Visiting Advanced Joint Research (VAJRA) Faculty Scheme

Visiting Advanced Joint Research (VAJRA) Faculty Scheme
Visiting Advanced Joint Research (VAJRA) Faculty Scheme has been initiated to connect the overseas
scientists with the Indian academic and research and development (R&D) for latest innovations and
developments in India. This scheme was launched by the Science and Engineering Research Board
(SERB), a statutory body of the Department of Science and Technology (DST) on January 8, 2017. There
are also two dedicated official websites for wider description of the scheme – www.vajra-india.in for
providing detailed explanation of the scheme, and www.serbonline.in for online submission of VAJRA
applications.
What are the Objectives of this Scheme?

The main objectives of the VAJRA scheme are:
 To benefit from the expertise and vast knowledge of the international faculty or scientists or
R&D professionals including Non-resident Indians (NRI), Persons of Indian Origin (PIO) and
Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) having proven their mettle in significant areas of research and
development by offering them visiting faculty positions or by adding them to a faculty or staff in
a secondary position for a specific amount of time.
 To engage NRIs, PIO and OCIs in various National R&D programs and thereby utilize their
expertise and knowledge in their respective fields for the addition of valuable inputs to various
S&T programs, projects and missions of the Government.
 To provide an opportunity for possible collaborations with other foreign institutions through
exchange of faculty.
Who are Eligible for this Scheme?

The eligibility conditions for availing VAJRA scheme are as follows:
 This scheme can be availed by overseas scientists, faculty members, and Research and
Development (R&D) professionals which include Non-resident Indians (NRI), Persons of Indian
Origin (PIO) and Overseas Citizen of India (OCI).
 The overseas scientist or faculty or R&D professional should be an active researcher currently
working in a prominent overseas academic or research or industrial organizations with proven
accomplishments in the field of research and development.
 The Indian Collaborator should be a continuing faculty or researcher in public-funded academic
or research institute with proven record in ongoing research in the field of VAJRA faculty.
What will be the functions of VAJRA Faculty?

 VAJRA Faculty will engage in various functionalities which are mentioned below:
 VAJRA Faculty will actively participate in collaborative research and development in dynamic
field areas of science and technology including priority areas having multiple distinct disciplines
such as water, nutrition, health, energy, security, materials and manufacturing, etc. with one or
more Indian Collaborators.
 The faculty may get involved in teaching or mentoring students.
 Faculty can opt for other related roles in technology development and innovation within the
institute, review, etc.
 They can get involved in mentoring for the start-ups initiating at the institute.
Duration
The duration of stay for the VAJRA Faculty is under the given conditions:
o The VAJRA Faculty will be given permit to work for a minimum of one month and a maximum of
three years in a calendar year in an institution based in India.
o The faculty may be given an extension for his/her stay for research work by the Indian Host
Institution even after the completion of the assignment.
o The initial duration of stay for research purposes offered for the adjunct position is one year,
and there is a provision to renew it every year.
Monetary Assistance
VAJRA Faculty will be given a remuneration amounting to USD 15000 in the first month of appointment
in a year. The will also be provided USD 10000 per month in the next two months in order to
compensate for their travel and honorarium. The host institute may consider providing support in
additional categories such as accommodation, medical insurance, personal insurance, etc. All the
payment provided to the faculty will be in Indian Rupees (INR).
Mode of Application and Selection

 Applications for availing the VAJRA Faculty Scheme submitted anytime during the year.
 The Indian Collaborator is responsible for identifying talented overseas faculty or researcher,
and submitting the application online at www.serbonline.in.
 Before submitting the application, relevant documents such as endorsement certificate from
Indian Institution and permit letter from overseas faculty institution to participate as VAJRA
Faculty should be uploaded.
 After submission of the application, the application link is sent to the overseas faculty for
review, and is considered for further procedures after his/her consent.
 A reviewing committee will evaluate the application, and finally, SERB will announce the results.

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Visiting Advanced Joint Research (VAJRA) Faculty Scheme

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Visiting Advanced Joint Research (VAJRA) Faculty Scheme

What are the Objectives of this Scheme?

Who are Eligible for this Scheme?

What will be the functions of VAJRA Faculty?

Mode of Application and Selection

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