Empowering
India's Next
Generation of
Ornithologists
The Dr. Bhavbhuti Parasharya Ornithology Fellowship by Voluntary Nature Conservancy supports exceptional young researchers dedicated to the study and conservation of India's avian biodiversity.
A fellowship rooted in science and stewardship
The Dr. Bhavbhuti Parasharya Ornithology Fellowship represents a commitment to India's natural heritage. Established by the Voluntary Nature Conservancy, it provides financial support, mentorship, and field resources to emerging ornithologists committed to advancing our understanding of avian life across the subcontinent.
Established 2014
Honoring a lifetime of avian research
Purpose
To nurture and support young ornithologists who demonstrate exceptional promise in avian research and conservation across India's diverse ecosystems.
Vision
A India where scientific inquiry and conservation action go hand in hand, safeguarding the country's rich avian heritage for generations to come.
Legacy
Named in honor of Dr. Bhavbhuti Parasharya, a pioneering ornithologist whose decades of fieldwork in central India laid the groundwork for modern avian conservation.
Why It Matters
India is home to over 1,350 bird species. Protecting this biodiversity requires a new generation of trained, passionate researchers equipped with modern tools and field expertise.
Voluntary Nature Conservancy
For over two decades, VNC has been at the forefront of environmental conservation and community-driven ecological research in India.
Our Journey
Fellowship Highlights
A comprehensive package designed to support your research journey from start to publication.
Research Grant
Up to ₹3,00,000 in research funding to support your ornithological fieldwork and study across India.
Field Work Support
Equipment, logistics, and travel support for intensive fieldwork in diverse habitats and ecosystems.
Expert Mentorship
One-on-one guidance from India's leading ornithologists and conservation scientists throughout your fellowship.
Publication Support
Assistance with publishing your findings in peer-reviewed journals and presenting at national conferences.
Networking
Access to a prestigious network of 200+ fellowship alumni, researchers, and conservation organizations.
Certificate & Recognition
Official certification from VNC and opportunity to be featured in annual fellowship publications.
Eligibility Criteria
We welcome applications from passionate young researchers across India. Our selection process values academic excellence, research potential, and genuine commitment to conservation.
Check if you qualifyAcademic
- Enrolled in or recently completed a Master's or PhD program in Ornithology, Wildlife Biology, Ecology, or related field
- Minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 or equivalent
- Strong academic references from faculty advisors
Research
- Demonstrated interest in avian research or conservation through coursework, projects, or publications
- Clear research proposal aligned with Indian ornithological priorities
- Willingness to conduct fieldwork in challenging terrain
Personal
- Indian citizen between 21–35 years of age at time of application
- Strong communication skills in English and/or Hindi
- Commitment to sharing research findings with local communities
Application Process
A straightforward five-step process designed to identify India's most promising ornithological talent.
Review Guidelines
Read the fellowship guidelines, research priorities, and eligibility criteria carefully.
Submit Application
Complete the online application form with your research proposal, CV, and references.
Expert Review
Applications are reviewed by a panel of ornithologists and conservation scientists.
Interview
Shortlisted candidates are invited for a virtual interview with the selection committee.
Announcement
Selected fellows are announced and awarded the fellowship with full support.
Review Guidelines
Read the fellowship guidelines, research priorities, and eligibility criteria carefully.
Submit Application
Complete the online application form with your research proposal, CV, and references.
Expert Review
Applications are reviewed by a panel of ornithologists and conservation scientists.
Interview
Shortlisted candidates are invited for a virtual interview with the selection committee.
Announcement
Selected fellows are announced and awarded the fellowship with full support.
Fellowship Benefits
Every aspect of the fellowship is designed to remove barriers and empower you to do your best research.
Field Equipment
Access to high-end cameras, binoculars, GPS devices, and audio recording equipment for your research.
Travel Support
Full coverage of domestic travel to field sites, including flights, accommodation, and local transport.
Publication Grant
Dedicated funding for open-access publication fees in high-impact international journals.
Annual Workshop
Exclusive access to VNC's annual ornithology workshop with international speakers and hands-on training.
Alumni Network
Lifetime membership to a growing network of 200+ ornithologists, researchers, and conservation professionals.
Field Station Access
Free accommodation at VNC partner research stations across India during fieldwork periods.
Featured Photography
Stunning captures from our fellows and researchers across India's most biodiverse regions.
Indian Peafowl in morning light
Kingfisher diving for prey
Himalayan Monal in alpine meadow
Cranes in wetlands at dawn
Bird researcher in the field
Eagle soaring over Western Ghats
Sunrise over bird sanctuary
Meet the Mentors
Learn from India's most distinguished ornithologists and conservation scientists who guide our fellows.
Dr. Arun Sharma
Lead Ornithologist
Bombay Natural History Society
30+ years studying raptor migration across the Indian subcontinent. Published over 120 peer-reviewed papers.
Dr. Meera Patel
Conservation Ecologist
Wildlife Institute of India
Specialist in wetland bird conservation. Led the national monitoring program for migratory waterbirds.
Dr. Rajesh Kumar
Avian Behaviorist
Indian Institute of Science
Pioneering research on bird communication and vocal learning in tropical species.
What They Say
“The VNC fellowship transformed my research trajectory. The mentorship and field support enabled me to document three previously unrecorded migratory patterns in the Thar Desert.”
Fellowship Timeline
Mark these important dates for the 2026 fellowship cycle.
Applications Open
Online application portal goes live. Begin preparing your research proposal and supporting documents.
Application Deadline
Last date for submission of complete applications with all required documents and references.
Review Process
Expert panel reviews all applications based on research merit, feasibility, and alignment with fellowship goals.
Interviews
Shortlisted candidates are invited for virtual interviews with the selection committee.
Fellowship Announcement
Selected fellows are publicly announced and awarded the fellowship with immediate effect.
Frequently Asked
Indian citizens between 21-35 years of age who are enrolled in or have recently completed a Master's or PhD program in Ornithology, Wildlife Biology, Ecology, or a related field. Applicants must demonstrate a clear research proposal aligned with Indian ornithological priorities.
Your research journey
starts here
Join a community of passionate researchers dedicated to understanding and protecting India's rich avian heritage. Applications close August 31, 2026.
Need help? Contact us at fellowship@vnc.org.in