DBT-Research Associateship 2026 Announced
Are you ready to take your research career to the next level with a prestigious DBT-Research Associateship 2026? The Department of Biotechnology, under the Government of India, invites applications for its highly sought-after postdoctoral fellowship. This is a golden opportunity for life science graduates and PhD holders to work in premier institutions across India and contribute to cutting-edge research in biotechnology and life sciences.
About the Department of Biotechnology
The Department of Biotechnology (DBT), under the Ministry of Science and Technology, Government of India, is a leading body promoting biotechnology research and innovation in India. It supports cutting-edge research, capacity building, and global collaborations, making it a hub of opportunity for life science graduates.
DBT Research Associateship (DBT-RA) 2025–26
- Organization: Department of Biotechnology (DBT), Ministry of Science & Technology, Government of India
- Fellowship Type: Postdoctoral Research Fellowship
- Location: India (at recognized academic institutions, national laboratories, and R&D organizations)
About the Fellowship
The DBT-Research Associateship 2026 is a prestigious postdoctoral fellowship aimed at supporting advanced research in frontier areas of Biotechnology and Life Sciences. The program is designed to build a strong pool of skilled researchers and contribute to the growth of the biotechnology sector in India.
Fellowship Objective
- Train and nurture early-career researchers and scientists
- Promote high-quality, globally competitive research
- Encourage innovation, novel discoveries, and translational outcomes
- Support research leading to patents and societal impact
Eligibility Criteria
Academic Qualification:
- Ph.D. in Science/Engineering or M.D./M.S. in Medicine with research interest in Biotechnology/Life Sciences
- Candidates who have submitted their thesis are also eligible (with adjusted fellowship until degree award)
Age Limit:
- Up to 40 years for male candidates
- Up to 45 years for female candidates
Employment Status:
- Employed candidates may apply but must resign from their position if selected
Tenure of Fellowship
- Initial duration: 2 years (with annual performance review)
- Extendable up to 4 years in exceptional cases based on research progress
- Full-time, temporary assignment
Key Guidelines
- Fellowship can be availed only once in a candidate’s career
- Must be pursued in India at a recognized institution with proper infrastructure
- Candidates cannot work with their PhD/M.D./M.S. supervisors
- Fellowship cannot be undertaken at the same institution where the qualifying degree was obtained
- Each mentor can supervise a maximum of two DBT-RA fellows at a time
- Mentors must hold a regular academic/research position (or equivalent eligible status)
Application Process
Applications must be submitted online only via the Common Fellowship Portal
Only one application per candidate is allowed
Application includes:
- Personal and academic details
- Research contributions
- Proposed research work
- Mentor and host institution details
- Referee details
Required Documents:
- Date of Birth certificate (self-attested)
- Degree certificates (self-attested)
- Mentor consent letter (as per portal format)
Referee Submission:
- Referees must upload recommendation letters via the portal before the deadline
Important Dates
- Application Start Date: April 13, 2026
- Application Deadline: May 12, 2026
Contact Information
For queries, candidates may contact:
DBT-HRD Project & Management Unit
Regional Centre for Biotechnology, Faridabad, Haryana
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 0129-2848537 / 533




























