PRISM Fellowship 2026

Hosted at the National Centre for Biological Sciences (NCBS) in Bangalore, the PRISM Fellowship is a 2-month immersive, residential research programme designed to nurture the next generation of life science researchers from underrepresented and marginalised backgrounds in India.

At its core, the PRISM Fellowship addresses the critical need for hands-on research experience combined with comprehensive academic skill development at the early career stage for individuals who face systemic barriers. Accordingly, it offers a unique dual-component structure: an intensive laboratory placement at one of India’s premier research institutions, coupled with a structured academic skills programme. Selected fellows will be embedded in an NCBS research laboratory, while simultaneously developing academic and professional skills through weekly structured sessions

The Fellowship also focuses on community-building and networking, fostering connections with experienced researchers and peers in the field.
By the end of the programme, PRISM Fellows will be equipped with the skills, knowledge, and networks necessary for academic and professional success in STEM fields, while also being part of a growing community of researchers committed to inclusivity and scientific excellence.

Fellowship Structure
The PRISM Fellowship consists of two core components: a laboratory placement that provides hands-on research experience, and an academic skills programme designed to develop essential competencies for a career in STEM.
1. Laboratory Placement : Fellows will be placed in NCBS research labs where they will work under the guidance of experienced faculty mentors on cutting-edge scientific research projects based on their area of interest. They will gain practical experience in experimental design, data collection, and analysis while contributing to real-world research problems. Fellows will have the opportunity to engage in weekly lab meetings and discussions, fostering a deeper understanding of their research fields. By the end of the programme, each fellow will produce a report summarising their findings.
2. Academic Skills Programme : In parallel with their laboratory placement, Fellows will participate in a structured academic skills programme that includes weekly workshops and lectures. This programme is designed to provide the foundational skills necessary for academic and professional success in STEM fields. It will cover key topics such as scientific research & methodologies, understanding experimental design and data analysis, research ethics & integrity, academic writing & publications, graduate school preparation, writing statements of purpose, CVs and research proposal, etc.

Through these two components, the PRISM Fellowship ensures that fellows receive both practical research training and academic skill-building opportunities, preparing them for further studies and professional careers in STEM.

The PRISM Fellowship offers a comprehensive research experience, equipping selected fellows with skills, knowledge, and networking opportunities essential for academic and professional success. Benefits include:
• Hands-on Research: Work on cutting-edge projects in NCBS laboratories.
• Expert Mentorship: Receive guidance from leading scientists and faculty.
• Academic Skill Development: Participate in structured training sessions.
• Networking & Exposure: Engage with top researchers and attend NCBS seminars.
• Financial Support: Accommodation and a stipend for living expenses.

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA
You are eligible for the PRISM Fellowship, if:
• you are currently pursuing a master's degree or are currently in the third or fourth year of a four-year bachelor’s degree, the third year of a three-year bachelor’s degree, or the third to fifth year of an integrated/ dual degree in any science subject, and will remain so for the duration of the fellowship,
• you are disadvantaged due to social position, economic barriers, geography, or similar factors, and
• you are passionate about life sciences particularly developmental biology, genetics, ecology, neurobiology and bioinformatics.

Applications from students from underrepresented and marginalised communities in STEM particularly SC, ST, OBC, PwD, religious minorities, women and gender minorities and Northeast India communities.

Application Process
If you meet the eligibility criteria specified above, we encourage you to apply for the PRISM Fellowship by filling the Application Form below. Before doing so, please have the following details ready:
1. Personal Information, including contact details, permanent address, education level of your parents, family income, etc.
2. Information about your Educational Background, including your school information, college/ university degree, medium of instruction, etc.
3. Supporting Information including your CV, statements on your motivations and reasons for applying to the PRISM Fellowship, and your research interests, etc.

Applications will be reviewed based on academic potential, disadvantage faced, and availability of appropriate lab placement at NCBS. Shortlisted candidates will be invited for a virtual interview with the NCBS Faculty, following which selected Fellows will go through an onboarding process before being assigned to an NCBS research lab based on their interests and expertise and availability.

TIMELINE
Application Open : Friday, 10 April 2026
Applications Close : Sunday, 19 April 2026
Announcement of Shortlist : Last week of April 2026
Interviews with NCBS Faculty : First/ second week of May 2026
Announcement of Final Outcome : Second week of May 2026
Fellowship Starts : Monday, 1 June 2026