The Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday approved the continuation of the Biomedical Research Career Programme (BRCP), Phase III, to be implemented between 2025-26 and 2030-31, with an additional six-year support period until 2037-38. The programme, launched in partnership between the Department of Biotechnology (DBT), the Wellcome Trust (UK), and the DBT/Wellcome Trust India Alliance, will have a total outlay of ₹1,500 crore, of which DBT will contribute ₹1,000 crore and the Wellcome Trust ₹500 crore.
The BRCP, first launched in 2008-09 and expanded in 2018-19, has positioned India as an emerging hub for biomedical sciences of global repute. With Phase III, the government aims to further strengthen India’s scientific ecosystem in line with the goals of Viksit Bharat. The initiative will nurture top-tier scientific talent, foster interdisciplinary research for translational innovation, and reduce regional disparities in scientific capacity, thereby building a world-class biomedical research environment with international impact.
Phase III will introduce multiple initiatives, including Early Career and Intermediate Research Fellowships in basic, clinical, and public health research, Collaborative Grants Programmes such as Career Development and Catalytic Collaborative Grants for multi-investigator teams, and a Research Management Programme to strengthen institutional support systems. Additional focus areas will include mentorship, networking, public engagement, and forging new national and international partnerships.
The programme is expected to deliver wide-ranging outcomes, including the training of over 2,000 students and postdoctoral fellows, production of high-impact publications, patentable discoveries, and increased participation of women researchers by 10-15%. Around 25-30% of collaborative programmes are expected to progress to technology readiness level (TRL) 4 and beyond, while activities will also expand into Tier-2 and Tier-3 institutions.
Officials noted that the initiative will drive scientific excellence, skills development, collaboration, and knowledge exchange across the country. By investing in talent, capacity, and translational research, Phase III seeks to consolidate India’s standing in the global knowledge economy while aligning with national priorities in health and innovation.