New Delhi: The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has given its approval for the continuation of the Biomedical Research Career Programme (BRCP) into Phase III, aimed at advancing India’s global standing in biomedical research.
The initiative will be jointly implemented by the Department of Biotechnology (DBT), Government of India, and the UK-based Wellcome Trust (WT), through the India Alliance Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV).
Phase III of the Biomedical Research Career Programme will cover 2025-26 to 2030-31, with an additional six years (2031-32 to 2037-38) to support ongoing fellowships and grants. The total financial outlay is ₹1,500 crore, with ₹1,000 crore contributed by DBT and ₹500 crore by WT.
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BRCP Phase III to Strengthen Scientific Talent
Phase III is designed to nurture high-potential scientific talent, promote interdisciplinary research for translational innovation, and reduce regional disparities in research capacity. The programme also aligns with the Viksit Bharat vision to foster skills, innovation, and world-class biomedical research capacity with global impact.
The Biomedical Research Career Programme was first launched in 2008-09 through the DBT/Wellcome Trust India Alliance, offering prestigious research fellowships in India. Following the successful implementation of Phase II in 2018-19, the upcoming phase represents a strategic investment in India’s role in the global knowledge economy.
Key Components of Biomedical Research Career Programme Phase III
Phase III of the programme will include:
- Early Career and Intermediate Research Fellowships in basic sciences, clinical studies, and public health, tailored to support scientists in the formative stages of their careers.
- Collaborative Grants Programme, including Career Development Grants and Catalytic Collaborative Grants for early and mid-senior researchers with proven track records.
- Research Management Programme to strengthen institutional research systems, mentorship, networking, public engagement, and national-international partnerships.
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Expected Outcomes of Phase III
The Union Cabinet expects BRCP Phase III to train more than 2,000 students and postdoctoral fellows, generate high-impact scientific publications, enable patentable innovations, and achieve significant outcomes such as:
- A 10–15% increase in support for women in research.
- 25–30% of collaborative projects advancing to TRL4 or above.
- Expanded participation from Tier-2 and Tier-3 research institutions.
Building on Past Success
Phases I and II positioned India as an emerging hub for biomedical research of international standard. With Phase III, the Biomedical Research Career Programme is expected to invest strategically in talent, infrastructure, and innovation, aligning national priorities with global benchmarks.
