PRLVISHWAS

PRL's Vikram Sarabhai Postdoctoral Fellowship (VISHWAS)

6.9/10

The Vikram Sarabhai Postdoctoral Fellowship (VISHWAS) program is an initiative by the Physical Research Laboratory (PRL) to honor the legacy of Prof. Vikram Sarabhai by supporting young doctorates to pursue groundbreaking research in fundamental science with societal impact.

Central Cash

States / UT: All India

Ministry / nodal: Ministry Of Science And Technology

Nodal department: Department of Space

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: Scholarship, Fellowship, Research, Post Doctoral

Details

The Vikram Sarabhai Postdoctoral Fellowship (VISHWAS) launched by the Department of Space, Ministry of Science and Technology is aimed at providing financial support to highly motivated young PhD holders to conduct advanced research in fundamental sciences with societal implications. The fellowship is designed to foster innovative and cutting-edge research in areas pursued by the Physical Research Laboratory (PRL), aligned with the vision of Prof. Vikram Sarabhai.


Benefits

  • Number of VISHWAS Fellowships: 3 Scholarship Amount:
  • Scholars receive ₹1,00,000/- per month with HRA and other facilities as per PRL/DOS rules. Duration:
  • Maximum of 2 years (subject to successful annual reviews). It may be extended for one additional year based on justification and approval

Number of VISHWAS Fellowships: 3


Scholarship Amount:

  • Scholars receive ₹1,00,000/- per month with HRA and other facilities as per PRL/DOS rules.

Duration:

  • Maximum of 2 years (subject to successful annual reviews). It may be extended for one additional year based on justification and approval.

Eligibility

  • The applicant should be an Indian national.
  • PhD should have been awarded within the last four years (from the application deadline).
  • The applicant's age should be 35 years or below on the last date of application.
  • The applicant should have a first-class academic record throughout their academic career.
  • The applicant should submit a strong research proposal aligned with PRL’s research areas.

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.

6.9
/ 10
Public Benefit Score
Accessibility 6.0/10 Moderate
Rural usefulness 6.0/10 Moderate
Application complexity 6.0/10 Moderate
Financial impact 9.0/10 Good
Literacy barrier 6.0/10 Moderate
Women inclusivity 7.0/10 Good
Awareness 7.5/10 Good
Implementation reliability 8.0/10 Good
Bigger shape means a better fit for citizens
  • Accessibility6.0
  • Financial impact9.0
  • Rural utility6.0
  • Awareness7.5
  • Simplicity4.0
  • Inclusivity7.0

What problem does this scheme solve?

The fellowship provides significant support for young PhD holders in fundamental sciences, promoting research with societal impact.

Key challenges addressed

  • Financial support for research
  • Encouragement of innovative scientific inquiry

Most beneficial for

  • Young PhD holders
  • Researchers in fundamental sciences

Likely challenges

  • Strict eligibility criteria
  • Need for strong research proposals

Practical insights for citizens

The requirement for a strong research proposal may deter some eligible candidates.

Rural challenges

  • Limited internet access
  • Lack of awareness about the fellowship

Digital challenges

  • High digital dependency for application

Implementation bottlenecks

  • Strict eligibility criteria may exclude potential candidates

Awareness challenges

  • Limited outreach in rural areas

Application analysis

Application mode
Online portal
Documents burden
Moderate
Verification complexity
Moderate
Office dependency
None
DBT dependency
No
CSC support
Limited
Estimated citizen effort
High

Estimated beneficiary reach

  • Rural / urban reach Low
  • Gender reach Moderate
  • Occupation reach Academics and researchers

Benefit analysis

Benefit type
Cash
Benefit frequency
Monthly
Benefit practicality
High for eligible candidates
Financial meaningfulness
High due to substantial monthly stipend
Long-term impact
Potentially significant if research leads to societal advancements

Plain-language guidance

The PRL's Vikram Sarabhai Postdoctoral Fellowship supports young PhD holders to conduct important research. Applicants must be under 35 and have a strong academic record.

Who should apply
Young Indian nationals with a recent PhD in fundamental sciences.
Who may struggle
Those without internet access or strong research proposals.
Best application route
Apply directly through the PRL website.

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

Step-01: The applicant visits the PRL website and navigate to the "Opportunities" section.
Step-02: Click on "Job Vacancies & Fellowship Programs" and select "PRL's Vikram Sarabhai Postdoctoral Fellowship (VISHWAS)" to access the online application form.
Step-03: Fill out the online application form by completing all the mandatory fields and attaching self-attested copies of the required documents.
Step-04: Submit the application by clicking on the "Submit" button. Upon submission, you will receive an application ID for future reference.

NOTE:

  • Applicants must arrange recommendation letters from at least three non-PRL referees. These letters should be emailed directly to the Chairperson, PDF Committee at: pdf@prl.res.in.
  • Shortlisted candidates will be called for an interview, either online or in person, for the final selection.

Clarifications

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

What is the Vikram Sarabhai Postdoctoral Fellowship (VISHWAS)?

It is a postdoctoral fellowship offering financial support to young PhD holders to pursue research in fundamental science.

Who is eligible to apply?

Indian nationals with a PhD awarded within the last four years and under 35 years of age.

What is the fellowship amount?

₹1,00,000 per month, plus HRA and other benefits as per PRL/DOS rules.

What is the duration of the fellowship?

The fellowship lasts for up to 2 years, with a possible extension for one more year based on justification.

How many fellowships are available?

Three fellowships are awarded annually.

Can the fellowship be extended beyond 2 years?

Yes, if justified and approved, it can be extended by one more year.

How will the selection process work?

Candidates will be shortlisted based on academic credentials, research proposal, and recommendation letters. Shortlisted candidates will undergo an interview.

When will the interview take place?

The interview will be conducted in June/July 2024.

What research areas does the fellowship cover?

Research areas related to fundamental science with societal implications, as pursued by PRL.

Can I apply if my PhD is from a non-Indian university?

Yes, as long as the PhD was awarded within the last four years.

How will I know if I am shortlisted for the interview?

Shortlisted candidates will be notified via email after the shortlisting process.

References

Guidelines
https://www.prl.res.in/prl-eng/vishwas_fellowship
Application Form
https://www.prl.res.in/~pdf/VISHWAS_form.html

Apply

Apply now

Opens the official application or programme portal in a new tab. If in doubt, confirm details on the ministry site.

Frequently asked questions

What is the purpose of PRL's Vikram Sarabhai Postdoctoral Fellowship (VISHWAS)?
PRL's Vikram Sarabhai Postdoctoral Fellowship (VISHWAS) 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 PRL's Vikram Sarabhai Postdoctoral Fellowship (VISHWAS)?
Eligibility for PRL's Vikram Sarabhai Postdoctoral Fellowship (VISHWAS) 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 PRL's Vikram Sarabhai Postdoctoral Fellowship (VISHWAS)?
Benefits under PRL's Vikram Sarabhai Postdoctoral Fellowship (VISHWAS) 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 PRL's Vikram Sarabhai Postdoctoral Fellowship (VISHWAS)?
PRL's Vikram Sarabhai Postdoctoral Fellowship (VISHWAS) is managed by Department of Space and may be implemented through district offices, online portals, CSC centres, banks, or authorised government agencies.
Can users apply online for PRL's Vikram Sarabhai Postdoctoral Fellowship (VISHWAS)?
Yes, eligible applicants may be able to apply online for PRL's Vikram Sarabhai Postdoctoral Fellowship (VISHWAS) through official government portals, authorised service centres, or digital application systems depending on the implementation process.
Is Aadhaar mandatory for PRL's Vikram Sarabhai Postdoctoral Fellowship (VISHWAS)?
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 PRL's Vikram Sarabhai Postdoctoral Fellowship (VISHWAS)?
Applications for PRL's Vikram Sarabhai Postdoctoral Fellowship (VISHWAS) 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 PRL's Vikram Sarabhai Postdoctoral Fellowship (VISHWAS)?
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 PRL's Vikram Sarabhai Postdoctoral Fellowship (VISHWAS)?
Income certificate requirements may vary depending on beneficiary category, subsidy eligibility, and financial assistance criteria defined under PRL's Vikram Sarabhai Postdoctoral Fellowship (VISHWAS).
Is PRL's Vikram Sarabhai Postdoctoral Fellowship (VISHWAS) a central government scheme?
Yes, PRL's Vikram Sarabhai Postdoctoral Fellowship (VISHWAS) is a central government welfare initiative that may be implemented across multiple states through authorised departments and agencies.
Can students apply for PRL's Vikram Sarabhai Postdoctoral Fellowship (VISHWAS)?
Eligible students studying in recognised institutions may apply for PRL's Vikram Sarabhai Postdoctoral Fellowship (VISHWAS) depending on educational qualification, category, income limit, and academic eligibility.
Is scholarship amount provided under PRL's Vikram Sarabhai Postdoctoral Fellowship (VISHWAS)?
PRL's Vikram Sarabhai Postdoctoral Fellowship (VISHWAS) may provide scholarship assistance, tuition support, educational reimbursement, or financial aid for eligible students.
Can CSC centres help users apply for PRL's Vikram Sarabhai Postdoctoral Fellowship (VISHWAS)?
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 PRL's Vikram Sarabhai Postdoctoral Fellowship (VISHWAS)?
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 PRL's Vikram Sarabhai Postdoctoral Fellowship (VISHWAS)?
Certain schemes may provide online application tracking, beneficiary verification systems, or status-check facilities through official portals.
Where can users get help for PRL's Vikram Sarabhai Postdoctoral Fellowship (VISHWAS) in All India?
Users in All India 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 PRL's Vikram Sarabhai Postdoctoral Fellowship (VISHWAS) 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.