Travel Grant Schemes India 2025: In today’s global era, presenting research at the international level is not only an achievement but also an important career step for research scholars. The Government of India provides various travel grants and scholarships to students and researchers to attend conferences, seminars and workshops abroad.
In this blog, we will know about Travel Grant Schemes India 2025
Who can apply?
Which government agencies provide travel grants?
What expenses are reimbursed?
What is the application process?
Also Read: ICCR Scholarships 2025: Opportunities for International Students to Study in India
Who can apply?
The following students/researchers can apply for the travel grant schemes offered by the Government of India:
- D. PhD Scholar
- Post-doctoral researcher
- Young Scientists
- Teachers of recognized universities and institutes
- MTech or research students of technical institutes
Travel Grant Schemes India 2025: How to Get Funding for Presenting Papers Abroad
Below are the top government agencies that provide funding and scholarships for foreign travel:
SERB – International Travel Support Scheme (ITS)
Agency: Science and Engineering Research Board (SERB), under DST
Eligibility: PhD Scholar, Young Teacher, Post-doctoral researcher
Subject Area: Science and Engineering
Support:
International Air Ticket (Economy Class)
Conference Registration Fee
Visa Fee, Travel Insurance
Apply: Online
https://serbonline.in
CSIR – Travel Grant Scheme
Agency: Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR)
Eligibility: Research Scholar, Teacher, Post-Docs
Support: Partial/Full Airfare, Registration
Special Condition: The Research paper must be presented at the conference
https://csirhrdg.res.in
INSA – Travel Grant Scheme
Agency: Indian National Science Academy (INSA)
Eligibility: Researchers below 35 years of age, PhD holders or final year students
Subject: Science, Medicine, Technology
Assistance: Airfare, Visa
https://insaindia.res.in
ICMR – International Travel Assistance Scheme
Agency: Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR)
Eligibility: Medical and Biomedical Research Students
Assistance: Up to ₹1.5 lakh (Airfare, Fees, Visa)
Condition: The Research paper must be presented at the conference
https://main.icmr.nic.in
UGC – Teacher and Research Scholar Travel Grant
Agency: University Grants Commission (UGC)
Eligibility: University/College Teacher, PhD Scholar
Assistance: Air Tickets, Registration Fee (partial)
https://www.ugc.ac.in
AICTE – International Travel Support
Agency: All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE)
Eligibility: Research scholars/students of AICTE-recognized institutions
Support: Up to 1.5 lakh (Airfare, Registration, Visa)
https://aicte-india.org
DBT – Department of Biotechnology Support
Agency: Department of Biotechnology (DBT)
Eligibility: Researchers and students of biotechnology
Support: Full or partial travel expenses
https://dbtindia.gov.in
Documents Required for Application
The scheme may vary, but generally, the following documents are required:
- Acceptance letter for conference paper
- Copy of research paper (full paper or abstract)
- Detailed CV with publications)
- Recommendation Letter from the Guide/Institute Head
- Budget Estimate
- Copy of Passport
- Brochure/Flyer of the Conference
When to apply?
Most schemes accept applications 3 months in advance, and some schemes run on a rolling basis i.e. applications can be made anytime throughout the year. Early applicants get priority
Tips for a Successful Application
- Choose a high-profile international conference (listed in Scopus/Web of Science)
- The content of the paper should match the main theme of the conference
- Be honest in your budget
- Attach good and impressive letters of recommendation
- Make sure to show your previous conference participation (if any)
Comparison Table – Top Travel Grant Schemes
| Scheme Name | Agency | Maximum Support | Eligibility for Application |
|---|---|---|---|
| SERB-ITS | SERB | 2 Lakh (approx.) | PhD, Young Faculty |
| CSIR Grant | CSIR | Airfare + Fees | Researchers, Scholars |
| INSA Grant | INSA | Airfare | U-35 Scientists |
| ICMR Grant | ICMR | 1.5 Lakh | Bio-Med Scholars |
| UGC Grant | UGC | Partial Support | Teachers, PhD |
| AICTE Grant | AICTE | 1.5 Lakh | Tech Students |
| DBT Grant | DBT | Full/Partial | Biotech Scholars |
FAQs – Travel Grant Schemes India 2025
Q1. Can UG and PG students apply for travel grants? Most schemes are for PhD or research scholars, but in some special cases, PG students may be eligible.
Q2. Is the entire travel cost covered? Some schemes offer full assistance while some only cover airfare or registration fees.
Q3. Can private college students apply? Yes, one can apply if the institute is AICTE/UGC/CSIR accredited.
Q4. Can students avail assistance more than once? Some schemes offer one-time assistance in a lifetime, while some allow repeated applications.
Q5. How long does it take to get an application approved? It usually takes 4 to 8 weeks, but it depends on the scheme.
Conclusion
Presenting your research abroad not only brings academic recognition but also opens up new opportunities for global networking and career growth. Eligible students can get proper financial support through these Government of India schemes. If you are a research scholar and have an accepted paper, don’t delay. Apply for these schemes today and give wings to your dreams!
Also Read: USA Scholarships for Indian Students – A Complete Details
