Indo-French Postdoctoral Research Programme for Women in Science (PROWIS-I) is a Central Government scheme run by the Indo-French Centre for the Promotion of Advanced Research (CEFIPRA) under the Ministry of Science and Technology. The scheme sends young women researchers from India and France to each other's countries for advanced research in science and technology, with a monthly fellowship and travel support.
Applications for this scheme are accepted in calls. The latest call under PROWIS-I closed on 23 September 2025, so applications are not open right now. CEFIPRA announces a fresh call on its official website when the next round starts, so keep checking cefipra.org for the update.
Indo-French Postdoctoral Research Programme for Women in Science - Introduction
PROWIS-I helps young women scientists from both countries work with research teams in the partner country and move ahead in their research careers. A selected researcher gets to spend three to four months at a host institution in the partner country, working on a research proposal of her choice in STEM or allied science areas.
The scheme gives preference to women researchers who have not had international exposure before. So it is a good chance for first-time international collaboration, especially for those with a strong record of research and publications.
Key Information
| Scheme Name | Indo-French Postdoctoral Research Programme for Women in Science (PROWIS-I) |
|---|---|
| Level | Central |
| Scheme For | Individual |
| Category | Science, IT & Communications, Women and Child |
| Sub Category | Research & Development |
| Nodal Ministry | Ministry of Science and Technology |
| Implementing Agency | Indo-French Centre for Promotion of Advanced Research (CEFIPRA) |
| Fellowship Duration | 3 to 4 months |
| Application Mode | Online |
| Official Website | www.cefipra.org |
Benefits
Selected women researchers get a monthly fellowship plus travel support, so they can focus on their research during the visit:
| Recipient | Monthly Fellowship Amount |
|---|---|
| Indian National | €2,000 approx |
| French National | ₹90,000 |
In addition to the monthly fellowship, the scheme covers to and fro international travel between India and France along with miscellaneous allowances.
Women researchers looking for similar support can also check the Women Scientist Scheme-C for science and technology research opportunities.
Eligibility
Women researchers from India and France can apply if they meet these conditions:
- The applicant must be an Indian citizen or a French citizen living in France, working at a recognised university or research institution in India or France.
- Indian applicants need a PhD degree and a tenured or sanctioned post in a scientific or academic institution.
- French applicants need a PhD degree and should currently be working on a postdoctoral project.
- The research visit should take place during the applicant's employment period with the concerned institution.
- The applicant should not have received any postdoctoral fellowship in the partner country during the last five years.
- This fellowship cannot be taken together with any other active grant.
Preference goes to candidates with no prior international exposure and a good record of R&D experience and publications. CEFIPRA may relax the conditions for highly potential candidates.
Application Process
Applications are submitted online through the CEFIPRA Electronic Project Proposal Management System. There is no offline process.
STEP 1 - Go to the CEFIPRA online application portal at cefipraonline.in and register as a new user.
STEP 2 - Open the Women in Science Research Programme (PROWIS-I) section and fill the application form with personal, academic and employment details.
STEP 3 - Upload the research proposal, invitation letter, NOC and other required documents, then submit the form before the call deadline.
Since the latest call closed on 23 September 2025, new applications are accepted only when CEFIPRA opens the next call. Watch the official CEFIPRA Women in Science page for the next announcement.
Documents
Keep these documents ready before starting the application:
- Invitation or hosting letter from the host scientist or institution, with a reference letter covering the relevance of the proposed research, its importance for India and France, and the benefit of the fellowship for the applicant's research career.
- A two-page research proposal in STEM or allied science areas.
- A no-objection certificate (NOC) from the current employer.
- A recent passport-sized photograph.
- A valid passport and educational certificates.
- Any other documents mentioned on the application portal.
Contact Details
For any query, contact CEFIPRA at (+91-11) 2468 2251 / 2468 2252 or email contact.ifcpar@cefipra.org. The office is at 5B, Ground Floor, India Habitat Centre, Lodhi Road, New Delhi 110003.
References
Official PROWIS page on CEFIPRA website
PROWIS-I call guidelines (PDF)
CEFIPRA online application portal
India Science and Technology portal announcement
FAQ's
What is the aim of this programme?
This scheme gives young women scientists of India and France a platform to work with each other's research communities on advanced studies in frontier areas of science and technology.
Which organisation runs this scheme?
The scheme is run by the Indo-French Centre for the Promotion of Advanced Research (CEFIPRA) under the Ministry of Science and Technology.
What are the academic requirements for applicants?
Indian applicants need a PhD and a tenured or sanctioned post in an academic or scientific institution. French applicants need a PhD and should currently be working on a postdoctoral project.
Can I apply if I received a similar fellowship recently?
No. Applicants who received any postdoctoral fellowship in the partner country within the last five years are not eligible.
Who gets preference during selection?
Candidates without prior international exposure and those with a good record of R&D experience and publications get preference.
What is the fellowship duration?
The fellowship lasts for three to four months.
Is the application open now?
No. The latest call closed on 23 September 2025. CEFIPRA announces the next call on its official website, so keep checking cefipra.org.
How can I submit my application?
Applications are submitted online through the CEFIPRA portal at cefipraonline.in. Register as a new user and fill the PROWIS-I form when the next call opens.