KSCSTE Post-Doctoral Fellowship Programme

Description
KSCSTE Post-Doctoral Fellowships will be provided to those who possess a Ph.D. in science and engineering with high-quality research publications in SCI journals. The program aims to encourage Ph.D. holders to pursue further research and to develop careers as scientists. Selection of candidates through screening cum selection committee after evaluating the quality of the proposal, presentation, discussion, details of publications, academic records/recognitions, etc. The Post-Doctoral Fellowship can be availed for research in an institution other than the department or institute in India where the candidate has undergone Ph.D. work. Objectives of the scheme: - To support the research aptitude of Doctorate holders in Science & Technology. - To motivate Ph. D holders to pursue research and to develop careers as scientists. - To motivate fellows and impart the skills needed for them to become lifelong learners and to develop technical and leadership skills. Necessary conditions as per the scheme: - There should be a Scientist Mentor who is a regular faculty/staff of the institution under whose guidance the researcher should carry out the work. The Scientist Mentor should have at least 5 or more years of service left in the Institution before retirement. The Scientist Mentor should constantly monitor the progress of the project, facilitate smooth implementation of the programme and ensure timely submission of financial utilization certificates by the institute to KSCSTE. - Post-Doctoral Fellow availing financial assistance/stipend from other State/Central funding agencies or other sources will not be simultaneously eligible for KSCSTE Post-Doctoral Fellowship. The Post-Doctoral Fellow should furnish an undertaking to the effect that He/She is not availing financial assistance/stipend from any other source simultaneously. - The implementing Institute should provide full infrastructural facilities such as a laboratory, computer, library, communication, accommodation, water, electricity, etc. for smooth implementation of the project. - The unutilized portion of the grant along with the interest accrued at the end of the project period should be refunded to Council by DD in favor of Member Secretary, KSCSTE - Scientists who publish technical/scientific papers based on the research work done under the project should acknowledge the assistance received from KSCSTE. - The Post-Doctoral Fellow should not enter into collaboration with a foreign party individual/ industry without prior approval of the Council.

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

Eligibility Criteria
1. Applicant should be a Permanent Resident of Kerala.
2. Applicant should have scored a minimum of 60% marks for post-graduation.
3. Applicant should have qualified Ph.D. in Science/Engineering subjects.
4. Applicant should not be a permanent employee at the time of application for the scheme.
5. Age limit: 40 years - (relaxed for 3 years for OBC and 5 years for SC/ST candidate).
6. Those who have availed Post-Doctoral Fellowship earlier from KSCSTE or elsewhere are not eligible to apply for KSCSTE Post-Doctoral Fellowship.
7. Applicant should have published at least one research paper in a SCI Journal/secured patent.
8. Those who have already availed of one Post-Doctoral Fellowship from KSCSTE or elsewhere are not eligible to apply.
9. Applicant should have chosen an institution as a research Centre subject to the following:
10. - The Research Centre should not be the same as Ph.D Research Centre.
11. - Research Centre should preferably be in Kerala, [however, premier National Institutions viz., IISER, IIT, IISc etc. outside the State shall also be considered].
12. - Tenable in Government Institutions only.
13. - Tenable only in R&D institutions (National/State level) or University Departments.

Required Documents
• Identity proof of applicant
• Photo of applicant
• Proof of Date of Birth (Those who claim age relaxation should submit proof on reservation category)
• Proof of Permanent Residency in Kerala
• Marks Sheet and Certificate of PG
• Certificate of Ph.D
• Work & Research Experience certificate
• Reprints of latest Research Publications (Full-length paper)
• Biodata of Scientist Mentor - (Not to exceed 2 pages)
• Research Proposal- Technical Information
• List of Publications
• [Declaration](https://kscste.kerala.gov.in/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/PDF_DECLARATION.pdf) by the Applicant
• [Consent from Scientist Mentor](https://kscste.kerala.gov.in/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/PDF_CONSENT_22.pdf)
• [Endorsement](https://kscste.kerala.gov.in/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/PDF_ENDORSEMENT_22.pdf) from the Head of Host Institution

Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the aim of the programme?
A: The program programme to encourage Ph.D. holders to pursue further research and to develop career as scientist.

Q: What is the objective of the programme?
A: The objective of the scheme is to support the research aptitude of Doctorate holders in Science & Technology, To motivate Ph. D holders to pursue research and to develop career as scientists and to motivate fellows and impart the skills needed for them to become lifelong learners and to develop technical and leadership skills.

Q: Which is the implementing agency of this programme?
A: Kerala State Council for Science, Technology and Environment (KSCSTE)

Q: Who is eligible to get the benefits under the programme?
A: The applicant who has qualified Ph.D. in Science / Engineering subjects and has scored a minimum of 60% marks for post-graduation is eligible to apply.

Q: What is the maximum age criterion to apply under the programme?
A: The age of the candidate should be below 40 years.

Q: Is there any age relaxation for SC/ST/OBC categories under the programme?
A: Yes, relaxation in age is up to a maximum of 3 years for OBC and 5 years for SC/ST.

Q: Is this programme only for the resident of Kerala State?
A: Yes, only the permanent Resident of Kerala can apply under the programme.

Q: What is the qualification required to apply for the programme?
A: The applicants should have qualified Ph.D. in Science / Engineering subjects.

Q: What should be the minimum marks for post-graduation?
A: The applicant should have scored minimum 60% marks for post-graduation.

Q: How much will the monthly fellowship be given to the eligible fellow?
A: The scheme offers Post-doctoral fellowship of [?]45,000/- + 10 % HRA per month.

Q: How much will the contingency grant to be paid under the programme?
A: Annual contingency grant of [?]75,000/- will also be paid under the programme.

Q: What is the duration of the fellowship?
A: Duration of the Fellowship is limited to maximum 2 years.

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

Q: How can an applicant apply for the programme?
A: Eligible applicants may apply online in the KSCSTE web portal for New applications in the following link: https://submit.kscste.kerala.gov.in

Q: Where can an applicant contact regarding this programme?
A: Scientist-in-charge (KSCSTE-PDF), Kerala State Council for Science Technology and Environment,
Sasthra Bhavan, Pattom, Thiruvananthapuram - 695004, Tel: +91-471-2548402, Email: [email protected]