Skip to content

Kerala Biotechnology Re-Entry Fellowship

K-BIREF

Published: Oct 2026

5 min read

Reviewed by Navin, Editor · First published: 1 Oct 2026

Kerala Biotechnology Re-Entry Fellowship
Avatar photo
Written by Navin · Editor, tsmpb.inUpdated: 17 Oct 2026 · How we verify scheme facts

About this education scheme

“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.

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 at a glance

Scheme nameKerala Biotechnology Re-Entry Fellowship (K-BIREF)
Launched byScience and Technology Department
Benefit typeComposite (cash plus goods or services)
CategoryEducation
Level / StateState · Kerala
Official portalkscste.kerala.gov.in (link at the end of this page)

Key facts

Implementing agencyKerala State Council For Science, Technology And Environment
Scheme forIndividual
Application modeOnline
Last dateOngoing (no last date notified)
DBT (direct bank transfer)No

Who can apply (quick check)

  • 👤All genders
  • 🎂Age 0 to 45 years
  • 📝Online

Quick check from official data. Full conditions are in the Eligibility section.

What you receive

  1. Fellow entitled for a monthly remuneration of Rs. 1,00,000/- and Rs. 18,500/- as HRA per month.
  2. Annual research /contingency grant of Rs. 7.5 lakh each for the first and second year and Rs. 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.

Who qualifies

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. The fellowship is tenable at any reputed institution in Kerala.

Papers to keep ready

1. Identity proof of applicant

2. Passport size photographs

3. Educational certificates

4. Community Certificate for SC/ST/OBC applicants (If applicable)

5. Disability certificate (If applicable)

6. "Terms & Conditions”, duly signed

7. Certificate from the Host Institution

Registration walkthrough

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

Frequently asked questions

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 Rs. 1,00,000/- and Rs. 18,500/- as HRA per month.

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

Annual research /contingency grant of Rs. 7.5 lakh each for the first and second year and Rs. 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.

Share on WhatsAppHelp others find this schemeTelegramFacebookX

tsmpb.in is not affiliated with any government department. Apply only on the official portal and never pay anyone for an application.

Explore more

Avatar photo
Written and verified byNavinEditor

Ask a question

Do not post your Aadhaar, bank or mobile number. We usually reply within 1-2 days.