WISE Fellowship for Ph.D. is a running scheme of the Department of Science and Technology (DST) for women researchers who want to do a Ph.D. in science and engineering. DST has been paying the monthly fellowships to selected WISE-PhD fellows through 2026, which shows the scheme is fully operational. Fresh applications are accepted only when a call for proposals is open, and the next call will be announced soon on the official DST website; the last call for proposals closed on 31 December 2024.
This scheme gives a monthly fellowship of ₹37,000 plus HRA, a research grant of ₹1,00,000 per year and ₹50,000 per year as institutional overheads. Women aged 27 to 45 years who want to carry out doctoral research in basic or applied sciences can apply under this scheme.
WISE Fellowship for Ph.D. - Introduction
WISE Fellowship for Ph.D. (WISE-PhD) is part of the WISE-KIRAN scheme of DST, which helps women scientists and technologists continue their research career. The scheme lets women pursue a Ph.D. as bench-level scientists with an independent project grant, so they can carry out their own research instead of just assisting in someone else's project. Women who have already completed their Ph.D. can also check the Back-to-lab Post-doctoral Fellowship Programme and the BioCARe Programme for Women Scientists for further research support.
Support is available in five core scientific disciplines:
- Physical and Mathematical Sciences
- Chemical Sciences
- Life Sciences
- Earth and Atmospheric Sciences
- Engineering and Technology
The project runs for a maximum of 5 years or until the Ph.D. thesis is submitted, whichever comes first. The scheme also allows women who have already registered for a Ph.D. to apply, as long as they are not getting a fellowship from any other source.
Key Information
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Scheme Name | WISE Fellowship for Ph.D. (WISE-PhD) |
| Launched By | Department of Science and Technology (DST) |
| Beneficiaries | Unemployed women researchers aged 27 to 45 years |
| Monthly Fellowship | ₹37,000 plus HRA |
| Research Grant | ₹1,00,000 per year |
| Application Mode | Online on DST e-PMS portal |
| Application Status | Last call closed on 31.12.2024. Next call to be announced |
| Official Website | onlinedst.gov.in |
Benefits
Fellows get strong financial support for their research work during the full duration of the project:
| Component | Amount |
|---|---|
| Monthly Fellowship | ₹37,000 |
| Annual Research Grant | ₹1,00,000 |
| Institutional Overhead | ₹50,000 |
Fellows also get House Rent Allowance (HRA) as per government norms. These revised amounts have been effective since 01.01.2023, and DST has been paying them regularly to selected fellows.
Eligibility
Unemployed women who want to do a Ph.D. can apply for this fellowship. Women who are yet to register for a Ph.D. and women who are already registered but are not getting a fellowship from any other source are both eligible. Women who have completed two years of their Ph.D. at the time of application are not eligible.
Qualification
Applicants need an M.Sc., M.Tech., B.Tech., M.Pharm. or M.Phil. degree in basic or applied sciences from a recognized institution.
Age
Applicants must be between 27 and 45 years of age. SC, ST and PH candidates get a relaxation of 3 years in the upper age limit.
Employment Status
Women in regular employment are not eligible for this fellowship, because the scheme is made for women who are not in any regular job and want to build a research career.
Application Process
Applications are accepted on the DST e-PMS portal at onlinedst.gov.in only when a call for proposals is open. The last call closed on 31 December 2024 and the next call will be announced on the DST website and the e-PMS portal. When the next call opens, follow these steps:
STEP 1 - Go to the official DST e-PMS portal at onlinedst.gov.in and click on 'New PI Registration' to register as a new user.
STEP 2 - Fill in your personal details and make sure the information matches your Host Institute records.
STEP 3 - Select 'WISE-PhD Fellow' as your designation, then log in and click on 'Submit proposals' to start your application.
STEP 4 - Complete all sections including General Information and Financial Details, and calculate your fellowship requirement correctly at ₹37,000 per month.
STEP 5 - Upload the required documents along with your research proposal, then use the 'Preview' button to check the application before clicking 'Final Submit'.
Selection Process
DST carries out a preliminary screening and then a final selection based on the recommendations of Subject Expert Committees. Selected candidates get official communication once the financial and administrative approvals are granted.
Important Notes
Proposals are accepted only through the online portal. Hard copies or email submissions are not accepted. Make sure the application is complete before final submission, because an incomplete application can be rejected.
Documents
Keep these documents ready while filling the application:
- Completed research proposal in the prescribed format
- High School Certificate
- Highest Degree Certificate
- SC, ST or PH Certificate, if applicable for age relaxation
- Certificate from the Head of the Institution
- Ph.D. Registration Letter, if already registered
- Consent letter from the Scientist Mentor or Ph.D. Supervisor
- Bio-data of the Scientist-Mentor
Contact Details
For scheme related help, contact Shri Merugu Naga Subrahmanyeswara Rao, Scientist 'B', WISE-KIRAN Division, Department of Science and Technology, Technology Bhawan, New Mehrauli Road, New Delhi - 110016. Phone: 011-26567373, Email: subrahmanyam.mn@gov.in.
For technical issues while submitting the form on the portal, write to Pmso.dst@nic.in.
References
Official WISE-PhD Scheme Page - DST
View Official WISE-PhD Guidelines (PDF)
FAQ's
Is the portal open throughout the year?
No. Proposals are accepted only when a call for proposals is open. The last call for WISE-PhD closed on 31 December 2024, and the next call will be announced soon on the DST website.
When will the next application call open?
DST has said the next call will be announced soon. Keep checking the DST website (dst.gov.in) and the e-PMS portal (onlinedst.gov.in) for the announcement.
What is the age limit for this scheme?
The age range for applicants is 27 to 45 years. SC, ST and PH candidates get a 3 year relaxation in the upper age limit.
Can I apply if I have already registered for a Ph.D.?
Yes, provided you are not getting a fellowship from any other source and you have not completed more than two years of your Ph.D. at the time of application.
Are hard copies of documents required?
No. Applications are accepted only online through the e-PMS portal. Hard copies and email submissions are not accepted.
Is there any age relaxation available?
Yes. SC, ST and PH candidates receive a 3 year relaxation on the upper age limit.
What should I do if I have technical issues submitting the form?
Write to Pmso.dst@nic.in for technical help with the portal. For scheme related queries, call 011-26567373 or email subrahmanyam.mn@gov.in.
How is the fellowship amount paid?
The monthly fellowship is ₹37,000, and it is paid as per the official norms of the Department of Science and Technology. Fellows also get HRA as per government rules.