ISRO–NIT Patna: Call for Project Proposals 2025–26
SRO–NIT Patna RAC-S has announced the Call for Project Proposals for 2025–26. The centre invites research project proposals from:
- Permanent faculty members of NIT Patna, and
- Permanent faculty members from other reputed institutions in the eastern region, including Bihar, Jharkhand, Odisha, Sikkim, West Bengal, and the Andaman & Nicobar Islands.
These projects should focus on areas that meet the future technological and programmatic needs of the Indian Space Program.
Eligibility Criteria
| Category | Eligibility Description |
|---|---|
| Institutions Eligible | IITs, NITs, IIITs, CFTIs, Central Universities, State Government Institutes, and institutions ranked within the top 100 in NIRF. |
| Principal Investigator (PI) | Must be a permanent faculty member of NIT Patna or another eligible institution. |
| Collaboration Requirement | Institutes other than NIT Patna must have a Co-PI or PI from NIT Patna. |
| Proposal Limitation | Each applicant may submit only one proposal under this call. |
Nature of the Projects
The RAC-S programme invites two types of research projects:
| Type of Project | Duration | Key Participants | Funding Limit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Short-Term Research Projects | Up to 1 year | B.Tech (3rd or 4th Year) and M.Tech students | ₹1 Lakh |
| Long-Term R&D Projects | 1–3 years | Faculty-led research, preferably leading to Ph.D. programmes | ₹25 Lakh |
Short-term projects are ideal for undergraduate and postgraduate students who wish to explore space research through academic projects. In contrast, long-term R&D projects aim to create sustained innovation, often leading to doctoral research in space science and engineering.
Key Features of Long-Term Projects
- Projects should address themes relevant to India’s space missions.
- The Principal Investigator (PI) will manage the project budget.
- There is provision for Junior Research Fellows (JRFs) and Senior Research Fellows (SRFs) under ISRO’s RESPOND norms.
- Candidates who have cleared NET/GATE or equivalent national examinations are eligible for JRF/SRF positions.
- Total project cost must not exceed ₹25 Lakh.
Research Domains
Applicants must align their proposals with the RESEARCH AREAS IN SPACE–2025 document published by ISRO. The major areas include:
- Launch Vehicle Technologies
- Human Space Programme
- Satellite Technology
- Earth Observation Systems
- Space Sciences
- Space Policy and Management
Detailed topic lists and sub-areas are available in the Research Areas in Space–2025 document accessible at
https://www.isro.gov.in/media_isro/pdf/programme/Research_Areas_Space_Doc2025.pdf
Application Procedure
Interested applicants must submit their proposals as per the prescribed formats given in the Research Areas in Space–2025 document.
The proposal package should include the following:
| Form | Description | Page Reference (in ISRO Document) |
|---|---|---|
| Form A | Bio-data of Investigator(s) | Page 351 |
| Form B | Project Details | Pages 352–353 |
| Form C | Terms and Conditions for ISRO Research Grants | Pages 354–355 |
Along with these, an endorsement letter from the Head of the Institute and a certificate from the Investigator must be signed and enclosed.
Proposals must be submitted through email at racs@nitp.ac.in before the deadline.
Selection Process
The selection will follow the provisions of the ISRO–NIT Patna Regional Academic Centre for Space (RAC-S). Proposals will be reviewed for originality, scientific relevance, and feasibility.
Applicants must ensure that their submissions are free from plagiarism. Proposals containing copied or uncredited material will be rejected. Every applicant should verify originality using plagiarism detection tools before submission.
Important Details
| Particulars | Information |
|---|---|
| Scheme | RAC-S ISRO – NIT Patna Research Project Proposal 2025–26 |
| Submission Mode | Email submission to racs@nitp.ac.in |
| Eligibility | Faculty members from NIT Patna and other reputed institutions in Eastern India |
| Maximum Project Cost | ₹25 Lakh for long-term R&D projects |
| Last Date for Submission | 1st December 2025 |
| Contact Email | racs@nitp.ac.in |
Guidelines for Applicants
To ensure a valid submission:
- Prepare the project proposal using prescribed ISRO formats.
- Include both PI and Co-PI details with full contact information.
- Specify the research area, sub-area, and target ISRO/DOS centre.
- Obtain necessary institutional endorsements before submission.
- Avoid plagiarism and maintain academic integrity throughout the document.
- Send the proposal to the RAC-S NIT Patna email before the deadline.
The ISRO–NIT Patna Regional Academic Centre for Space (RAC-S) provides a valuable platform for researchers to contribute to India’s expanding space programme. This initiative encourages collaboration between institutions, promotes innovation, and supports research aligned with national priorities in space technology and science.
Eligible faculty members are encouraged to submit their proposals early and become part of this prestigious research ecosystem.
Join the Scrollwell WhatsApp Community
Get timely updates on faculty jobs, FDPs, research opportunities, and professional development resources. Connect with a growing network of educators across India.
Join WhatsApp
