Why in news?

• As of November 2025, the government has selected 75 fellows to work across 18 knowledge verticals, including areas like quantum technology, health, pharma, electronics, agriculture, and space research.
• The government is considering extending the fellowship duration from three to five years, with discussions on performance-linked continuation and strengthening public-private and cross-border partnerships for translating research into industry applications.

About VAIBHAV Fellowship Programme
Vaishvik Bharatiya Vaigyanik Fellowship (VAIBHAV) is an initiative by the Government of India, implemented by the Department of Science and Technology (DST), to foster collaboration between Indian diaspora scientists and Indian Higher Educational Institutions (HEIs), universities, and public funded scientific institutions. 
 
Key Points of the VAIBHAV Fellowship Programme

• Purpose: To connect Indian STEMM diaspora scientists with Indian higher educational and scientific research institutions for collaborative research and knowledge sharing.​
• Eligibility: Researchers from institutions featuring in the top 500 QS World University Rankings will be eligible for the fellowship but the applicant must have obtained a Ph.D/M.D/M.S degree from a recognized University.
• Duration & Activities: Fellows identify an Indian institution for collaboration and may spend up to two months per year at the host institution, for a maximum of three years. They are expected to initiate research activities and foster long-term research collaborations.​
• Funding & Incentives: The fellowship provides a grant of INR 4,00,000 per month, along with coverage for international and domestic travel, accommodation, and contingencies. Research grants are also provided to host institutions for collaborative projects.​

The VAIBHAV Fellowship also aims at engaging the Indian diaspora to share best practices, initiate new projects, and build sustainable research networks within India, thus contributing significantly to India's scientific and technological progress.​

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