Back to Schemes
Education & Learning; Women and Child

Back-To-Lab Post-Doctoral Fellowship Programme

The “Back-to-Lab” programme of Women Scientists Division offers Research and Post-Doctoral Fellowship to women who have break in their career, to facilitate their re-entry in science research.

Authority

State

Region

Kerala

Status

Verified 2026

Updated

March 2026

What you get

- The scheme offers a Post-doctoral fellowship of ₹45,000/- + 10% HRA per month along with an annual contingency grant of ₹75,000/-. | - Duration of the Fellowship is limited to a maximum of 2 years.

Who can apply

Only women candidates are eligible to apply.; Applicant should be a Permanent Resident of Kerala.; Applicant should be unemployed and should be under career-break due to family commitments or other related matters, at the time of application.; Applicant should not receive any emoluments from any source at the time of application.; Those who have availed KSCSTE Back-to-Lab Fellowship earlier for their PhD programme are not eligible to apply.; Age limit: 40 years - as on the date of application, relaxable for 3 years for OBC and 5 years for SC/ST.; Applicant should have qualified Ph.D. in Science/Engineering subjects.; Applicant should have scored a minimum of 60% marks for post-graduation.; Applicant should have chosen an institution as Research Centre subject to the following.; Applicant should have published at least one research paper in a SCI Journal/ secured patent.; Those who have already availed of one Post-Doctoral Fellowship from KSCSTE or elsewhere are not eligible to apply.

Required Paperwork

  • Aadhaar Card
  • PAN Card
  • Income Certificate
  • Residence Proof (Domicile)

Common Questions

How much will the contingency grant to be paid under the programme?

Annual contingency grant of [?]75,000/- will also be paid under the programme.

What is the objective of this programme?

The Scheme is intended to support women having career break, facilitating their re-entry in scientific research by providing Post-Doctoral Fellowship.

Which is the implementing agency of this programme?

Kerala State Council for Science, Technology and Environment (KSCSTE)

Who is eligible to get the benefits under the programme?

Women qualified with Ph.D. in Science/Engineering subjects who are under Career break due to family commitments are eligible to apply.

What is the maximum age criterion to apply under the programme?

The age of the candidate should be below 40 years.

Is there any age relaxation for SC/ST/OBC categories under the programme?

Yes, relaxation in age is up to a maximum of 3 years for OBC and 5 years for SC/ST.

What is the qualification required to apply for the programme?

The applicants should have qualified Ph.D. in Science / Engineering subjects.

What should be the minimum marks for post-graduation?

The applicant should have scored minimum 60% marks for post-graduation.

Can an employed candidate be eligible to apply?

No, the applicant should not be employed either on permanent or temporary basis and should not be receiving any sort of emoluments at the time of application.

How much will the monthly fellowship be given to the eligible fellow?

The scheme offers a Post-doctoral fellowship of [?]45,000/- + 10% HRA per month.

What is the duration of the fellowship?

Duration of the Fellowship is limited to a maximum of 2 years.

Which subjects are to be considered under the programme?

The subject categories (i) Earth & Atmospheric Sciences (ii) Engineering Sciences (iii) Life Sciences & (iv) Physical, Chemical & Mathematical sciences are to be considered under the programme.

How can an applicant apply for the programme?

Eligible applicant may apply online in the KSCSTE web portal for new application in the following link: www.submit.kscste.kerala.gov.in

Where can an applicant contact regarding this programme?

The Head, Women Scientists Division, Kerala State Council of Science, Technology and Environment, Sasthra Bhavan, Pattom (P.O), Thiruvananthapuram - 695 004, Ph: 0471 2548208, Fax: 0471 2540085, 2534605, E-mail: womenscientistkerala@gmail.com