AI SummaryWomen Scientist Scheme-B (WOS-B) is a research grant scheme run by the Department of Science and Technology (DST) under its WISE-KIRAN division. It is meant for women scientists who have taken a career break and want to step back into research. The scheme funds project proposals that offer new science and technology solutions for social problems, and it covers the fellowship along with key research costs for up to three years.
The scheme is still open for applications in 2026. Women scientists can submit their proposals online through the DST e-PMS portal, and the grant supports projects that bring S&T answers to real community issues.
Women Scientist Scheme-B - Introduction
Women Scientist Scheme-B helps women researchers restart their professional career after a break. Under this scheme, a woman scientist can develop her own project proposal that aims to solve a social problem using scientific and technological methods.
The scheme provides a research grant for a well-defined project proposal for a maximum period of three years. The grant covers the monthly fellowship of the applicant along with the cost of small equipment, contingencies, travel, and research consumables. Institutional overhead charges are given separately.
A candidate needs to show strong S&T skills and the ability to put effective methods into practice. The proposal must clearly point out the social benefits, mainly at the grassroots level. Whether using existing technology or customizing a new one, this scheme supports the contribution of women scientists to national development.
Key Information
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Scheme Name | Women Scientist Scheme-B |
| Level | Central |
| Scheme For | Individual |
| Beneficiary States | All |
| Category | Skills & Employment, Social welfare & Empowerment, Science, IT & Communications, Women and Child |
| Benefit Type | Cash |
| DBT Scheme | Yes |
| Nodal Ministry | Ministry of Science And Technology |
| Open Date | 2002-01-01 |
Benefits
This scheme gives monthly fellowship support along with HRA to researchers based on their qualification level. The project budget includes separate allowances for consumables, travel, contingencies, and minor equipment.
| Qualification | Monthly Fellowship | Max Project Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Ph.D. or equivalent | ₹ 55,000 | ₹ 30 Lakh |
| M.Phil/M.Tech or equivalent | ₹ 40,000 | ₹ 25 Lakh |
| M.Sc. or equivalent | ₹ 31,000 | ₹ 20 Lakh |
Note: The project cost limits shown above exclude HRA and overhead costs.
Eligibility
To apply under Women Scientist Scheme-B, a candidate needs to meet these conditions:
- Must be a female citizen of India.
- Should be unemployed or working in a non-permanent or non-regular position at the time of applying.
- Age must be between 27 and 57 years. A 5-year relaxation is available for SC, ST, OBC, and physically challenged candidates.
- Must have at least two years of career break after attaining the highest qualification.
- Must hold a post-graduate degree in basic or applied sciences, B.Tech, MBBS, or an equivalent degree, or an M.Phil, M.Tech, M.Pharm, M.VSc, or a Ph.D. in basic or applied sciences.
Exclusions
Women who are currently employed in a regular or permanent government position are not eligible to apply for this scheme. A proposal also needs a scientist mentor who holds a regular position in the host institute, and the project must be implemented through a host institution.
Application Process
Women scientists can apply online through the DST e-PMS portal. The steps are given below.
STEP 1 - Go to the official DST e-PMS portal at onlinedst.gov.in and register using an active email ID. You will receive an ID and a link to set your password.
STEP 2 - Log in to the portal, fill out the Project Proposal Document (PPD), and upload all required documents in the prescribed format.
STEP 3 - Review the entire proposal before clicking the final submit button, because edits cannot be made after submission.
STEP 4 - Once submitted, save or print the proposal for your own records.
STEP 5 - If asked in the advertisement, send one signed hard copy of the proposal to the department within twenty days from the last date of online submission.
Documents
Prepare the following documents in PDF format, each not exceeding 2MB:
- Project Proposal Document
- Signed Biodata of Principal Investigator (PI)
- Signed Mentor's Biodata
- Caste Certificate (for SC/ST/OBC/PH candidates)
- Date of Birth Proof (10th standard certificate)
- Photograph and Signature of PI
- Highest Degree Certificate
- HRA Claim Document (if applicable)
Definitions
Person with Disability (PwD)
A person with a long-term physical, mental, intellectual, or sensory impairment that, in interaction with barriers, stops full and effective participation in society.
Scheduled Tribe (ST)
Refers to tribal communities treated as Scheduled Tribes under Article 342 of the Constitution.
Scheduled Caste (SC)
Defined as per The Constitution (Scheduled Castes) Order, 1950.
Other Backward Class (OBC)
Communities as defined in the Mandal Commission report, with state-wise lists kept by the National Commission for Backward Classes.
References
WISE-KIRAN Division - DST
WOS-B Guidelines PDF (DST)
DST e-PMS Application Portal
FAQ's
Is there a validity to the scheme benefits?
The financial benefits are given for a maximum duration of three years.
What is the mode of payment?
Funds are transferred directly through the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) mode.
Can I apply if I am less than 27 years old?
No, women scientists must be at least 27 years old to be eligible.
Is there an application fee?
No, the entire application process is free.
How do I contact support if I have questions?
You can email your queries to wosb-dst@gov.in.
Do I need to submit the hard copy immediately?
The hard copy of your online application must reach the department within twenty days from the last date of online submission.