Women's Instinct for Developing and Ushering in Scientific Heights and Innovation (WIDUSHI) is a fellowship scheme of the Department of Science and Technology (DST) made for senior women scientists who want to continue research after retirement or without holding a permanent job. The scheme supports research across Physical, Chemical, Life and Earth Sciences, Engineering and Technology, and S&T-based societal projects, with a special push for translational research that can be put to real use.
The scheme is still running and DST keeps supporting selected women scientists under it. But applications are accepted only when a fresh call for proposals is open. The last call under WIDUSHI closed on 28 February 2025, and the next call will be announced on the DST website and the e-PMS portal. So before applying, check whether the new call has been released.
WIDUSHI Scheme - Introduction
WIDUSHI runs under the WISE-KIRAN umbrella of the Department of Science and Technology, which is a group of schemes and fellowships meant to bring more women into science and technology. The idea behind WIDUSHI is simple: senior women scientists who retire or leave regular service still carry decades of knowledge, and the scheme helps them lead research projects that benefit both science and society.
You can apply under two categories. Category-A is for women scientists who are retiring within a year or have already retired from a government research or academic institution. Category-B is for senior women scientists who are not in regular employment but are active researchers with a strong record. The maximum project duration under this scheme is 5 years. Apart from WIDUSHI, the WISE-KIRAN division also runs the WISE Fellowship for Ph.D. for younger women researchers.
Key Information
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Scheme Name | Women's Instinct for Developing and Ushering in Scientific Heights and Innovation (WIDUSHI) |
| Launched By | Department of Science and Technology, Government of India |
| Beneficiaries | Senior women scientists (retiring, retired, or without permanent employment) |
| Benefit Amount | Fellowship of ₹75,000 to ₹85,000 per month plus research grant |
| Age Limit | 45 to 62 years |
| Project Duration | Up to 5 years |
| Application Mode | Online through the DST e-PMS portal |
| Official Website | onlinedst.gov.in |
Benefits
The scheme provides clear financial support depending on your category:
| Item | Category A Support | Category B Support |
|---|---|---|
| Fellowship | ₹75,000 per month | ₹85,000 per month |
| Research Grant | ₹5.0 Lakh per year | ₹5.0 Lakh per year |
| Institutional Overhead | ₹1.00 Lakh per annum | ₹1.00 Lakh per annum |
Apart from the fellowship and grants, you also get funding for one Research Assistant. You need to pick a permanent faculty member, male or female, to work as the Co-Investigator for administrative and academic support. The Co-Investigator does not receive any separate grant under this scheme. These amounts are as per the official WIDUSHI guidelines, and the DST fellowship revision order of February 2024 does not change them.
Eligibility
Eligibility is fixed separately for both categories. You must hold a Ph.D. in Basic or Applied Science, or an equivalent degree like MD, MS or MDS, and have completed at least 2 R&D projects as Principal Investigator with a good track record.
Category A Eligibility:
- You should be a permanent employee retiring within a year, or already retired or superannuated from a government research or academic institution.
- Your age should be between 57 and 62 years.
- You should have at least 20 research publications in peer-reviewed journals with impact factor and citation index.
Category B Eligibility:
- You should not hold a permanent position anywhere, but you should have completed 2 independent research projects as Principal Investigator.
- Your age should be between 45 and 62 years.
- You should have at least 10 research publications in peer-reviewed journals with impact factor and citation index.
Application Process
Applications are accepted only when a call for proposals is open. The last call closed on 28 February 2025, so keep checking the DST website and the e-PMS portal for the next call. Once the call opens, you can apply online through the DST e-PMS portal at onlinedst.gov.in by following these steps:
STEP 1 - Go to the official DST e-PMS portal and register as a new user by clicking on 'New PI Registration' and entering your personal and institution details.
STEP 2 - Log in with your credentials, click on 'Submit proposal' and then select 'Initiate New Proposal'.
STEP 3 - Search for the 'WIDUSHI' scheme, select your category (A or B), and fill in the required project information, including the research plan and the details of your Co-Investigator.
STEP 4 - Upload all the required documents, preview your application carefully, and then click the Final Submit button. No changes are permitted after final submission, so check everything before you submit.
After you submit the proposal, DST does a preliminary screening followed by a review by subject experts. If your proposal clears these rounds, you will be invited to present your research plan before the Programme Advisory Committee (PAC). Final approval is given based on the PAC recommendation and the availability of funds.
Documents Required
Keep digital copies of these documents ready before you start filling the application form, as per the official guidelines:
- Endorsement letter from the Head of your host institution
- Certificate from the Principal Investigator
- Consent letter from the Co-Investigator
- Duly signed Conflict of Interest policy
- Detailed Bio-data of the Principal Investigator and the Co-Investigator
- Proof of age, academic degrees, research experience and your full list of publications
References
Official WIDUSHI Guidelines | DST WISE-KIRAN Official Page | e-PMS Portal
FAQ's
What is the WIDUSHI scheme?
WIDUSHI (Women's Instinct for Developing and Ushering in Scientific Heights and Innovation) is a DST fellowship scheme for senior women scientists who are retiring, already retired, or not in permanent employment, to help them continue research.
Who is eligible to apply for WIDUSHI?
Women scientists aged 45 to 62 years with a Ph.D. or equivalent degree, at least 2 R&D projects as Principal Investigator, and the required publication record. Category A needs 20 publications, while Category B needs 10.
What financial support does WIDUSHI give?
Selected women scientists get a fellowship of ₹75,000 per month (Category A) or ₹85,000 per month (Category B), plus a research grant of ₹5 Lakh per year, institutional overhead of ₹1 Lakh per annum, and funding for one Research Assistant.
Is there a deadline to apply for WIDUSHI?
Yes. Applications are accepted only when DST opens a call for proposals. The last call closed on 28 February 2025. The next call will be announced on the DST website and the e-PMS portal, so keep checking both.
How can I apply for the WIDUSHI research grant?
You have to apply online through the DST e-PMS portal at onlinedst.gov.in when the next call is open. Register as a new PI, start a new proposal, select the WIDUSHI scheme, and submit it with all required documents.
Which research areas are covered under WIDUSHI?
The scheme covers Physical and Mathematical Sciences, Chemical Sciences, Life Sciences, Earth and Atmospheric Sciences, Engineering and Technology, and S&T-based Societal Research. Translational research with real-world application is encouraged.
Where can I ask questions about WIDUSHI?
You can email the WISE-KIRAN Division at enquiry-wosdst@gov.in or call 011-26534166. The contact details are also listed on the official DST WISE-KIRAN page.