WISE Fellowship for Ph.D.
₹37,000/month + HRA + ₹1L/year grant · women scientists · Ph.D. research
The WISE-PhD Fellowship, offered by the Department of Science and Technology, provides unemployed women scientists aged 27–45 with a monthly fellowship of ₹37,000 plus HRA to pursue a PhD in basic or applied science (STEM). The fellowship covers up to 5 years or until PhD thesis submission and is open to women who have a postgraduate degree and have not yet completed 2 years of their PhD. Applications are accepted year-round through the DST online portal (onlinedst.gov.in).
About This Scheme
The WISE-PhD Fellowship, offered by the Department of Science and Technology, provides unemployed women scientists aged 27–45 with a monthly fellowship of ₹37,000 plus HRA to pursue a PhD in basic or applied science (STEM). The fellowship covers up to 5 years or until PhD thesis submission and is open to women who have a postgraduate degree and have not yet completed 2 years of their PhD. Applications are accepted year-round through the DST online portal (onlinedst.gov.in).
Full official description
The "WISE Fellowship for Ph.D. (WISE-PhD)" was started by the Department of Science and Technology under ‘Women in Science and Engineering-KIRAN (WISE-KIRAN)’ Scheme to provide an opportunity to carry out Doctoral research in basic and applied sciences to women scientists and technologists between the age group of 27-45 years who want to pursue research in STEM fields as a bench-level scientist.
Vision:
WISE-PhD provides an opportunity for women to pursue higher education, i.e., a Ph.D. through an independent project grant.
Objectives:
The main objective of WISE-PhD is to encourage women scientists to conduct Doctoral research in science and engineering and to engage them in knowledge dissemination through SSR.
Target Group:
Women who have Post Graduation in Basic or Applied Sciences or an equivalent degree and wish to pursue Ph.D. in basic & applied sciences can apply to the WISE-PhD programme for financial support. Women in regular employment are not eligible for this programme.
Scientific Disciplines:
Under WISE-PhD, support is available in 5 scientific disciplines viz. (1) Physical and Mathematical Sciences (2) Chemical Sciences (3) Life Sciences (4) Earth and Atmospheric Sciences, and (5) Engineering & Technology
Project Duration:
The project is tenable for a maximum period of five (5) years or till submission of a Ph.D. thesis, whichever is earlier.
Benefits
- Monthly fellowship of ₹37,000 plus House Rent Allowance (HRA) as per DST norms
- Research Grant of ₹1 lakh/year
- Institutional overhead charges of ₹50,000/year
- Support for up to 5 years or until PhD thesis submission, whichever comes first
💡 Why Startups Should Care
WISE-PhD fellows are women scientists re-entering or entering research careers with government backing — if you're building research management tools, lab automation, or academic career platforms, this cohort is an underserved, growing segment with active institutional affiliations.
Who Can Apply (Eligibility)
- Must be a woman and an Indian citizen, aged 27–45 years (3-year age relaxation for SC/ST/PH candidates)
- Must hold an M.Sc., M.Tech., B.Tech., M.Phil., M.Pharm., or equivalent degree in basic or applied sciences
- Must be unemployed — not in any regular employment
- Can apply before or after PhD registration, but must not have completed more than 2 years of PhD as of the application date
- Must not be receiving any other fellowship or scholarship
- Eligible research disciplines: Physical/Mathematical Sciences, Chemical Sciences, Life Sciences, Earth & Atmospheric Sciences, Engineering & Technology
How to Apply
- Applications are accepted throughout the year at the ePMS portal at onlinedst.gov.in.
- Download the proposal format from dst.gov.in or onlinedst.gov.in.
- Submit the complete proposal in the prescribed format through the ePMS portal.
- Shortlisted candidates are notified; selection is based on research proposal quality and academic record.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is PI?
Principal Investigator (PI) is the WISE-PhD Fellow, i.e., the applicant.
What is the last date for application submission?
The portal is open throughout the year for proposal submission.
What is the age limit for WISE-PhD?
27-45 years.
Is there any relaxation in the lower age limit?
No, there is 3 years relaxation in the upper age limit for SC/ ST/ PH candidates.
I am not registered for Ph.D. Can I apply?
Yes, subject to other eligibility criteria.
I am registered for Ph.D. and receiving a fellowship, am I still eligible to apply?
No.
I am in 3rd /4th /5th year of Ph.D. Am I eligible to apply?
No.
Is a research paper mandatory to apply for WISE-PhD?
No.
Where should I apply?
Where do I get the guidelines and formats for applying?
Please visit https://onlinedst.gov.in/Documents/ProjectProposalFormat/SchemeId_2319_Advertis ement_WISE_PhDwithInstructionSheet_ePMS_Revised.docx
Who will register for WISE-PhD at the online portal?
PI should register/ apply.
Institute where I register for my Ph.D. and Implementing Institute of WISE-PhD; are the same?
Yes.
Should Ph.D. guide/ supervisor be the same as Scientist mentor?
Yes.
Can I change the topic of the proposal during Ph.D. registration?
Only minor modifications may be possible. Before applying, the applicant should finalize the topic and plan of work with the scientist mentor.
Can the duration of WISE-PhD exceed 5 years?
No.
Can the duration of WISE-PhD be less than 5 years?
Yes.
I have filled the application online. Do I need to fill the Proposal format provided in the Formats section also?
Yes. The docx and pdf file of the offline proposal available in formats is to be mandatorily uploaded in the Submission section of the Online form.
For technical issues in filling the form whom should I contact?
Do I need to send hard copies of the proposal to DST?
No.
In how much time can I expect the result of my submission?
Around 6 months
Is there any enhancement announced in WISE-PhD fellowship amount?
Yes. The WISE-PhD fellowship was enhanced from [?]31,000/- to [?]37,000/- per month vide OM dated 18th October, 2023.
I have submitted the application form before 18th October, 2023 with old fellowship amount. How do I update it?
The applicant need not to update the revised fellowship. The enhanced fellowship amount will be automatically considered as per the latest OM.
Ready to apply?
Visit the official government portal to apply for this scheme.
Apply on myScheme.gov.inDocuments Required
- Complete proposal in prescribed format
- High school certificate
- Highest degree certificate
- SC/ST/PH certificate (if claiming age relaxation)
- No Objection Certificate from current employer (if applicable)