The Department of Biotechnology (DBT) has just dropped two major “Call for Proposals” that could change the game for Indian agriculture and the North-East’s research scene. Whether you are a scientist working with farmers or an institution in the North-East looking to upgrade your labs, the 2026 window is officially open.
Here is everything you need to know about the Biotech-KISAN 2026 and the North-East (NER) Biotech Hubs—including the deadlines you absolutely cannot miss.
DBT Biotech-KISAN (2025-26 Cycle)
This program is the bridge between the “Lab and the Land.” It’s designed for scientists to partner directly with farmers to solve real-world problems like soil health, water scarcity, and seed quality.
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Status: OPEN
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Application Start: February 23, 2026
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Last Date to Apply: April 5, 2026
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Project Funding: Up to ₹2–3 Crore per project.
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Project Duration: 2–3 years.
Who can apply? Public and private research institutions, ICAR institutes, and State Agricultural Universities (SAUs). The focus this year is on Climate-Smart Agriculture and Smart Farming Technologies.
Biotech Hubs in North-Eastern Region (NER)
If you are an academic institution in any of the eight NER states, this is your chance to establish or upgrade a Biotech Hub. This initiative aims to build a highly skilled workforce right in the North-East.
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Status: OPEN
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Deadline for Submission: March 30, 2026
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Duration: Initially for 3 years.
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Categories of Hubs:
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State Biotech Hubs: High-level centers for state-wide research.
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Advanced-Level Institutional Biotech Hubs: Focused on specialized training and research.
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Institutional Biotech Hubs: Basic level for strengthening UG/PG education.
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What support do you get? Selected institutions get funding for Laboratory Equipment, consumables, manpower (staff salary), and even National Travel for research.
Key Details
| Feature | Biotech-KISAN 2026 | NER Biotech Hubs |
| Primary Goal | Farmer-Scientist Partnership | Institutional Infrastructure |
| Deadline | April 5, 2026 | March 30, 2026 |
| Eligibility | Pan-India (Focus on farmers) | North-East States Only |
| Funding | Up to ₹3 Crore | Varies by Category |
| Portal | eProMIS (DBT) | eProMIS (DBT) |
How to Apply
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Check eProMIS: Both applications must be submitted via the DBT eProMIS portal. Don’t wait until the last day; the server is notorious for lagging.
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Subject Alignment: For Biotech-KISAN, ensure your project aligns with the “Beej Se Bazaar Tak” (Seed to Market) vision.
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NER Credentials: For Biotech Hubs, your institution must offer UG, PG, or PhD programs in Biotechnology/Life Sciences.
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The “Five-Project” Rule: If a Principal Investigator already has 5 ongoing DBT projects, they are ineligible. Check your portfolio before applying!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can an NGO apply for Biotech-KISAN? Yes, but they must have a proven track record in scientific research and a tie-up with a research institute.
Q: Is there a stipend for students in NER Hubs? Yes! State Biotech Hubs must provide Summer Traineeships to 20 PG interns per year with a stipend (usually around ₹5,000–₹10,000 depending on specific guidelines).
Q: Do I need to send hard copies? Usually, DBT only requires electronic submission via eProMIS, but always check the specific “Call Guidelines” PDF on the DBT website for any recent changes.