About INSA Indian National Science Academy (INSA), New Delhi is an autonomous institution of Dept. of Science & Technology, Govt. of India. INSA was established in January 1935 with the object of promoting science in India and harnessing scientific knowledge for the cause of humanity and safeguarding the interests of the scientists, establishing linkages with international bodies to foster collaboration and expressing considered opinion on national issues. The Academy also plays a significant role in promoting, recognizing and rewarding excellence in scientific research. With a view to promoting the pursuit of excellence in the field of Science and Technology, the Academy has instituted, apart from the regular fellowship, new categories of fellows as INSA Young Associates, INSA Associate Fellows and INSA Distinguished Lectures. In addition, to recognize not only the creation of scientific knowledge, but also to recognize the consumption of knowledge for socio-economic opportunities, fellows in the two new categories viz. Science in Translation and Science for Society has been instituted. The academy also publishes journals, organizes scientific discussions and brings out proceedings, monographs, memoirs and special publications on latest scientific topics from time to time. India Science and Research Fellowship Programme The dynamics of the 21st century knowledge economy is being progressively driven by scientific and technological capabilities of a nation. The economic growth, prosperity and development of a country is increasingly being determined by its science and technology (S&T) competence and strength rather than its material and resource base. Recognizing that S&T is an important instrument in the growth paradigm, both developed and developing countries have evolved S&T policies to augment and strengthen their research infrastructure and technology intensity. India over the years has evolved a policy and program framework aimed at strengthening research and education infrastructure, building excellence and capacity in science for fostering knowledge creation and promoting innovation. India with its long culture and tradition in science has positioned itself as one of the leading countries in basic research supported through a vast network of apex R&D institutions. India is keen to enter into partnerships with its neighboring countries to foster closer scientific and technological collaboration through human capacity building in advanced areas of research and development. The India Science and Research Fellowship (ISRF) aims at providing opportunity to researchers and scientists from Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Maldives, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka and Thailand to undertake R&D at premier research and academic institutions in India. Scope and Duration of Fellowship India Science and Research Fellowship is to provide opportunity to scientists and researchers from neighboring countries namely Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Maldives, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka and Thailand to work in contemporary research areas across all major disciplines of science and technology including engineering and medical sciences at premier research laboratories and academic institutions in India. Up to 80 fellowships (10 per country) will be awarded annually under this scheme. The fellowship applications will be considered once a year by a Selection Committee. Features Enable to undertake cutting edge research work in India Open to faculty, scientists and researchers in science, engineering and medicine Monthly sustenance allowance and one-time contingency grant Round trip airfare Type of Fellowship Visiting fellowship Duration of Fellowship For durations between 3 to 6 months. Last Date to Apply 31st March 2026 Eligibility Applicant should be a citizen/permanent resident of Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Maldives, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka and Thailand. The applicant should be actively engaged in research at a university or research institution in their country in various areas of science and technology including engineering and medical sciences. Minimum Qualifications: Ph.D. /M.Tech /M.Sc /MBBS with 3-5 years research or teaching experience. Applicants registered for a Ph.D. degree in home country may also apply. An applicant shall be permitted to avail the fellowship only once during a period of five (5) years and shall be below forty-five (45) years of age as on 31 March 2026. The applicant should possess a valid passport. Must not hold any visa for temporary or permanent residency in India. Value of Fellowship Fellowship Allowance: Rs. 50,000/- per month which includes accommodation and medical facilities as available to host institutes. Contingency grant to Fellow Scientist: Rs. 10,000/- as one-time contingency grant. Contingency research grant for host scientist (through institution): Rs. 20,000/- as one time grant. Airfare: Round trip air fare by economy class from the place of employment in their own country to the Indian host institute, through shortest route. Local transport by Road/ rail between the nearest airport and the host institute in India. Visa Fee: Will be reimbursed. Selectiion Process Pre-screening of applications will be undertaken by the implementing agency in partner country solely based on scientific merit and proposed contribution to advanced research in the subject field. Final selection and fellowship decision will be made by DST, Ministry of Science and Technology, Govt. of India through their implementing agency, INSA, New Delhi. Notification of Selection Results Fellowship intimation will be sent to the successful candidates by the Department of Science & Technology, Govt. of India through INSA. The names of the fellows, host researchers and institutions as well as their research themes will be posted also on the websites of DST, India; INSA, New Delhi and the respective Indian Embassies. Placement Process Candidates are required to finalize the dates of fellowship jointly with host Indian scientist. The selected candidates will be issued visa by Indian Mission in their country. For visa issuance, selected candidates will be required to approach Indian Mission with all documents and travel plan. A copy of these documents and other travel details must be sent to INSA, New Delhi. The Academy may assist the researchers in identifying the host institution wherever necessary. For more information, visit India Science and Research Fellowship Programme Source: India Science and Research Fellowship Programme