Mobility Scheme
5-year research award + ₹5L/year grant for women scientists who relocated · DST KIRAN
The KIRAN Mobility Scheme from the Department of Science & Technology helps women scientists in permanent government research positions who must relocate due to marriage, spouse transfer, aging parents, or children's education — offering a 5-year contractual research fellowship so they can continue independent research at their new location. It provides a monthly salary plus ₹5 lakh/year in research funding. Apply by sending 5 copies of your research proposal by speed post to DST, New Delhi.
About This Scheme
The KIRAN Mobility Scheme from the Department of Science & Technology helps women scientists in permanent government research positions who must relocate due to marriage, spouse transfer, aging parents, or children's education — offering a 5-year contractual research fellowship so they can continue independent research at their new location. It provides a monthly salary plus ₹5 lakh/year in research funding. Apply by sending 5 copies of your research proposal by speed post to DST, New Delhi.
Full official description
The “Mobility Scheme” was launched under Knowledge Involvement in Research Advancement through Nurturing (KIRAN) Programme by the Department of Science & Technology, Government of India, aims to address relocation issue of women scientists working in regular position in Government Organizations. The scheme aims to provide an opportunity to women scientists who are facing difficulties in their present job due to relocation (marriage, transfer of husband to any other location within the country, attending ailing parents, and accompanying children studying in different city) and will act as filler while searching other career option at new place. The initiative intends to provide a harmonious environment during early phases of women scientists where they would like to stay active in research in addition to attending and fulfilling other responsibilities in the domestic front. It offers a contractual research award to women scientists and enables them for independent research.
Benefits
- Monthly consolidated salary for the full project duration (up to 5 years)
- Annual research grant of ₹5,00,000 for consumables, contingencies, travel, and minor equipment
- Need-based manpower support (one research assistant)
- Maximum tenure of 5 years; not renewable after completion
💡 Why Startups Should Care
If you're building a deeptech or life sciences startup, Mobility Scheme fellows are senior women scientists who have stepped back due to relocation and are actively re-engaging in research in your city — they're highly credentialed and available for advisory or part-time research roles.
Who Can Apply (Eligibility)
- Must be a woman scientist currently holding a permanent position at a Government institution, R&D lab, or university
- Must be willing to resign from or take long leave from their permanent position for the fellowship duration
- New location must be at least 500 km from the current city
- Upper age limit: 50 years at the time of application
Exclusions
- New place of relocation must be more than 500 km from the current city of employment
- Upper age limit is 50 years at the time of application
- This award is not renewable after the 5-year tenure
How to Apply
- Prepare a full-fledged research proposal in your area of expertise
- Download the application form from dst.gov.in or online-wosa.gov.in
- Prepare 5 complete copies of the application (general information + research proposal in the prescribed format)
- Send all 5 copies by speed post to: Department of Science and Technology, Technology Bhawan, New Mehrauli Road, New Delhi-110016
- Superscribe the envelope with 'Mobility Scheme'
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the aim of this Scheme?
The Mobility Scheme is an initiative aimed at providing opportunities to women scientists who face job-related challenges due to relocation.
Who is eligible to apply for the scheme?
Women scientists or academicians holding permanent positions in Government Institutions, R&D Labs, or Universities, who are willing to resign or take long leave to avail the fellowship, are eligible.
What circumstances qualify as reasons for relocation under this scheme?
Qualifying circumstances include relocation due to marriage, transfer of a spouse to another location within the country, attending to ailing parents, or accompanying children studying in a different city.
What is the duration of the fellowship under the Scheme?
The total tenure of the award is a maximum of five years.
What financial support is provided to the awardees?
Awardees receive a consolidated monthly salary for the project duration. Additionally, there is a research grant of [?]5 lakh per annum, which includes provisions for consumables, contingencies, travel, and minor equipment necessary for implementing the project.
Is there support for hiring manpower under this scheme?
Yes, the scheme provides need-based support for hiring one manpower personnel to assist in the research project.
Can the awardee return to their parent organization after the fellowship?
Yes, awardees have the option to return to their parent organization after completing the tenure of the fellowship.
Are there any restrictions on the location of the new workplace?
Yes, the new workplace must be located more than 500 km away from the applicant's current city.
What is the upper age limit for applicants?
Applicants must be under the age of 50 to be eligible for the scheme.
How can one apply for the Mobility Scheme?
Applicants need to prepare a detailed research proposal in their area of expertise. Five copies of the application form, including general information and the research proposal in the prescribed format, should be submitted.
Where can applicants find the application format?
The prescribed application format is available on the Department of Science & Technology's official website.
To whom should the application be sent?
Five copies of the application should be sent to Department of Science & Technology, Technology Bhawan, New Mehrauli Road, New Delhi-110016, by speed post.
Is the scheme applicable to women scientists in private institutions?
No, the scheme is specifically designed for women scientists working in permanent positions in Government Institutions, R&D Labs, or Universities.
Ready to apply?
Visit the official government portal to apply for this scheme.
Apply on myScheme.gov.inDocuments Required
- Identity proof
- Research proposal in the prescribed format
- Proof of current employment (permanent position in Government Institution/R&D Lab/University)
- Relocation proof (marriage certificate, spouse transfer letter, or similar)
- Academic and professional qualification certificates
- Age proof
- Bank account details
- Any other documents if required