WISE Post-Doctoral Fellowship

WISE Post-Doctoral Fellowship is a research scheme by the Department of Science and Technology (DST) for Indian women scientists and technologists aged 27 to 60 years. It helps women continue research after Ph.D. in basic and applied sciences as bench-level scientists with a monthly fellowship, research grant and equipment support.

DST runs this fellowship under the Women in Science and Engineering-KIRAN (WISE-KIRAN) umbrella. The department accepts project proposals whenever a fresh call is announced. The last call under WISE-PDF closed on 28 February 2025, and the department has said the next call will be announced on its official website.

WISE Post-Doctoral Fellowship - Introduction

WISE-PDF gives women scientists an independent post-doctoral research grant so they can stay in science after completing their Ph.D. The main aim is to encourage women scientists to carry out research in science and engineering and to involve them in knowledge sharing work through the Science and Social Responsibility (SSR) programme of DST.

Support under this fellowship is available in five subject areas, which are given below.

• Physical and Mathematical Sciences [PM]: Physics, mathematics and related disciplines where women scientists can send their research proposals.
• Chemical Sciences [CS]: Chemistry and allied areas of chemical research.
• Life Sciences [LS]: Biology, biotechnology and other life science fields.
• Earth and Atmospheric Sciences [EA]: Geology, oceanography, meteorology and related earth science areas.
• Engineering and Technology [ET]: Engineering disciplines and technology development projects.

The project can be carried out for a maximum period of 3 years. A selected woman scientist works as the Principal Investigator on her own project with the help of a mentor and a host institution.

Key Information

Benefits

Selected women scientists get financial support for the full project period. As per the revised fellowship order of 2024, the benefits under WISE-PDF are:

The fellowship amount was revised to ₹67,000 per month through the Office Memorandum on revision of fellowship under the different programmes of the WISE-KIRAN Division.

Eligibility

To apply for WISE Post-Doctoral Fellowship, a woman scientist needs to meet the following conditions.

• Age: The applicant must be between 27 and 60 years of age.
• Qualification: She should hold a Ph.D. in basic or applied science or an equivalent degree such as MD, MS or MDS from a recognized university.
• Employment: Women in regular or permanent employment are not eligible. Women who are temporarily employed in research or academics can apply, but they must leave that assignment if their project is approved.
• Career Break: A career break is not a mandatory condition. Women who have taken a break from research are welcome to apply.

Application Process

Applications for WISE-PDF are submitted online through the DST e-PMS portal when a call for proposals is open. The steps are given below.

STEP 1 - Watch the official DST website at dst.gov.in for the next call announcement under the WISE-PDF page. The last call closed on 28 February 2025.

STEP 2 - Register on the DST online portal at onlinedst.gov.in using an active email ID. The portal sends an ID and a link to set a secure password.

STEP 3 - Log in and fill in the detailed project proposal form with the scientific discipline, host institution details and mentor details.

STEP 4 - Preview the application carefully before final submission, because changes cannot be made after the form is submitted.

STEP 5 - Click the final submit button and save or print a copy of the application. Make sure all supporting files, such as the project proposal document, are under 2MB in size.

Documents

These documents should be kept ready while preparing the online proposal.

• Signed Project Proposal Document: The complete proposal with the research plan and budget details.
• Biodata of PI and Mentor: Signed biodata of the Principal Investigator and the mentor in the format given in the guidelines.
• Proof of age: Birth certificate or 10th class certificate.
• Highest degree certificate: Ph.D., MD, MS or MDS certificate from a recognized university.
• Photo and signature: Passport-size photograph and clear signature of the Principal Investigator.
• Caste or disability certificate: Needed only if applicable.
• HRA declaration: To be submitted if house rent allowance is claimed.

References

Official DST Scheme Page | WISE-PDF Scheme Guidelines PDF | WISE-KIRAN Programme Page | Fellowship Revision Order PDF

FAQ's

Is WISE-PDF currently accepting applications?

The last call for WISE-PDF proposals closed on 28 February 2025. The next call will be announced on the official DST website, and it is expected soon.

What is the fellowship amount?

Selected women scientists receive ₹67,000 per month as fellowship along with House Rent Allowance as per DST norms. A research grant of ₹2.00 lakh per year and equipment support up to ₹3.00 lakh are also given.

What is the minimum qualification required?

An applicant must hold a Ph.D. in basic or applied sciences or an equivalent degree like MD, MS or MDS from a recognized university.

What is the age criteria?

Women between 27 and 60 years of age can apply for WISE-PDF.

Are employed women scientists eligible?

Women in permanent or regular employment are not eligible. Women in temporary research or academic positions can apply, but they must leave that assignment if the project is approved.

Can I have more than one mentor?

No. The scheme allows only one mentor for a project.

Who should I contact for queries?

For WISE-PDF related queries, contact Mr. Shubham Goel, Scientist C, S&T Capacity Building Division, DST at 011-26590625 or email goel.shubham@gov.in.