Department of Biotechnology (DBT)
The Department of Biotechnology (DBT) was established in 1986 under the Ministry of Science & Technology, Government of India. DBT spearheads policy, funding, and research support in biotechnology and allied life sciences. It plays a pivotal role in building India’s biotechnology ecosystem – from academic research to startups and industry collaborations.
Key Functions
Funding Research & Innovation: Offers grants to universities, research labs, and startups.
Human Resource Development: Runs DBT-JRF (BET Exam), Biotechnology Industrial Training Program (BITP), and overseas fellowships.
Infrastructure Development: Creates Centers of Excellence, biotech parks, and advanced labs.
Policy & Regulation: Frames biotechnology policies and biosafety guidelines; encourages public–private partnerships.
Major Programs for Students & Researchers
DBT-JRF/BET Exam: Fellowship for PhD aspirants in life sciences.
Biotechnology Industrial Training Program (BITP): Hands-on exposure to biotech industries.
Junior Research Fellowships (JRF): For PhD aspirants in DBT-funded projects.
Biotechnology Ignition Grant (BIG): Early-stage funding for startups.
Institutes Under DBT
DBT funds and oversees a network of national-level institutes, including:
National Institute of Immunology (NII), New Delhi
National Centre for Cell Science (NCCS), Pune
Rajiv Gandhi Centre for Biotechnology (RGCB), Thiruvananthapuram
National Institute of Plant Genome Research (NIPGR), New Delhi
Institute of Life Sciences (ILS), Bhubaneswar
Why Students Should Know About DBT
Career pathways in both academia and industry.
Access to cutting-edge facilities & training.
Opportunities to lead projects or start ventures early in your career.
Networking with India’s top scientists and international collaborators.
Website
https://dbtindia.gov.in/
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