National Solar Science Fellowship Programme
National Solar Science Fellowship Programme (राष्ट्रीय सौर विज्ञान फैलोशिप कार्यक्रम)
The National Solar Science Fellowship Programme, initiated by the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy in February 2011, aims to foster innovation and research in the solar energy sector. This initiative is designed to support distinguished scientists and engineers in advancing solar energy technologies, enhancing product development, and addressing critical issues related to solar energy utilization in India.
Overview of the Programme
This fellowship is targeted at Indian scientists who aspire to engage in cutting-edge solar energy research and technology. By collaborating with esteemed academic institutions, the programme seeks to harness the collective expertise available within the country and abroad to tackle complex challenges related to solar energy applications, particularly in power generation.
Fellowship Management Committee
A dedicated Fellowship Management Committee, chaired by the Secretary of the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy, will oversee the programme. This committee, composed of distinguished scientists and led by the scientist-in-charge of Human Resource Development, will determine research priorities and recommend participating institutions. Members of the committee will serve a term of three years.
Fellowship Details
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Number of Fellowships | Limited to 10 at any given time; initially, only three fellows will be selected during the first year. |
| Duration | Initial fellowship period of two years, extendable for an additional three years based on progress. |
Objectives of the Programme
The National Solar Science Fellowship aims to cultivate a community of researchers dedicated to exploring and resolving solar energy application challenges. By leveraging government resources, fellows will not only advance their research but also contribute significantly to enhancing solar technology in India.
Benefits
Each selected fellow will receive a comprehensive annual grant of up to ₹32.00 lakhs, which includes:
- Emolument: Up to ₹12.00 lakhs
- Contingencies: Up to ₹5.00 lakhs
- Research Grant: Up to ₹15.00 lakhs
This grant will be disbursed to the host institution on behalf of the fellow. Additionally, fellows are encouraged to seek supplementary funding from other sources, including their host institutions and various grant providers.
Key Notes
- Fellows will be affiliated with selected institutions based on mutual consultations.
- Commitment to the host institution for the entire fellowship duration is mandatory, with a bond required.
- Quarterly progress reports and a final technical report must be submitted to the Fellowship Management Committee.
- An annual conference will be organized for fellows to present their findings and foster collaboration.
- Research outcomes are expected to significantly enhance the quality of solar technology through innovative solutions.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must meet the following criteria to be eligible for the fellowship:
- Must be an Indian citizen or of Indian origin.
- Open to all scientists involved in solar energy research, including those from governmental and public institutions.
- A doctoral degree or equivalent in solar sciences or engineering is required, along with at least ten years of relevant experience.
- Exceptional candidates holding an M.Tech or M.S. degree with substantial publications and experience may also be considered.
- No age restrictions apply to this programme.
Application Process
The application procedure is as follows:
- Step 1: Applications will be invited through an open advertisement targeting qualified scientists.
- Step 2: Applicants must submit their applications using the prescribed format (Annexure-II).
- Step 3: Follow the guidelines for completing the application form accurately.
- Step 4: Include an R&D proposal aligned with the identified research areas and its potential impact on solar energy technology.
- Step 5: Submission of a comprehensive research proposal is mandatory for all candidates.
This fellowship is an excellent opportunity for researchers dedicated to solar energy, aiming to make a lasting impact on India’s energy landscape.
Benefits
Each selected Fellow will receive a total annual grant of up to ₹32.00 lakhs comprising (i) emolument of up to ₹12.00 lakhs (ii) contingencies of up to ₹5.00 lakhs and (iii) research grant of up to ₹15.00 lakhs. This will be pro-rated for the duration of the tenure of the particular Fellow.
This grant will be released to the host institution for being granted to the Fellow.
The Fellow may also raise additional resources from other sources such as the host Institution, grant providers, grant-in-aid Institutions, etc. for the purpose of carrying out his/her research.
Note 01: On selection, the Fellow will be attached to one of the selected schools/institutions in consultation with the Fellow as well as the host institution.
Note 02: Selected Fellows shall commit to work at the host institution for the full tenure of the fellowship and shall submit a bond in this regard to the host institution.
Note 03: The Fellow must submit quarterly progress reports and a final technical report to the Fellowship Management Committee. The Fellowship Management Committee may from time to time, seek updates from the Fellow and provide inputs and guidance to the project of the Fellows so that the project remains relevant to the Government of India agenda and can be successfully completed on time.
Note 04: An annual conference of the Fellows will be held, where the Fellows will be expected to present their findings to the Fellowship Management Committee and other invitees and share knowledge and learning and discuss areas for further collaboration and practical application of their research.
Note 05: There would be a visible improvement in the quality of solar technology through the application of innovative solutions/technologies in the field arising out of the research under the programme.
Note 06: The resources in terms of manpower and infrastructural facilities available at various schools/ institutions of the country would be enhanced /strengthened.
Application Process
Apply Offline
Step 01: Applications from talented scientists having proven records in any field of solar science, or engineering will be invited through open advertisement.
Step 02: The applicants shall submit their applications in the prescribed Proforma (Annexure-II
).
Step 03: The application should be as per the instructions for filling up the Proforma given in the Guidelines
.
Step 04: The applicant will attach an R&D proposal with his/her application in the R&D thrust areas identified by the Fellowship Management Committee of the MNRE with an emphasis on the potential impact of a proposed research project on solving problems encountered in solar energy technology and systems.
Step 05: A comprehensive proposal should be submitted by all the candidates for the National Solar Science Fellowship for the consideration of the Fellowship Management Committee.
Note 01: The Fellowship Management Committee headed by Secretary, MNRE/Eminent Scientist with other eminent scientists as members will scrutinize the applications including Eminent Scientist the research project, and select up to ten National Solar Science Fellows taking into account the Guidelines and as per the prescribed procedure. The Committee will be approved by the MNRE and have a tenure of three years.
Note 02: Every selected Fellow will be attached to one of the selected schools/institutions and will have a tenure ranging from 1-3 years depending upon the project chosen and can be extended for further two years based upon the progress of the project.
Frequently Asked Questions
Scheme Details
| Full Name | National Solar Science Fellowship Programme |
| Short Title | NSSFP |
| Level | Central |
| Scheme For | Individual |
| Ministry | Ministry Of New and Renewable Energy |
| Categories | Education & Learning |
| States | All India |
| Gender | All |
| Area | Both |
| Source | www.myscheme.gov.in ↗ |
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Deepika Raikwar is an Education Analyst and scholarship researcher who focuses on public welfare and merit-based scholarships. She simplifies complex eligibility rules, deadlines, and application processes to help common people access reliable funding opportunities worldwide.
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