The Central Government’s Women Scientist Scheme-A gives a second chance to women scientists who moved away from research because of marriage or family responsibilities. The scheme is run by the Department of Science and Technology and its aim is to bring back into mainstream science those women scientists who took a career break. Under it, a woman scientist works on her research proposal for 3 years and gets a monthly fellowship along with a research grant. The scheme stays open throughout the year, so there is no last date to apply.
How much money is given
The fellowship amount depends on the academic qualification. PhD holders get ₹55,000 a month and M.Tech, MD or MS holders get ₹40,000 a month. No house rent allowance is given under this scheme.
- For PhD holders: ₹55,000 per month
- For M.Tech, MD or MS holders: ₹40,000 per month
- Project cost limits: M.Sc ₹20 lakh, M.Tech ₹25 lakh, PhD ₹30 lakh
- Duration: 3 years
- House rent allowance: not given
Who can apply
The eligibility conditions are as follows.
- Women scientists, at least 27 years of age
- Maximum age: 35 years for M.Sc, 57 years for PhD
- Minimum qualification: post-graduation in basic or applied science, B.Tech or MBBS
- At least a 2-year career break after the highest degree
- Should not be in regular employment
- Women in temporary or ad hoc jobs can also apply, but must leave the job if approved
There are 5 research streams: Physical and Mathematical Sciences, Chemical Sciences, Life Sciences, Earth and Atmospheric Sciences, and Engineering and Technology. The applicant has to choose a recognised institute as the host institute.
How to apply
Applications are made through the online portal online-wosa.gov.in. The applicant has to register on the portal and fill the research proposal, academic details and host institute information. According to the official FAQ of the Department of Science and Technology, this is an open-ended scheme and applications can be made throughout the year. There is no last date. Selection committee meetings are held at regular intervals, in which eligible applicants are selected. Interested women scientists can therefore submit their proposals at any time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: How much money is given under the Women Scientist Scheme-A? A: PhD holders get ₹55,000 a month and M.Tech, MD or MS holders get ₹40,000 a month. No house rent allowance is given. Q2: Who can apply for this scheme? A: Women scientists above 27 years of age, who took at least a 2-year career break after their highest degree and are not in regular employment. Q3: What is the last date to apply? A: There is no last date for this scheme. It stays open throughout the year and selection committee meetings are held at regular intervals. Q4: How is this scheme different from WISE-PDF and WISE-SCOPE? A: WOS-A is for women returning to research after a career break, while WISE-PDF is a postdoctoral fellowship and WISE-SCOPE is for research on societal challenges.
Useful links
- Scheme details on MyScheme: https://www.myscheme.gov.in/schemes/wos-a
- Online application portal: https://online-wosa.gov.in
- Also see — WISE-SCOPE Fellowship for women scientists: https://www.viksitharyana.com/english/central-government-wise-scope-fellowship-haryana/
- Also see — SERB-POWER Research Grants for women researchers: https://www.viksitharyana.com/english/central-government-serb-power-research-grants-haryana/
- Complete list of all 726 Central Government schemes: https://www.viksitharyana.com/english/kendra-sarkar-ki-yojnayen-2/
