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Science, IT & Communications; Women and Child

WISE Fellowship for Ph.D.

The "WISE Fellowship for Ph.D. (WISE-PhD)" of the Department of Science and Technology aims to provide an opportunity to carry out Doctoral research in basic and applied sciences to women scientists and technologists between the age group of 27-45 years who want to pursue research in STEM fields.

Authority

Central

Region

Central Government

Status

Verified 2026

Updated

March 2026

What you get

- The fellowship amount under this programme is ₹37,000/- per month along with House Rent Allowances (HRA) as per norms. | - This Programme also provides a Research Grant of ₹1.00 lakh per year and Institutional overhead charges @₹ 0.50 lakh per year (as per DST norms).

Who can apply

Unemployed women who want to pursue a Ph.D. can apply for a fellowship under WISE-PhD. The programme is open for both candidates; those who have not yet registered as well as those who have already registered for a Ph.D., but not availing of a fellowship from any sources. However, candidates who have completed two (2) years duration in Ph.D. as of the date of application are NOT eligible. The following are the primary eligibility criteria: | Qualification: | The applicant should have an M. Sc./ M. Tech. or equivalent degree like B. Tech., M.Phil., M. Pharm. etc. in basic and applied sciences from a recognized University/Institute. | Age: | The minimum age to apply for the programme is 27 years and the maximum is 45 years (A relaxation of 3 years in the upper age limit is allowed for SC/ ST/ PH candidates). The cut-off date for age calculation would be the date of submission of the WISE-PhD application. | Employment: | Women in regular employment are not eligible for WISE-PhD.

Required Paperwork

  • Aadhaar Card
  • PAN Card
  • Income Certificate
  • Residence Proof (Domicile)

Common Questions

Who is PI?

Principal Investigator (PI) is the WISE-PhD Fellow, i.e., the applicant.

What is the last date for application submission?

The portal is open throughout the year for proposal submission.

What is the age limit for WISE-PhD?

27-45 years.

Is there any relaxation in the lower age limit?

No, there is 3 years relaxation in the upper age limit for SC/ ST/ PH candidates.

I am not registered for Ph.D. Can I apply?

Yes, subject to other eligibility criteria.

I am registered for Ph.D. and receiving a fellowship, am I still eligible to apply?

No.

I am in 3rd /4th /5th year of Ph.D. Am I eligible to apply?

No.

Is a research paper mandatory to apply for WISE-PhD?

No.

Where should I apply?

Https://onlinedst.gov.in

Where do I get the guidelines and formats for applying?

Please visit | https://onlinedst.gov.in/Documents/ProjectProposalFormat/SchemeId_2319_Advertis | ement_WISE_PhDwithInstructionSheet_ePMS_Revised.docx

Who will register for WISE-PhD at the online portal?

PI should register/ apply.

Institute where I register for my Ph.D. and Implementing Institute of WISE-PhD; are the same?

Yes.

Should Ph.D. guide/ supervisor be the same as Scientist mentor?

Yes.

Can I change the topic of the proposal during Ph.D. registration?

Only minor modifications may be possible. Before applying, the applicant should finalize the topic and plan of work with the scientist mentor.

Can the duration of WISE-PhD exceed 5 years?

No.

Can the duration of WISE-PhD be less than 5 years?

Yes.

I have filled the application online. Do I need to fill the Proposal format provided in the Formats section also?

Yes. The docx and pdf file of the offline proposal available in formats is to be mandatorily uploaded in the Submission section of the Online form.

For technical issues in filling the form whom should I contact?

Pmso.dst@nic.in

Do I need to send hard copies of the proposal to DST?

No.

In how much time can I expect the result of my submission?

Around 6 months

Is there any enhancement announced in WISE-PhD fellowship amount?

Yes. The WISE-PhD fellowship was enhanced from [?]31,000/- to [?]37,000/- per month vide OM dated 18th October, 2023.

I have submitted the application form before 18th October, 2023 with old fellowship amount. How do I update it?

The applicant need not to update the revised fellowship. The enhanced fellowship amount will be automatically considered as per the latest OM.