A special programme of Indo-French cooperation in science is meant for women scientists. The Central Government’s PROWIS-I Fellowship, short for Indo-French Postdoctoral Research Programme for Women in Science, gives women scientists a chance to do collaborative research at a research institute in France. The programme is run by the Indo-French Centre for the Promotion of Advanced Research, known as CEFIPRA. Its aim is to build research cooperation between women scientists of the two countries and to give them international research experience. Women scientists from Haryana can also apply.
How much money is given
The fellowship amount depends on the country where the research is done. Indian nationals doing research in France get €2,000 a month. French nationals doing research in India get ₹90,000 a month.
- For Indian nationals in France: €2,000 per month
- For French nationals in India: ₹90,000 per month
- Extra allowances: miscellaneous allowances are also given
- Travel: to-and-fro air travel between India and France
- Duration: 3 to 4 months
- Research is done jointly at a French or Indian institute
Who can apply
The eligibility conditions are as follows.
- Women scientists holding a PhD degree
- A sanctioned or tenured post at a recognised institute in India or France
- The research proposal should be based on collaboration between Indian and French institutes
- No postdoctoral fellowship availed in the last 5 years
- The fellowship cannot be held with another fellowship at the same time
- The research topic should be relevant to both countries
The applicant has to give details of the host institute and the collaborating institute. The research proposal should clearly state what the researchers of the two countries will work on together and what its benefit will be.
How to apply
Applications are made through the online portal of CEFIPRA. The applicant has to register on the portal and fill the research proposal, academic details and host institute information. The last application cycle closed on 23 September 2025 and the next cycle has not been announced yet. Applications will open only when a new notification comes on the CEFIPRA website and the India Science, Technology and Innovation portal. Interested women scientists should therefore keep an eye on the CEFIPRA website and wait for the announcement of the next cycle.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: How much money is given under the PROWIS-I Fellowship? A: Indian nationals in France get €2,000 a month and French nationals in India get ₹90,000 a month, along with travel expenses. Q2: What is the duration of this fellowship? A: The fellowship lasts 3 to 4 months, and the research is done at an institute in France or India. Q3: Who can apply for this fellowship? A: Women scientists holding a PhD, with a sanctioned or tenured post at a recognised institute, who have not taken a postdoctoral fellowship in the last 5 years. Q4: When will the next application cycle open? A: The last cycle closed on 23 September 2025. The next cycle has not been announced yet, so keep checking the CEFIPRA website.
Useful links
- Scheme details on MyScheme: https://www.myscheme.gov.in/schemes/prowis-i
- CEFIPRA website: https://www.cefipra.org
- Also see — WISE-SCOPE Fellowship for women scientists: https://www.viksitharyana.com/english/central-government-wise-scope-fellowship-haryana/
- Also see — SERB-POWER Fellowship for women researchers: https://www.viksitharyana.com/english/central-government-serb-power-fellowship-haryana/
- Complete list of all 726 Central Government schemes: https://www.viksitharyana.com/english/kendra-sarkar-ki-yojnayen-2/
