WISE Post-Doctoral Fellowship
₹55,000/month + ₹2L/year + ₹3L equipment · women post-doctoral scientists
The WISE Post-Doctoral Fellowship (WISE-PDF), run by the Department of Science and Technology, provides women scientists aged 27–60 who hold a PhD with a monthly fellowship of ₹55,000 plus HRA to continue research in basic or applied sciences for up to 3 years. The program also covers research grants and small equipment costs. Applications are accepted year-round at the DST-WISE portal (online-wosa.gov.in).
About This Scheme
The WISE Post-Doctoral Fellowship (WISE-PDF), run by the Department of Science and Technology, provides women scientists aged 27–60 who hold a PhD with a monthly fellowship of ₹55,000 plus HRA to continue research in basic or applied sciences for up to 3 years. The program also covers research grants and small equipment costs. Applications are accepted year-round at the DST-WISE portal (online-wosa.gov.in).
Full official description
The Department of Science and Technology (DST) is implementing a dedicated umbrella scheme "Women in Science and Engineering-KIRAN (WISE-KIRAN)" with the aim to support women from all walks of life in the domain of Science & Technology. The Department has re-structured one of the flagship programme "Women Scientists Scheme" and come up with a new programme "WISE Post-Doctoral Fellowship (WISE-PDF)" that aims to provide opportunities to women scientists and technologists between the age group of 27-60 years who want to continue the research as bench-level scientists in basic and applied sciences.
Scientific Disciplines:
(1) Physical & Mathematical Sciences [PM] (2) Chemical Sciences [CS] (3) Life Sciences [LS] (4) Earth & Atmospheric Sciences [EA] (5) Engineering & Technology [ET]
Project Duration:
The maximum duration of the project is 3 years.
Benefits
- Monthly fellowship of ₹55,000 plus House Rent Allowance (HRA) as per DST norms
- Research Grant of ₹2 lakh/year
- Equipment cost support up to ₹3 lakh (one-time)
- Institutional overhead charges as per DST norms
- Fellowship valid for up to 3 years
💡 Why Startups Should Care
WISE-PDF fellows have Ph.D. degrees, active research programmes, and ₹55K/month in government salary — they're sophisticated buyers of scientific equipment and software, and potential technical co-founders if your startup is research-intensive.
Who Can Apply (Eligibility)
- Must be a woman with a PhD in Basic/Applied Science or equivalent degree (MD, MS, MDS)
- Age: 27–60 years
- Must not be in regular full-time employment (temporary positions are allowed if relinquished upon selection)
- A career break is not required but candidates with breaks are encouraged to apply
- Eligible research disciplines: Physical & Mathematical Sciences, Chemical Sciences, Life Sciences, Earth & Atmospheric Sciences, Engineering & Technology
How to Apply
- Register at the DST-WISE portal at online-wosa.gov.in — the portal is open throughout the year.
- Download the proposal format from online-wosa.gov.in and prepare your project proposal.
- Submit the complete proposal through the portal with all supporting documents.
- Shortlisted candidates are invited for further evaluation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is WOS-A programme is still open for proposal submission?
No. WOS-A programme is now re-structured and re-designed in to 2 separate programmes for Ph.D. and non-Ph.D. women candidates viz. WISE Post-Doctoral Fellowship (WISE-PDF) and WISE Fellowship for Ph.D. (WISE-PhD).
How WISE-PDF programme is different from WOS-A programme?
The WISE-PDF programme is exclusively cater women scientists who want to pursue Post-Doctoral research in the area of basic and applied sciences, however, WOS-A programme was catering both Ph.D and non-Ph.D category of women scientists. Further, break in career was mandatory in WOS-A programme which is not a mandatory condition for WISE-PDF.
What is the minimum qualification for applying under WISE-PDF?
Ph.D. or equivalent degree.
What is the age limit for WISE-PDF?
27 to 60 years.
Is employed Women Scientists are eligible to apply in WISE-PDF programme?
Women Scientists other than permanent/regular positions are eligible for WOS-A including unemployed.
Is break in career mandatory to apply in WISE-PDF?
Now break in career is not mandatory to apply in WISE-PDF. However, women scientists who had break in their scientific career are still encouraged to apply in WISE-PDF.
What are the subject areas where support is available under WISE-PDF programme?
WISE-PDF programme supports projects in 5 subject areas of basic and applied sciences namely; Physical and Mathematical Sciences (PM), Chemical Sciences (CS), Life Sciences (LS), Earth & Atmospheric Sciences (EA) and Engineering & Technology (ET).
What is the tenure of project under WISE-PDF?
Three (3) years maximum.
What are the official formalities during the time of submission of proposal under WOS-A scheme?
There are no as such official formalities at the time of proposal submission. However, duly signed bio-data of mentor with latest publications is to be uploaded.
Can host institution be the same from where Ph.D. degree has been obtained?
Yes.
Is Ph.D guide can be mentor of WISE-PDF project?
Yes
Is it possible to have more than one mentor for WISE-PDF project?
No.
Can a close relative act as mentor?
No.
When the call is open in WISE-PDF?
The programme is open throughout the year.
Can I change the proposal after final submission?
No.
Can I change my email ID after registration?
No.
Which are the special characters to be avoided while filling the application?
Please avoid using special characters like bullets, tabs, single quotes, double quotes, angular brackets, ampersands etc. while entering the data.
How to start online submission of proposal?
Please go through the website online-wosa.gov.in and click on WISE-PDF button then it will be redirect to the WISE-PDF portal, read instructions carefully and proceed further accordingly.
Which internet browser supports WISE-PDF web portal?
You may use all latest browsers like Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Internet Explorer 9 etc.
I forget my User Id or Password or Password is locked?
Click on "Forgot Password" button. You will receive an email that will contain a link to recreate the Password.
Can I change my e-mail in between the processing?
No. Your registered email ID is the login ID and only way of communication via portal, therefore, no change is allowed.
Any special instructions while filling proposal?
Please try to fill all columns that are displayed, even if they seem to be non-mandatory. Please avoid using special characters like bullets, tabs, single quotes, double quotes, angular brackets, ampersand etc. while entering the data.
How much time the link receives the mail for the creation of Password is valid?
The link is valid for 24 hours only. If this link does not work, you can click on Forgot Password Link available at the Home page of online-wosa.gov.in to get the email again.
If I have problem in submitting the application whom should I contact?
Email the specific problem at support-wosa@nic.in.
If I have any queries related to WOS-A Scheme whom should I contact?
Email your queries at vandana.singh@nic.in
Ready to apply?
Visit the official government portal to apply for this scheme.
Apply on myScheme.gov.inDocuments Required
- Project proposal document (prescribed format from online-wosa.gov.in)
- Biodata of PI (Principal Investigator) — signed, prescribed format
- Ph.D. degree certificate
- Publications list
- No Objection Certificate from host institution