K-BIREF

Kerala Biotechnology Re-Entry Fellowship

6.3/10

“Kerala Biotechnology Re-Entry Fellowship (K-BiREF)” is a fellowship programme to attract well-trained and highly skilled researchers with a good track record (Indian nationals) working abroad in various frontier areas in biotechnology to research and academic institutions in Kerala.

State Composite

States / UT: Kerala

Nodal department: Science and Technology Department

Scheme for: Individual

Scheme profile

DBT (direct benefit transfer): No

Categories: Education & Learning

Sub-categories: Scholarships and student finance, Education and training grants, fellowship, stipend

Target beneficiaries: Individual

Tags: Biotechnology, Fellowship, Researcher, Fellow, Research

Details

The programme “Kerala Biotechnology Re-Entry Fellowship (K-BiREF)” is a fellowship programme to attract well-trained and highly skilled researchers with a good track record (Indian nationals) working abroad in various frontier areas in biotechnology (biomedical sciences, agriculture, veterinary science, bioengineering, energy, environment, bioinformatics, and other related areas) to research and academic institutions in Kerala, by providing them an attractive opportunity to pursue research and development in biotechnology. Applications will be screened by an Expert Committee and shortlisted candidates will be interviewed.

Benefits

  • 1. Fellow entitled for a monthly remuneration of ₹1 00 000/- and ₹18 500/- as HRA per month. 1. Annual research /contingency grant of ₹7.5 lakh each for the first and second year and ₹5 lakh each for the subsequent 3 years. 1. Host Institution may provide medical benefits transport allowance and other benefits as per the prevailing norms applicable to their employees of the equivalent rank out of their own resources/ funds
  1. Fellow entitled for a monthly remuneration of ₹1,00,000/- and ₹18,500/- as HRA per month.
  2. Annual research /contingency grant of ₹7.5 lakh each for the first and second year and ₹5 lakh each for the subsequent 3 years.
  3. Host Institution may provide medical benefits, transport allowance, and other benefits as per the prevailing norms applicable to their employees of the equivalent rank out of their own resources/ funds.

Eligibility

  • The applicant should possess a Ph.D., M.D., or equivalent degree and at least three years of post-doctoral research experience in premier research laboratories abroad with an outstanding track record of research in biotechnology-related areas as reflected in publications and other recognitions.
  • Only candidates (Indian nationals) working overseas who are below 45 years of age are eligible; relaxable for 3 years for OBC and 5 years for SC/ST/PH candidates.
  • The fellowship is tenable at any reputed institution in Kerala.

How useful is this scheme?

Public benefit analysis

A practical look at this scheme for citizens

AI-generated insights showing how useful, accessible, and practical this scheme may be — combining deterministic scoring rules with a public-policy LLM analyst.

6.3
/ 10
Public Benefit Score
Accessibility 5.0/10 Moderate
Rural usefulness 6.0/10 Moderate
Application complexity 5.0/10 Moderate
Financial impact 9.5/10 Good
Literacy barrier 6.0/10 Moderate
Women inclusivity 5.0/10 Moderate
Awareness 4.5/10 Moderate
Implementation reliability 7.0/10 Good
Bigger shape means a better fit for citizens
  • Accessibility5.0
  • Financial impact9.5
  • Rural utility6.0
  • Awareness4.5
  • Simplicity5.0
  • Inclusivity5.0

What problem does this scheme solve?

The Kerala Biotechnology Re-Entry Fellowship (K-BiREF) is a targeted initiative aimed at attracting skilled researchers back to Kerala, enhancing the state's biotechnology sector.

Key challenges addressed

  • Attracting skilled researchers to Kerala
  • Enhancing research capabilities in biotechnology

Most beneficial for

  • Indian nationals with advanced degrees in biotechnology
  • Researchers currently working abroad

Likely challenges

  • Limited awareness among potential applicants
  • Strict eligibility criteria may exclude many

Practical insights for citizens

The scheme is practical for qualified researchers but may not reach those in rural areas effectively.

Rural challenges

  • Limited access to online application processes
  • Potential lack of awareness in rural areas

Digital challenges

  • High digital dependency for application submission

Implementation bottlenecks

  • Strict eligibility criteria may limit applicant pool

Awareness challenges

  • Low awareness among potential candidates in rural areas

Application analysis

Application mode
Online
Verification complexity
Moderate
Office dependency
Low
DBT dependency
No
CSC support
Limited
Estimated citizen effort
Moderate

Estimated beneficiary reach

  • Rural / urban reach Urban-only
  • Gender reach Moderate
  • Occupation reach Research professionals

Benefit analysis

Benefit type
Composite
Benefit frequency
Monthly and Annual
Benefit practicality
High, given the substantial financial support
Financial meaningfulness
High, as the remuneration and grants are significant for researchers
Long-term impact
Positive, as it aims to strengthen the biotechnology sector in Kerala

Plain-language guidance

The Kerala Biotechnology Re-Entry Fellowship offers financial support to skilled researchers from India working abroad, encouraging them to return and contribute to biotechnology research in Kerala. Applicants must have advanced degrees and relevant experience.

Who should apply
Indian nationals with a Ph.D. or M.D. and research experience in biotechnology.
Who may struggle
Those without advanced degrees or research experience, and individuals in rural areas with limited internet access.
Best application route
Apply directly through the online portal when applications are open.

This intelligence section is generated by an AI policy analyst combined with rule-based scoring. Scores and narrative are estimates derived from the publicly available scheme information shown on this page; actual experience may vary by state, district, and department. Always confirm details on the official portal before you apply.

Application Process

Online

The applications are invited through advertisement and to be submitted online when notified.

Scrutiny of the Application:

Applications will be screened by an expert committee consisting of experts nominated by the Commission. Short-listed candidates will have to appear for an interview /presentation which can be either in person or through Skype or similar Tele-mode. Selected candidates have to execute an agreement accepting the terms and conditions of the Award and must join the Host Institution within three months’ time.

Presentation before Programme Advisory Committee (PAC):

The expert committee assesses the content and objectives of the proposed work. The decision of Kerala State Council for Science, Technology and Environment (KSCSTE) based on the recommendations of the expert committee on such proposals shall be final.

Contact Details:

The Scientist-in-charge
Kerala Biotechnology Commission
Kerala State Council for Science, Technology and Environment (KSCSTE),
Sasthra Bhavan, Pattom, Thiruvananthapuram – 695 004
Telephone: (0471) 2548406, 2548254,
E-mail: kbc.kscste@kerala.gov.in, biotechkerala@gmail.com

Clarifications

Additional points from the scheme information published on myScheme (not legal advice).

What is the “Kerala Biotechnology Re-Entry Fellowship” programme?

The programme "Kerala Biotechnology Re-Entry Fellowship (K-BiREF)" is a fellowship programme to attract well-trained and highly skilled researchers with a good track record (Indian nationals) working abroad in various frontier areas in biotechnology (biomedical sciences, agriculture, veterinary science, bioengineering, energy, environment, bioinformatics, and other related areas) to research and academic institutions in Kerala, by providing them an attractive opportunity to pursue research and development in biotechnology.

Who is eligible to get the benefits under the programme?

The only candidates (Indian nationals) working overseas are eligible to apply under the programme.

What should be the minimum educational qualification required to apply for the programme?

The applicants should possess a Ph.D., M.D., or equivalent degree and at least three years of post-doctoral research experience in premier research laboratories abroad with an outstanding track record of research in biotechnology-related areas as reflected in publications and other recognitions are eligible to apply.

What is the age criterion to apply under the programme?

The candidates should be below 45 years of age and relaxable for 3 years for OBC and 5 years for SC/ST/PH candidates.

What is the monthly remuneration given to fellow?

Fellow entitled for a monthly remuneration of ₹1,00,000/- and ₹18,500/- as HRA per month.

What is the annual research /contingency grant given under the programme?

Annual research /contingency grant of ₹7.5 lakh each for the first and second year and ₹5 lakh each for the subsequent 3 years.

Is the fellowship taxable?

Yes, the fellowship is taxable under Govt. of India rules.

What are the other benefits provided to eligible candidates?

Host Institution may provide medical benefits, transport allowance, and other benefits to the eligible fellow as per the prevailing norms applicable to their employees of the equivalent rank out of their own resources/ funds.

How can an applicant apply for the programme?

The applications are invited through advertisement and to be submitted online when notified.

What is the procedure for selection of an applicant under the programme?

Applications will be screened by an expert committee consisting of experts nominated by the Commission. Short-listed candidates will have to appear for an interview /presentation which can be either in person or through Skype or similar tele-mode. Selected candidates have to execute an agreement accepting the terms and conditions of the Award and must join the Host Institution within three months' time.

References

Official Website
https://kscste.kerala.gov.in/kerala-biotechnology-re-entry-fellowship-k-biref/
Guideline
https://kscste.kerala.gov.in/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/K-BIREF_Guidelines22.pdf
Terms & Conditions
https://kscste.kerala.gov.in/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/KBiREF_TC_a22.pdf

Apply

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Frequently asked questions

What is the purpose of Kerala Biotechnology Re-Entry Fellowship?
Kerala Biotechnology Re-Entry Fellowship is a government welfare initiative designed to support Individual, Individual through benefits related to Education & Learning, financial assistance, subsidies, social welfare, healthcare, education, or livelihood support.
Who can apply for Kerala Biotechnology Re-Entry Fellowship?
Eligibility for Kerala Biotechnology Re-Entry Fellowship may depend on factors such as income category, age, gender, occupation, state of residence, social category, and government-defined beneficiary criteria.
What benefits are offered under Kerala Biotechnology Re-Entry Fellowship?
Benefits under Kerala Biotechnology Re-Entry Fellowship may include financial assistance, subsidies, scholarships, insurance support, healthcare benefits, pension support, training assistance, or welfare services depending on the scheme guidelines.
Which department manages Kerala Biotechnology Re-Entry Fellowship?
Kerala Biotechnology Re-Entry Fellowship is managed by Science and Technology Department and may be implemented through district offices, online portals, CSC centres, banks, or authorised government agencies.
Can users apply online for Kerala Biotechnology Re-Entry Fellowship?
Yes, eligible applicants may be able to apply online for Kerala Biotechnology Re-Entry Fellowship through official government portals, authorised service centres, or digital application systems depending on the implementation process.
Is Aadhaar mandatory for Kerala Biotechnology Re-Entry Fellowship?
Many government schemes may require Aadhaar verification, identity proof, or linked bank account details for beneficiary validation and direct benefit transfer processing.
Where can users apply for Kerala Biotechnology Re-Entry Fellowship?
Applications for Kerala Biotechnology Re-Entry Fellowship may be submitted through government departments, official scheme portals, CSC centres, district offices, welfare departments, or authorised service centres.
What documents may be required for Kerala Biotechnology Re-Entry Fellowship?
Applicants may need Aadhaar card, income certificate, residence proof, bank account details, caste certificate, photographs, educational records, or occupation-related documents depending on scheme eligibility requirements.
Is income certificate required for Kerala Biotechnology Re-Entry Fellowship?
Income certificate requirements may vary depending on beneficiary category, subsidy eligibility, and financial assistance criteria defined under Kerala Biotechnology Re-Entry Fellowship.
Is Kerala Biotechnology Re-Entry Fellowship available in all states?
No, Kerala Biotechnology Re-Entry Fellowship is primarily available for eligible residents of Kerala and may be implemented through state government departments and local administrative offices.
Can residents outside Kerala apply for Kerala Biotechnology Re-Entry Fellowship?
Eligibility for Kerala Biotechnology Re-Entry Fellowship is generally limited to residents of Kerala unless otherwise specified in the official scheme guidelines.
Can students apply for Kerala Biotechnology Re-Entry Fellowship?
Eligible students studying in recognised institutions may apply for Kerala Biotechnology Re-Entry Fellowship depending on educational qualification, category, income limit, and academic eligibility.
Is scholarship amount provided under Kerala Biotechnology Re-Entry Fellowship?
Kerala Biotechnology Re-Entry Fellowship may provide scholarship assistance, tuition support, educational reimbursement, or financial aid for eligible students.
Can CSC centres help users apply for Kerala Biotechnology Re-Entry Fellowship?
Many government schemes may be accessible through nearby CSC centres, authorised digital service centres, or welfare facilitation offices.
How can users check the latest updates for Kerala Biotechnology Re-Entry Fellowship?
Users should verify official notifications, department announcements, application deadlines, and eligibility updates through authorised government portals or implementing agencies.
Can beneficiaries track application status for Kerala Biotechnology Re-Entry Fellowship?
Certain schemes may provide online application tracking, beneficiary verification systems, or status-check facilities through official portals.
Where can users get help for Kerala Biotechnology Re-Entry Fellowship in Kerala?
Users in Kerala may seek assistance through CSC centres, district welfare offices, government departments, agriculture offices, social welfare departments, or authorised facilitation centres.
Which nearby public services may help with Kerala Biotechnology Re-Entry Fellowship applications?
Depending on the scheme, users may require support from Aadhaar centres, CSC centres, banks, hospitals, post offices, or government welfare offices for document verification and application assistance.