Women Scientist Scheme-A
₹31,000–55,000/month research grant · women scientists with career break · India
Female scientists who are unemployed or on a career break (preferably 2+ years) can apply for a government research grant to pursue independent bench-level research in physical, chemical, life, earth, or engineering sciences. The fellowship runs for up to 3 years, paying ₹31,000–₹55,000 per month depending on qualification, plus HRA and project costs. Apply online at online-wosa.gov.in.
About This Scheme
Female scientists who are unemployed or on a career break (preferably 2+ years) can apply for a government research grant to pursue independent bench-level research in physical, chemical, life, earth, or engineering sciences. The fellowship runs for up to 3 years, paying ₹31,000–₹55,000 per month depending on qualification, plus HRA and project costs. Apply online at online-wosa.gov.in.
Full official description
A Research Grant by MoST for female candidates to pursue research in frontier areas of science and engineering, preferably those having a break in career (minimum two years) and not having regular employment, to explore possibility of re-entry into the profession.
This scheme will provide a research grant for a well-defined project proposal for a period of maximum three years. This grant will cover the fellowship of the applicant and cost of small equipments, contingencies, travel, consumables, etc. Institutional overhead charges will be extra.
The support is available in 5 disciplines under WOS-A namely, i) Physical & Mathematical Sciences (PMS), ii) Chemical Sciences (CS), iii) Life Sciences (LS), iv) Earth & Atmospheric Sciences (EAS), and v) Engineering Technology (ET).
The scheme plays pivotal role in gender mainstreaming as it not only prevents brain drain from S&T system but also train and retain women in the system. The scheme initially offers opportunity to work as bench-level scientists and ultimately open new avenues for permanent position in Science & Technology.
Benefits
- ₹55,000 per month + HRA for Ph.D. or equivalent; total project cost up to ₹30 lakh
- ₹40,000 per month + HRA for M.Phil/M.Tech or equivalent; total project cost up to ₹25 lakh
- ₹31,000 per month + HRA for M.Sc. or equivalent; total project cost up to ₹20 lakh
- Grant covers fellowship, small equipment, consumables, travel, and contingencies for up to 3 years
- Payment via Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT)
💡 Why Startups Should Care
For women scientists re-entering research after a career break, this scheme funds independent research at a livable stipend — potentially the foundation for a deeptech startup built on your own research findings.
Who Can Apply (Eligibility)
- Must be a woman between 27 and 57 years old (5-year relaxation for SC/ST/OBC and physically challenged candidates)
- Must be unemployed or in a temporary/non-permanent role — women in regular permanent positions are not eligible
- Minimum qualification: M.Sc. in basic or applied sciences, B.Tech., MBBS, or equivalent; or M.Phil/M.Tech/M.Pharm; or Ph.D. in sciences
Exclusions
- Women in permanent positions are not eligible to apply
How to Apply
- Register at the online portal (online-wosa.gov.in/wosa).
- Submit your project proposal document and signed biodata.
- Provide your mentor's signed biodata.
- Attach caste certificate if applicable.
- On approval, receive the monthly stipend plus project funding for your research.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a validity to the scheme benefits?
The benefits are provided for a period of maximum three years.
Are contingencies covered under the research grant?
This grant will cover the fellowship of the applicant and cost of small equipments, contingencies, travel, consumables, etc.
What would be the mode of payment of the scholarship?
The payment of the scholarship will be through DBT.
Are temporary/contractual assignments considered as break?
Yes, all temporary/contractual assignments in academics and research are considered as break.
Will I be eligible for the scholarship if I fail to get promoted to the next semester?
No. The scholarship will be terminated in that case.
Can I apply offline for the scholarship?
No. You need to visit https://online-wosa.gov.in/wosa/ to apply.
Is there any application fee?
No. The entire application process is completely free of cost.
Which scientific disciplines are covered under this grant?
i) Physical & Mathematical Sciences (PMS), ii) Chemical Sciences (CS), iii) Life Sciences (LS), iv) Earth & Atmospheric Sciences (EAS), and v) Engineering Technology (ET)
Is it possible to pursue PhD along with a WOS-A project?
Yes, the beneficiary is allowed to do so.
I am 24 years in age. Can I apply for the scheme?
Women scientists, less than 27 years of age are not eligible.
Do I need to complete the application in one sitting?
No. You can save the application as draft and continue at a later time before the deadline.
What should be the type and size of the documents to be uploaded?
The format should be.pdf. The size of each document should not be greater than 2MB.
How do I know if a field in the application form is mandatory?
The mandatory fields have a red asterisk (*) mark at the end.
I have a query regarding the application process. Whom should I contact regarding the same?
Please contact Dr. Vandana Singh for any query about WOS-A at vandana.singh@nic.in You may also call at 011-26590675 or 011-26590273 during 11am - 1pm in weekdays.
Ready to apply?
Visit the official government portal to apply for this scheme.
Apply on myScheme.gov.inDocuments Required
- Project proposal document
- Biodata of PI (signed)
- Mentor's biodata (signed)
- Caste certificate (if applicable)