Photo: PIB, Government of India
The Central Government’s WISE Post-Doctoral Fellowship (WISE-PDF) is for women scientists who want to continue research as independent bench-level scientists after a PhD. It is given by the Department of Science and Technology (DST) under its WISE-KIRAN programme. It pays ₹55,000 every month, along with HRA. A research grant of ₹2 lakh every year and equipment support of up to ₹3 lakh are also given. The fellowship lasts for a maximum of 3 years. It is for women scientists aged between 27 and 60 years who hold a PhD in basic or applied science. Proposals can be submitted throughout the year on the DST ePMS portal.
How much money is given
Under WISE-PDF, a fellowship of ₹55,000 every month is paid. HRA (House Rent Allowance) is also given as per DST norms. A research grant of ₹2 lakh every year is given for research material, travel and other research expenses. Support of up to ₹3 lakh for small equipment is also given during the tenure. The host institution also gets institutional overhead charges. The fellowship is given for a maximum of 3 years. Over 3 years, the fellowship alone can total ₹19.8 lakh, plus ₹6 lakh as research grant. The amount comes directly into the bank account (DBT). Note: some websites mention a figure of ₹67,000 a month, but the official DST information gives the fellowship as ₹55,000 a month — check the latest rates on onlinedst.gov.in.
Who can apply
For WISE-PDF, the applicant must be a woman scientist aged between 27 and 60 years. She must hold a PhD in basic or applied science or an equivalent degree like MD, MS or MDS. She must not be in regular employment — women who hold a temporary position in research or academics can apply, but they must leave the earlier assignment if the fellowship is approved. A break in career is not mandatory to apply, but women who have had a career break are specially encouraged to apply. The research disciplines are: Physical and Mathematical Sciences, Chemical Sciences, Life Sciences, Earth and Atmospheric Sciences, and Engineering and Technology. The fellow works as a bench-level scientist at a recognised host institution.
How to apply
Applications are made online on the DST ePMS portal, onlinedst.gov.in. Register on the portal and upload the research proposal, PhD degree, age proof and other documents. Proposals for WISE-PDF can be submitted throughout the year — there is no closing date, but check the latest call status on onlinedst.gov.in. Never pay anyone for applying. Selection is based on the research proposal and merit. Selected fellows start research at the host institution. The fellow gets the host institution’s facilities during the research, and progress is reviewed from time to time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: How much money is given under the WISE Post-Doctoral Fellowship? A: ₹55,000 a month plus HRA, a ₹2 lakh yearly research grant and up to ₹3 lakh equipment support.
Q2: For how many years is the fellowship given? A: For a maximum of 3 years.
Q3: Who can apply? A: Women scientists aged 27–60 years with a PhD or MD/MS/MDS, who are not in regular employment.
Q4: Where do I apply? A: Online on the DST ePMS portal onlinedst.gov.in; proposals can be submitted throughout the year.
Useful links
- DST ePMS Portal: https://onlinedst.gov.in/
- WISE-PDF on MyScheme: https://www.myscheme.gov.in/schemes/wise-pdf
- Also see the National Post-Doctoral Fellowship: https://www.viksitharyana.com/english/central-government-national-post-doctoral-fellowship-haryana/
- Next Action: see all 726 Central Government schemes — https://www.viksitharyana.com/english/kendra-sarkar-ki-yojnayen-2/
