, a one-time contingency grant of ₹60,000/- and fellowship equivalent to the norms of the Board. 1. Research Contingency Grant to the hosting Indian Collaborator: ₹5.0 lakhs per year of research visit per VAJRA Faculty to the Indian host to meet expenses related to the collaborative research will also be provided. 1. Support to engage VAJRA Faculty to give lectures in his/her area of expertise in the host Institute: Support to VAJRA Faculty to the tune of ₹1.0 lakh per year for this activity will be provided.
Who can apply
Required Paperwork
- Aadhaar Card
- PAN Card
- Income Certificate
- Residence Proof (Domicile)
Common Questions
Is it ok if a faculty member invites two overseas faculty for VAJRA? Are there any constraints/limits (in terms of number) by institution?
There are no constraints to the number of VAJRA Faculties in an Institute. But at a time only one VAJRA Faculty will be awarded to the Indian Lead Collaborator.
Which is the implementing agency of this scheme?
Science and Engineering Research Board, Government of India
Are private/NGO institutes eligible to apply under VAJRA Scheme?
Indian Collaborator(s) from Top 10 Private Institutions as per the NIRF ranking are also eligible to apply if the Institute contributes 50% of the cost.
Whether any Overhead/research grant or any other component is allowed under this scheme in excess of the lump sum amount of $15000 (or $10000) to be disbursed to the VAJRA foreign faculty?
Research Contingency Grant of [?]5.0 lakhs per year of research visits per VAJRA Faculty to the Indian host to meet expenses related to the collaborative research will be provided. | Support to VAJRA Faculty to the tune of [?]1.0 lakh per year to give lectures in his/her area of expertise in the host Institute. | No Other components such as Overhead, Equipment, Manpower, etc. are provided under the scheme.
Are there any specific areas for which VAJRA can be applied?
There are no specific areas under VAJRA Scheme. The collaboration should be in the frontier areas of science and technology.
Are there any tax implications on this award?
The Honorarium disbursed to the VAJRA Faculty is taxable as per the norms of Government of India as applicable in such collaborative research visits.
Is it permissible for an eligible person to be a foreign faculty in two applications from different host institutions?
More than one application can be submitted. But in the event of selection at a time only one application will be entertained.
Can the other Indian Collaborator be from a different Institute?
We welcome collaborations from multiple Institutes. But the physical presence of VAJRA Faculty in the host Institute is to be ensured.
What is the duration of VAJRA Award?
VAJRA Fellowship will be initially for a duration of 1 year. Three months physical presence of VAJRA faculty is expected in a year. It can be renewed further based on the Collaborative Interest and recommendations of a committee, constituted for this purpose.
What is the nature and support provided for the visit of Indian Faculty to VAJRA Faculty Institute?
One research visit by the Indian host to the Institute of the VAJRA Faculty for a period not less than a week and not exceeding 30 days will be supported. The board will provide return economy airfare, not exceeding [?]1.5 lakh, per-diem, and accommodation as per the existing norms of the Board.
What is the nature and support provided for the visit of Doctoral/PostDoctoral Students from the lab of Indian Lead Collaborator to VAJRA Faculty Institute?
Collaborative research visit of not more than 2 students, doctoral, preferably co-advised by the VAJRA faculty/ post-doctoral level after 2 years of engagement from the research group of Indian host to the Institute of the VAJRA Faculty for a duration of three to six months will be supported. The board will provide a return economy airfare, a one-time contingency grant of [?]60,000/- and fellowship equivalent to the norms of the Board.