Nowadays many senior researchers are searching about J C Bose National Fellowship.
Some already heard about it, but still confuse who can get this fellowship and how selection happens.
Subscribe our Channel
In this post, I will explain everything in very simple English, so you can understand easily without stress.
What is J C Bose National Fellowship?
J C Bose National Fellowship is a prestigious fellowship started by Government of India through SERB.
This fellowship is mainly for active scientists and researchers who are doing outstanding work in their field.
The idea behind this fellowship is to encourage continued excellence in scientific research.
It is not like normal fellowship, selection is fully based on research contribution and reputation.
Many people think it is open application, but actually nomination based process is followed.
Who Can Apply? (Eligibility)
Below is basic eligibility for J C Bose Fellowship:
| Criteria | Details |
|---|---|
| Age Limit | 45 to 65 years |
| Position | Regular faculty or research position in India |
| Qualification | Typically S.S. Bhatnagar Prize winners or Fellows of National Academies |
| Citizenship | Indian Nationals or OCI working in India |
| Previous Terms | Max 3 terms allowed (after that, not eligible) |
Note: There is no direct online application like other fellowships.
Official Links – J C Bose National Fellowship
-
SERB Official Website
👉 https://www.serb.gov.in -
J C Bose National Fellowship Official Page (SERB Online Portal)
👉 https://www.serbonline.in/SERB/jcbose -
SERB Online Portal (For schemes & notices)
👉 https://www.serbonline.in
Required Documents
Since this fellowship is nomination based, documents are usually collected after selection.
Still, these are generally required:
-
Detailed bio-data of researcher
-
List of publications
-
Citation details
-
Research contribution summary
-
Institutional affiliation proof
Final document requirement is decided by SERB only.
Selection Process (Important Section)
J C Bose Fellowship does not follow normal apply online system.
Selection process includes:
-
Identification of outstanding scientists by expert committees
-
Evaluation of long-term research contribution
-
Recommendation by selection panel
-
Final approval by competent authority
Candidates cannot apply directly, nomination is done internally.
Fellowship Amount & Benefits
Main benefits of J C Bose National Fellowship are:
| Component | Details |
|---|---|
| Grant Amount | ₹25 Lakhs per year |
| Duration | 5 Years |
| Total Value | ₹1.25 Crore |
| Equipment | Up to 20% allowed |
| Institutional Overhead | ₹1 Lakh per year |
| Post-Retirement Support | Allowed till age 68 |
This grant can be used for equipment, manpower, travel, and research expenses.
Important Dates – J C Bose National Fellowship (2026 Cycle)
As per latest update, J C Bose National Fellowship / Grant now follows fixed timeline.
Below are important dates you should note:
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Application Start Date | January 1, 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply | February 10, 2026 |
| Current Status | Active / Open |
| Mode of Application | Online (Nomination Only) |
Earlier, nominations were accepted anytime in year.
But now system is changed, so missing deadline means waiting next year.
Key Changes You Should Know (Very Important)
Many researchers still confuse because rules are changed recently.
Earlier, J C Bose National Fellowship was running under SERB.
Now it is moved under ANRF (Anusandhan National Research Foundation) structure.
Due to this transition, many things are updated.
Earlier:
-
Nominations accepted throughout the year
-
Fellowship based model
Now:
-
Fixed call based system
-
Grant based structure
So always check official notice before planning.
Old Model vs New Model (Simple Comparison)
| Feature | Old Model (SERB) | New Model (ANRF) |
|---|---|---|
| Application Window | Open whole year | Fixed (1 Jan – 10 Feb) |
| Scheme Name | J.C. Bose National Fellowship | J.C. Bose Grant (JBG) |
| Research Grant | ₹15.00 lakh per year | ₹25.00 lakh per year |
| Personal Fellowship | ₹25,000 per month | Included in total grant |
| Age Limit | Up to 68 years (active service) | 45–65 years at time of application |
This table makes things more clear without confusion.
What This Change Means for Researchers
Due to ANRF structure:
-
Funding amount is increased
-
Grant is more flexible
-
Project based accounting is followed
-
Age criteria is stricter now
So senior researchers should check eligibility carefully before nomination.
Common Doubts Among Researchers
Some common confusion people have:
-
There is no apply online form
-
Fellowship is not age specific
-
It is different from NPDF or SRG
-
Only highly reputed researchers are selected
Many people search application link, but actually no link is provided.
FAQs
Q. Can I apply online for J C Bose Fellowship?
No, direct application is not allowed.
Q. Who selects the fellows?
Selection is done by expert committees under SERB.
Q. What is the fellowship amount?
₹25,000 per month + ₹15 lakh annual research grant.
Q. Is this fellowship taxable?
Yes, as per Government of India income tax rules.
Conclusion
So this was complete information about J C Bose National Fellowship.
This fellowship is mainly for top level researchers who already made strong impact in science.
If you are eligible, your work itself will speak for you.
For more fellowship updates and research schemes, keep visiting the blog.
If you still have doubt, you can write in comment section.