Objectives :
This scheme aims to encourage emerging and eminent women researchers for an individual-centric and competitive mode of research funding to undertake R&D activities in frontier areas of science and engineering.

Eligibility :

1. Applicants [Principal Investigator (PI) and Co-Principal Investigator(s) (Co-PI(s))] should be Indian citizens.
2. The applicant(s) must hold a regular academic/research position in a recognized academic institution or national laboratory or in any other recognized R&D institution in India.
3. Applicants from IITs, IISERs, IISc, NITs, Central Universities, and National Labs of Central Government Institutions will be considered under Level I Category, whereas applicants from State Universities / Colleges and Private Academic Institutions should apply under Level II Category.
4. There is a mandatory requirement for female CO-PI from the same institute.
5. Male CO-PI is not allowed in POWER Grant Research Scheme.
6. PhD guide cannot be a CO-PI.
7. PIs who have already got a POWER Grant, are not allowed to apply again in POWER Grant Scheme.
8. JC Bose fellows and the PIs who have already completed two CRG are not allowed to apply for POWER Grant Research Scheme.
9. The number of CO-PIs should not exceed two per project.
10. The budget under the equipment head is limited to not more than Rs 14 lakh for Tier II institutions (30 lakh limit).

Nature and Duration of Support :
POWER Grants will empower women researchers by funding them under following two categories:

1. Level I: The scale of funding up to 60 lakhs for three years.
2. Level II: The scale of funding up to 30 lakhs for three years.
3. The POWER Grant is provided for equipment, manpower, consumables, travel, and contingency. "Overheads" is also being provided to the implementing institution as per prevailing norms of SERB.
4. POWER Grant will be regulated through terms of reference conforming to SERB-CRG guidelines.

Application & Selection Procedure :
The SERB-Core Research Grant (CRG) Platform will be used to identify and support women scientists under the POWER Research Grant component. The proposals will be received only in direct mode.

The selection will be based on the recommendations of the Program Advisory Committee (PAC) constituted by the Board. If required, the applicants may be called for discussion/ presentation.