The Ministry's Department of Health Research is inviting research proposals for short-term studentship for third-year MBBS and BDS students.

New Delhi: The Human Resource Development (HRD) Scheme aims to offer advanced training opportunities in biomedical and health research, aiming to build a skilled workforce in India. The Department of Health Research (DHR) is currently inviting online research proposals for the 2024–25 period from eligible applicants studying in NMC/DCI-recognized medical and dental colleges.

Applications for research proposals can be submitted online via the DHR web portal. The deadline for submitting full-length research proposals is July 25, 2024, by 5:00 p.m.

Here are the eligibility criteria, duration, and financial support details for the research proposals for the years 2024–25.

According to the notice, applicants must be in their third year of the MBBS/BDS course. Final-year students are not eligible to apply.

Duration: The research period lasts for 3 months and must be completed within 1 year from selection for the STS.

Component: Short-Term Studentship (STS) is exclusively for current third-year MBBS/BDS students in 2024–25. This is a one-time measure (OTM) introduced specifically for this academic year to align with revised guidelines. However, starting from the academic year 2025–26, third-year MBBS/BDS students will no longer be eligible to apply for the STS program due to the revised guidelines.

Financial Support: Upon submission and approval of the final report, a stipend of Rs 30,000 will be provided.

Important Points:
1. All projects involving research on human beings or animals must receive clearance from the Human Ethics Committee or Animal Ethics Committee of the respective institute.
2. Approval of all fellowships is contingent upon review by the Technical Evaluation Committee or Project Approval Committee, as well as the availability of funds under the scheme.

The Department of Health Research (DHR) was established as an independent department under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare on September 17, 2007, through an amendment to the Government of India (Allocation of Business) Rules, 1961. It began operating in November 2008, following the appointment of its inaugural secretary.