BIRAC E-YUVA Fellowship 2026: Application Process and Last Date
BIRAC E-YUVA Fellowship 2026 is an opportunity for undergraduate students, postgraduate degree holders and eligible postdoctoral candidates to develop innovative research ideas into practical products and technologies. The scheme, officially titled Empowering Youth for Undertaking Value Added Innovative Translational Research, is implemented by the Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council (BIRAC).
According to BIRAC’s official website, applications are invited under the E-YUVA and Innovation Fellowship categories, with the last date to apply being 31 October 2026 at 5:30 PM. Applicants should check the official announcement and applicable guidelines before submitting their applications.
The programme supports translational research, entrepreneurship, mentoring, and innovation in biotechnology and related sectors, including healthcare, agriculture, diagnostics, medical devices, industrial biotechnology, waste management, and clean energy.
BIRAC E-YUVA Fellowship 2026: Overview
| Particular | Details |
| Scheme name | E-YUVA Fellowship |
| Full form | Empowering Youth for Undertaking Value Added Innovative Translational Research |
| Implementing organisation | Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council (BIRAC) |
| Ministry | Department of Biotechnology, Ministry of Science and Technology, Government of India |
| Fellowship categories | E-YUVA Fellows and Innovation Fellows |
| Target applicants | Undergraduate student teams and eligible postgraduate/postdoctoral candidates |
| Research focus | Innovative, need-oriented and translational research |
| Application mode | Online |
| Last date | 31 October 2026, 5:30 PM |
| Official website | https://www.birac.nic.in/e_yuva.php |
The deadline and current application announcement are published on the official BIRAC website. Applicants should rely on the live call for current requirements.
What Is the BIRAC E-YUVA Scheme?
BIRAC established the E-YUVA scheme to encourage young students and researchers to undertake applied research that addresses societal and industrial needs.
Unlike research activities that remain limited to theoretical investigations, the scheme emphasises translating scientific knowledge into innovative products, technologies, and potential business opportunities.
The programme operates through dedicated E-YUVA Centres (EYCs) located within universities and institutions. These centres are associated with BIRAC-supported BioNEST bio-incubators and provide access to research infrastructure, mentoring, entrepreneurship support, and innovation-related resources.
The scheme has two principal fellowship categories:
- BIRAC E-YUVA Fellowship: Designed for teams of undergraduate students.
- BIRAC Innovation Fellowship: Designed for eligible postgraduate and postdoctoral candidates.
Both categories aim to develop research capabilities and encourage innovation-driven entrepreneurship.
BIRAC E-YUVA Fellowship 2026: Fellowship Amount and Research Grant
The BIRAC E-YUVA Scheme Guidelines, Version 1.1, January 2022, specify the following financial support. These figures should be checked against the applicable 2026 call before applying.
1. E-YUVA Fellowship for Undergraduate Students
The guidelines specify the following support for undergraduate student teams:
| Financial support | Amount |
| Quarterly stipend | ₹7,500 per student per quarter |
| Annual research grant | ₹2,50,000 per team |
| Fellowship duration | 12 months |
| Team size | Up to 5 students |
The quarterly stipend is released to the student’s account, subject to mentor approval. The research grant is released to the institution in two instalments: 75% initially and 25% subsequently, as specified in the guidelines.
The grant is intended to support the team’s proposed research and innovation activities rather than provide unrestricted personal income.
2. Innovation Fellowship for Postgraduates and Postdoctoral Candidates
The January 2022 guidelines specify the following support for Innovation Fellows:
| Financial support | Postgraduate fellow | Postdoctoral fellow |
| Monthly fellowship | ₹30,000 | ₹50,000 |
| Annual research grant | ₹3,00,000 | ₹5,00,000 |
| Standard fellowship duration | 18 months | 18 months |
The guidelines also provide for a possible six-month extension in deserving cases.
Innovation Fellows are expected to undertake full-time work at an E-YUVA Centre and pursue translational research with potential for commercialisation. Candidates pursuing a Ph.D. are not eligible for this fellowship under the cited guidelines.
Important: The above amounts are from the 2022 scheme document and are not independently confirmed as unchanged for the October 2026 call. Check the current official notification before preparing your financial plan.
BIRAC E-YUVA Fellowship 2026 Eligibility Criteria
Eligibility differs according to the fellowship category.
Eligibility for E-YUVA Fellows
According to the January 2022 guidelines, applicants should meet the following conditions:
- The application should be submitted by a team of up to five Indian undergraduate students.
- Students may belong to the same institution or different colleges and universities.
- Interdisciplinary teams are encouraged.
- The team must have a mentor or faculty guide.
- The application must be routed through the institution’s E-Cell.
- For teams comprising students from different institutions, each student’s institution must have an E-Cell, Institutional Innovation Council, or incubation centre.
Selected students undertake research in their college or university laboratories and may access the facilities of an E-YUVA Centre and its knowledge partner. The cited guidelines require fellows to spend three to four weeks at an E-YUVA Centre or knowledge partner during the fellowship.
Eligibility for Innovation Fellows
The January 2022 guidelines specify that:
- Indian students who have completed a master’s degree or Ph.D. in any discipline may apply.
- Ph.D. graduates should ordinarily apply within two years of completing their degree.
- Master’s degree holders should ordinarily apply within three years of completing their degree.
- Female candidates are exempt from the stated post-degree time restrictions.
- Fellows must work full-time at an E-YUVA Centre.
- Candidates pursuing a Ph.D. cannot receive this fellowship.
- Selected fellows cannot pursue a Ph.D. during the fellowship tenure.
Applicants should verify the current call for any revised eligibility conditions, exceptions, or documentation requirements.
Which Research Areas Are Supported Under E-YUVA?
The scheme guidelines identify a broad range of research areas. Interdisciplinary proposals are encouraged when they contribute to innovative biotechnology products and technologies.
Major research sectors
Healthcare and life sciences
- Healthcare innovations
- Lifesciences and biotechnology
- Diagnostics and medical devices
- Drugs, vaccines and drug delivery systems
Agriculture and food-related innovation
- Agricultural biotechnology
- Secondary agriculture
- Food and related biological technologies
- Innovative solutions to agricultural challenges
Environment and sustainability
- Waste management
- Sanitation
- Clean energy
- Environment-related biotechnology applications
Emerging technologies
- Bioinformatics
- Artificial intelligence
- Internet of Things (IoT)
- Automation applied to the supported sectors
Applicants should demonstrate the problem being addressed, the proposed scientific innovation, the experimental approach, and the potential societal or commercial value.
How to Apply for the BIRAC E-YUVA Fellowship 2026
The uploaded step-by-step application guide illustrates the following registration and application procedure.
Step 1: Visit the official BIRAC website
Open the official E-YUVA page:
https://www.birac.nic.in/e_yuva.php
Review the active call, eligibility conditions, application deadline and relevant scheme documents.
Step 2: Click on Login/Register
On the BIRAC website, locate the Login/Register option in the top navigation area.
The screenshots on page 1 of the uploaded application guide illustrate the location of this option.
Step 3: Register as a new user
On the login page, select the option labelled “New User? Click here to register.”
Create a user account by entering the details requested by the registration form.
For an undergraduate E-YUVA team, the January 2022 guidelines state that one team member can create the account on behalf of the team.
Step 4: Select the E-YUVA Fellowship registration option
On the registration page, locate the option labelled “Click here to Register/Apply for E-YUVA Fellow.”
Select the appropriate option and proceed according to the instructions displayed on the portal.
The uploaded guide illustrates this step on page 2.
Step 5: Read the application instructions
The guide shows the instruction screen for applicants applying as individuals, followed by a Next button.
Read the instructions carefully before continuing. Ensure that the selected fellowship category matches your qualifications and the applicable call.
Step 6: Complete the registration form
Provide the basic details requested by the registration portal, including the information needed to establish your user account.
Enter accurate information and check the details before proceeding.
The registration form is illustrated on page 3 of the uploaded application guide.
Step 7: Log in and complete the fellowship application
After completing registration, return to the BIRAC homepage and log in with your username and password.
The uploaded guide illustrates this process on page 4.
Complete the application form available for the active call. Review the requirements for your fellowship category and submit the requested information through the portal.
Note: Account registration is not the same as completing and submitting the fellowship application. Follow the live portal instructions and ensure that the final application is submitted successfully.
Documents and Information to Prepare Before Applying
The three uploaded documents do not provide a complete, current 2026 document checklist. Applicants should consult the live application form and official call documents.
As a preparation checklist, it is sensible to organise the following information where applicable:
- Personal and academic details
- Details of all team members, for undergraduate applications
- Mentor or faculty guide information
- Institution and E-Cell details
- Research problem and proposed innovation
- Objectives and proposed methodology
- Expected product or technology outcomes
- Potential societal or commercial applications
- Estimated research expenditure
- Supporting declarations and authorisation documents required by the current call
Do not assume that every item is mandatory for every category. Use the official application instructions to confirm the exact requirements.
How Are E-YUVA Applications Evaluated?
The January 2022 guidelines describe a national-level application and selection process involving E-YUVA Centres and their knowledge partners.
The process includes:
- Online submission through the BIRAC portal.
- Selection of up to three preferred E-YUVA Centres in the application form.
- Centre-wise distribution of applications for eligibility checks and evaluation.
- Shortlisting of eligible applicants or teams.
- Presentation before a Technical Expert Committee, including a BIRAC nominee, at the relevant E-YUVA Centre.
- Selection and agreement with the E-YUVA Centre for successful applicants.
The precise sequence and requirements should be verified against the current call.
Tips for preparing a stronger proposal
A competitive research proposal should clearly explain:
- The problem: What unmet societal, clinical, agricultural or industrial need will the project address?
- The innovation: What is new about the proposed product or technology?
- The scientific basis: What evidence or preliminary findings support the approach?
- The methodology: How will the team test the idea and assess its performance?
- The practical outcome: What prototype, proof of concept or other deliverable is expected?
- The impact: Who will benefit from the innovation?
- The commercial potential: How could the technology be developed, adopted or commercialised?
These are practical proposal-development recommendations, not a substitute for the official evaluation criteria.
BIRAC E-YUVA Centres in India: Contact Details
The uploaded contact directory, dated July 2026, lists BIRAC-supported E-YUVA Centres and their coordinators.
Applicants should identify a centre relevant to their research domain and confirm its current participation and contact details before applying.
| E-YUVA Centre | Location | Official website |
| Atmiya University | Rajkot, Gujarat | https://atmiyauni.ac.in/e-yuva |
| Adamas University | Kolkata, West Bengal | https://adamasuniversity.ac.in/e-yuva/ |
| PSGR Krishnammal College for Women | Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu | https://www.psgrkcw.ac.in/eyuva/ |
| Career College | Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh | https://careercollegeindia.com/birac |
| GIET University | Gunupur, Odisha | https://www.giet.edu/academics/e-yuva-center |
| Anna University | Chennai, Tamil Nadu | http://www.uicbannauniv.com/ |
| Panjab University | Chandigarh | https://cicb.puchd.ac.in/ |
| University of Agricultural Sciences | Dharwad, Karnataka | https://uasd.edu/en/incubation-centres/ |
| Tamil Nadu Agricultural University | Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu | https://tnau.ac.in/site/cpmb/e-yuva/ |
| University of Rajasthan | Jaipur, Rajasthan | https://uniraj.ac.in/eyuva/index.php |
| College of Horticulture and Forestry, CAU | Pasighat, Arunachal Pradesh | http://chfcau.org.in/ |
| Shoolini University | Solan, Himachal Pradesh | https://shooliniuniversity.com/media/eyuva/coreteam.html |
| University of Kashmir | Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir | https://www.kashmiruniversity.net/ |
| Kannur University | Kannur, Kerala | https://www.kannuruniv.ac.in/en/ |
| AKS University | Satna, Madhya Pradesh | https://flst.aksuniversity.ac.in/birac-e-yuva-center/ |
| Punyashlok Ahilyadevi Holkar Solapur University | Solapur, Maharashtra | https://www.sus.ac.in/biraceyuva/About-Us |
| Central University of Punjab | Bathinda, Punjab | https://cup.edu.in/ |
| Central University of Rajasthan | Ajmer, Rajasthan | https://www.curaj.ac.in/ |
| Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology | Kashmir, Jammu and Kashmir | http://skuastkashmir.ac.in/ |
For the full coordinator contact list, including email addresses and telephone numbers, refer to the official E-YUVA page and its contact directory:
https://www.birac.nic.in/e_yuva.php
The centre list above is reproduced from the supplied July 2026 document and should not be treated as confirmation that every centre is accepting applicants in the current call.
What Happens After Submitting the Application?
Submitting an application does not guarantee selection or fellowship funding.
Applicants should monitor their registered email account and the official BIRAC website for communications concerning eligibility screening, shortlisting, presentations, and selection.
If shortlisted, candidates may be required to present their proposed research before a technical committee. Successful applicants proceed according to the selection and agreement process applicable to the current call.
Applicants should contact the relevant E-YUVA Centre for assistance with application-related questions, as directed by BIRAC.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the last date for BIRAC E-YUVA Fellowship 2026?
The official BIRAC website lists 31 October 2026 at 5:30 PM as the last date for the current E-YUVA and Innovation Fellowship call. Check the official website for any subsequent corrigendum or deadline change.
2. Who can apply for the E-YUVA Fellowship?
The January 2022 guidelines distinguish between undergraduate student teams applying for E-YUVA Fellowships and eligible postgraduate or postdoctoral candidates applying for Innovation Fellowships. The current call determines the applicable conditions.
3. Can undergraduate students apply as a team?
Yes. The cited guidelines allow teams of up to five Indian undergraduate students, supported by a mentor or guide and applying through an eligible institutional E-Cell.
4. What is the E-YUVA undergraduate research grant?
The January 2022 guidelines specify an annual research grant of ₹2.5 lakh per team and a quarterly stipend of ₹7,500 per student. Confirm the applicable amounts in the current call.
5. How much fellowship does an Innovation Fellow receive?
The January 2022 guidelines specify ₹30,000 per month for postgraduate fellows and ₹50,000 per month for postdoctoral fellows. The associated annual research grants are ₹3 lakh and ₹5 lakh, respectively. These amounts must be verified against the current call.
6. Can students from different colleges form a team?
Yes. The guidelines permit teams comprising students from the same or different institutions, subject to the stated institutional innovation-support requirements.
7. What research topics are eligible?
The scheme covers healthcare, life sciences, diagnostics, medical devices, drugs, vaccines, drug delivery, industrial biotechnology, bioinformatics, agriculture, waste management, sanitation, clean energy and relevant applications of AI, IoT and automation.
8. Is the E-YUVA application process online?
Yes. The cited guidelines specify online application submission through the BIRAC portal. Applicants first create a user account and then complete the application for the relevant fellowship.
9. Does applying guarantee funding?
No. Applications undergo eligibility checks, technical evaluation and shortlisting. Selected applicants must complete the applicable selection and agreement process.
10. Where can applicants find the official guidelines?
Visit the official BIRAC E-YUVA page at https://www.birac.nic.in/e_yuva.php to access the scheme information, application links, guidelines, step-by-step guide and centre contact details.
Conclusion
The BIRAC E-YUVA Fellowship provides a structured opportunity for eligible students and researchers to develop innovative scientific ideas into useful products and technologies. Its emphasis on translational research, mentorship, research infrastructure and entrepreneurship can help bridge the gap between academic research and practical application.
Interested applicants should review the active 2026 call, confirm their eligibility, identify a suitable E-YUVA Centre, prepare a well-defined research proposal and submit the completed application before the published deadline of 31 October 2026 at 5:30 PM.Official application and guidelines:https://www.birac.nic.in/e_yuva.php
