Published – September 18, 2026
The SERB-POWER Fellowship is a scholarship for women in research that supports established women scientists and innovators in India. It is meant for researchers with a Ph.D. and a strong record of independent research in Science and Engineering. A researcher selected under the programme receives ₹15,000 per month along with a ₹10 lakh annual research grant.
Women looking for more opportunities across Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics can also explore our Scholarship for Women in STEM guide, which covers scholarships and fellowships for different study levels.
SERB-POWER Fellowship – Quick Details
| Particular | Details |
| Programme | SERB-POWER Fellowship |
| Full Form | Promoting Opportunities for Women in Exploratory Research |
| For | Women researchers and innovators |
| Qualification | Ph.D. in Science and Engineering |
| Age Limit | 35–55 years |
| Fellowship | ₹15,000 per month |
| Research Grant | ₹10 lakh per year |
| Duration | 3 years |
| Application | Online nomination |
| Nominations | Accepted throughout the year |
SERB-POWER Fellowship Eligibility
Women researchers must meet the prescribed conditions to be considered for this research scholarship for women:
- Must be an Indian citizen.
- Must be a woman researcher or innovator aged 35 to 55 years at the time of nomination.
- Must hold a Ph.D. in any branch of Science and Engineering.
- Must be working in an Indian academic institution or R&D laboratory.
- Must have an excellent research record as an independent investigator or innovator.
- Must remain in regular service throughout the fellowship period.
- Must not receive another fellowship from a government source during the fellowship tenure.
The SERB-POWER Fellowship is designed for established researchers, while other scholarships support girls and women at different stages of education. Explore our Scholarship for Girl Students in India guide to find more opportunities.
SERB-POWER Fellowship Benefits
The benefits are not divided into separate funding categories based on different eligibility levels. A candidate selected as a POWER Fellow receives the fellowship and research support specified under the programme.
| Benefit | Amount | For Whom? |
| Monthly Fellowship | ₹15,000/month | Every woman researcher selected as a SERB-POWER Fellow receives this amount in addition to her regular income. |
| Research Grant | ₹10 lakh/year | Every selected POWER Fellow receives this research support for eligible research activities. |
| Research Grant for 3 Years | Up to ₹30 lakh | The research programme of the selected fellow can receive up to ₹30 lakh during the three-year fellowship period. |
| Institutional Overhead | As applicable | The host academic institution or R&D laboratory receives the applicable institutional overhead support. |
The research grant can support minor equipment, research personnel, consumables, contingencies and domestic travel connected with the research work.
SERB-POWER Fellowship Duration
The fellowship is awarded for three years and cannot be extended. A researcher who has already received the POWER Fellowship cannot be nominated for it again.
How to Apply for SERB-POWER Fellowship?
The SERB-POWER Fellowship uses an online nomination process:
- The researcher completes the online application through the SERB/ANRF portal.
- After submission, the nominated person receives a link for completing the nomination.
- The nominator provides the required information and submits the nomination.
- The nomination then enters the official selection process.
- Nominations are accepted throughout the year, so there is no single fixed annual application deadline.
Who Can Nominate?
A candidate can be nominated by:
- Heads of Institutions
- Fellows of National Academies
How Are SERB-POWER Fellows Selected?
Eligibility alone does not guarantee the fellowship. The submitted nominations are assessed through the official selection process, with attention to the candidate’s research performance and standing as an independent researcher or innovator.
A specially constituted Search-cum-Selection Committee selects the POWER Fellows. The selection process is conducted twice a year.
Once selected, the researcher receives ₹15,000 per month and ₹10 lakh per year as research support under the fellowship.
Important Note:
A researcher cannot hold the SERB-POWER Fellowship and SERB-POWER Research Grant at the same time. The research grant provided under the fellowship cannot be used for international travel. The fellowship is taxable according to applicable income-tax rules.
FAQs About Scholarship for Women in Research
1. Who can receive the SERB-POWER Fellowship?
Women researchers and innovators who satisfy the prescribed age, Ph.D., employment and research-record requirements can be considered through the nomination process.
2. What is the SERB-POWER Fellowship amount?
A selected POWER Fellow receives ₹15,000 per month, along with a ₹10 lakh annual research grant.
3. What is the age limit for this scholarship for women in research?
The SERB-POWER Fellowship has an age range of 35 to 55 years at the time of nomination.
4. Can the POWER Fellowship and POWER Grant be received together?
No. The POWER Fellowship and POWER Grant cannot be held simultaneously by the same researcher.
Official Application Portal
Women researchers who meet the requirements should use the official SERB/ANRF online portal to submit their application and complete the nomination process.
