Women in Science and Engineering-Societal Challenges with Opportunities (WISE-SCOPE) Fellowship is a central government scheme of the Department of Science & Technology (DST) for women scientists and technologists who have completed their Ph.D. and want to use their research skills for solving grassroots societal problems. Selected women get a monthly fellowship of ₹55,000 plus HRA, an annual research grant of ₹2,00,000 and project support for a tenure of up to 3 years.
As of 2026, the fellowship continues under the WISE-KIRAN umbrella of DST and proposals are invited through the e-PMS portal at onlinedst.gov.in. DST announces fresh calls for proposals from time to time; the latest listed call had a deadline of 31 August 2025, so applicants should check the official DST website for the next open call.
Women in Science And Engineering-Societal Challenges with Opportunities Fellowship - Introduction
WISE-SCOPE Fellowship helps women scientists and technologists who hold a Ph.D. to take up projects that directly deal with problems at the grassroots level and address them through science and technology. The project proposals should offer S&T solutions for social problems, income generation, drudgery reduction, health and nutrition issues, management of natural resources, sustainable agriculture, climate change and disaster management.
Every proposal should include the development of a viable technology or technique with the possibility of lab-to-land transfer, adaptation and scaling up for the benefit of society. The scheme accepts projects under five main thematic areas:
- Energy, Water and Waste Management (EWWM): projects that deal with clean energy, water conservation and scientific waste handling.
- Engineering and Technology Development (ETD): work on new engineering solutions and technology development for local needs.
- Environment, Climate and Sustainable Development (ECSD): projects related to protection of environment, climate change and long-term development.
- Agriculture and Allied Sciences (AAS): research for better farming, crop protection and related fields.
- Health, Food and Nutrition (HFN): projects on community health, food safety and nutrition improvement.
Selected women scientists work on the approved project for a tenure of up to 3 years with regular fellowship and research support from DST.
Key Information
| Scheme Name | Women in Science and Engineering-Societal Challenges with Opportunities Fellowship |
| Level | Central |
| Scheme For | Individual |
| Beneficiary States | All |
| Category | Science, IT & Communications, Women and Child |
| Target Beneficiaries | Individual |
| Sub Category | Research & Development |
| Benefit Type | Composite |
| DBT Scheme | No |
| Nodal Ministry | Ministry of Science And Technology |
| Nodal Department | Department of Science & Technology |
| Implementing Agency | Department of Science & Technology, Government of India |
| Tags | WISE, SCOPE, Fellowship, Woman, Research, Scientist |
Benefits
The fellowship gives complete financial support so that the research goals can be met. The main benefits are:
| Component | Amount |
| Monthly Fellowship | ₹55,000 plus HRA |
| Annual Research Grant | ₹2,00,000 |
| Field Demonstration (Total) | ₹1,00,000 |
| Small Equipment (Total) | Up to ₹2,00,000 |
Also, the host institution receives institutional overhead charges as per standard DST rules.
Eligibility
To apply for this fellowship, you must meet the following criteria:
Employment Status: You should not hold regular employment. If you are working in a temporary research or academic position, for example as a project assistant, you may apply; however, you have to resign from your current assignment if you are selected for the fellowship.
Age Limit: You must be between 27 and 60 years of age as on the date of submission.
Educational Qualification: You are eligible if you hold a Ph.D. in basic or applied sciences, or possess equivalent degrees such as MD, MS or MDS.
Application Process
Applications are accepted only online through the e-PMS portal of DST. No hard copies are accepted. When a call for proposals is open, follow these steps:
STEP 1 - Visit the e-PMS Portal and register yourself as a 'New PI'. Provide all required details including your department and host institute information, and designate yourself as a 'WISE-SCOPE Fellow'.
STEP 2 - Log in and go to the 'Submit proposals' section. Fill in details about your project, mentor, financial requirements and the expected societal impact of the work.
STEP 3 - In the financial section, mention your requirements for the fellowship, research grant and equipment. For equipment, upload price quotes as supporting documents.
STEP 4 - Preview your entries carefully to avoid errors, because changes cannot be made after final submission. Submit the proposal electronically.
Since DST announces fresh calls from time to time, check the official DST website and the e-PMS portal regularly to know the current submission window. For queries, write to enquiry-wosdst@gov.in.
Documents
Keep these documents ready before starting the application:
- Up-to-date CV of your mentor.
- Signed conflict of interest policy document.
- Official endorsement from the Head of your host institute.
- Complete project proposal.
- Highest degree certificate.
- Consent letter from your mentor.
- Formal undertaking.
- HRA declaration certificate.
- Proof of date of birth.
References
Official Website | WISE-KIRAN Official Page | e-PMS Portal | Notification Details
FAQ's
What is the aim of this program?
The program gives women scientists and technologists who have completed their Ph.D. a platform to use their expertise for solving societal problems through science and technology.
Which department implements this program?
Department of Science & Technology (DST), Government of India, runs the scheme under the WISE-KIRAN umbrella.
Who is eligible for the fellowship?
Any woman scientist holding a Ph.D. in basic or applied sciences, or an equivalent degree like MD, MS or MDS, can apply.
What thematic areas does the scheme cover?
The scheme accepts projects in Energy, Water and Waste Management; Engineering and Technology Development; Environment and Climate; Agriculture and Allied Sciences; and Health, Food and Nutrition.
What financial support is available?
Selected candidates receive a monthly fellowship of ₹55,000 plus HRA, an annual research grant of ₹2,00,000 and additional support for field demonstration and small equipment up to the specified limits.
What is the age requirement?
You must be at least 27 years old and not older than 60 years at the time of application.
Can a working scientist apply?
If you have regular employment, you are not eligible. You may apply if you hold a temporary position, but you will need to leave it if you are selected.
What is the duration of the fellowship?
The project support is given for a tenure of up to 3 years.
When is the last date to apply?
DST announces fresh calls for proposals from time to time. The latest listed call for WISE-SCOPE had a deadline of 31 August 2025. Check the official DST website for the next open call.
How can a candidate apply?
Applications are made online through the official e-PMS portal at onlinedst.gov.in during the open period of a call.