Visiting Advanced Joint Research Faculty Scheme (VAJRA) 2026

Description:

VAJRA Faculty Scheme aims to bring a strong international connection to the R&D ecosystem of India. The scheme offers adjunct / visiting faculty assignments to overseas scientists, faculty members, and R&D professionals including Non-resident Indians (NRI) and Overseas Citizens of India (OCI) to undertake high-quality collaborative research in publicly funded academic and research Institutions of India. VAJRA Faculty will engage in collaborative research in cutting-edge areas of science and technology including interdisciplinary areas of priority such as energy, water, health, security, nutrition, materials and manufacturing, etc. with one or more Indian Collaborators.VAJRA Faculty is expected to co-guide research students and may also be involved in technology development, innovation, start-ups, etc.

Eligibility:

• The scheme is open to overseas scientists, faculty members, and R&D professionals including Non-resident Indians (NRI) and Overseas Citizens of India (OCI).
• The overseas scientist or faculty should be an active researcher working in a leading academic / research / industrial organization with significant accomplishments in research and development.
• Indian Collaborator(s) should be a regular faculty/researcher in public-funded academic/research institutions with significant ongoing research in the area of VAJRA Faculty.

Nature & Duration of Support:

• The initial assignment will be for a period of one year extendable to subsequent years based on the collaborative outcome and interest.
• The residency period of VAJRA Faculty in the host institution would be for a minimum of 1 month and a maximum of 3 months every year.
• VAJRA Faculty will be provided US$15000 in the first month of residence and US$10000 in each of the subsequent months. If the assignment is for shorter durations, the amount will be provided on a pro-rata basis. No separate support is provided for travel, accommodation, medical/personal insurance, etc. However, the host institution may consider providing additional support e.g. highly subsidized on-campus / nearby off-campus accommodation.

Documents required:

• CV of VAJRA Faculty (including academic qualifications, research experience, awards/honors, and publications relevant to research collaboration. Document size should not be more than 10 MB)
• Research Proposal
• Certificate from Lead Indian Collaborator
• Endorsement Letter from Indian Collaborator Institution
• Consent Letter from Institution of VAJRA Faculty