The WIDUSHI programme, launched under the Women in Science and Engineering-KIRAN (WISE-KIRAN) umbrella by the Department of Science & Technology (DST), is designed to empower senior women scientists. The initiative encourages and supports these scientists to harness their expertise for advancing science and society by conducting interdisciplinary research. Proposals are invited from senior women scientists in various scientific disciplines including:
- Physical & Mathematical Sciences
- Chemical Sciences
- Life Sciences
- Earth & Atmospheric Sciences
- Engineering & Technology
- S&T based Societal Research
Target Group
The programme categorizes candidates into two groups:
- Category A: Retiring or retired Women Scientists
- Category B: Senior Women Scientists who are not in regular employment
Project Duration
- Maximum duration of the project is 5 years.
Benefits
For Category A:
- Fellowship for the Principal Investigator: ₹75,000 per month
- One Research Assistant
- Research Grant: ₹5.0 lakhs per annum
- Institutional Overhead Charges: ₹1.00 lakh per annum
For Category B:
- Fellowship for the Principal Investigator: ₹85,000 per month
- One Research Assistant
- Research Grant: ₹5.0 lakhs per annum
- Institutional Overhead Charges: ₹1.00 lakh per annum
Co-Investigator (Co-I):
- A permanent faculty (male or female) must be chosen as Co-I for academic and administrative support for the duration of the project. The Co-I is not eligible for separate grants under the programme.
Eligibility
Category A (Retiring or retired Women Scientists):
- Employment: Must be a permanent employee (or retired/superannuated) from government academic/research institutions.
- Age: Between 57 and 62 years.
- Qualification: Must hold a Ph.D. or an equivalent degree in Basic/Applied Sciences.
- Research Experience: Minimum of 2 R&D projects as Principal Investigator with an excellent track record.
- Publications: At least 20 research publications in cited journals with impact factor.
Category B (Senior Women Scientists not in regular employment):
- Employment: Must be working on a temporary basis and have completed 2 independent research projects as Principal Investigator.
- Age: Between 45 and 62 years.
- Qualification: Must hold a Ph.D. or an equivalent degree in Basic/Applied Sciences.
- Research Experience: Minimum of 2 R&D projects as Principal Investigator with an excellent track record.
- Publications: At least 10 research publications in cited journals with impact factor.
Application Process
Mode: Online
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Registration:
- The proposal submission is open throughout the year.
- The prescribed proposal format is available on https://dst.gov.in, https://onlinedst.gov.in, and https://online-wosa.gov.in under the WISE-KIRAN Division.
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User Registration:
- Log on to https://onlinedst.gov.in and click on “New PI Registration.”
- Fill in the required details (department, institute, and institute address as per the host institute identified for WIDUSHI).
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Proposal Submission:
- After login, click “Submit proposal” then “Initiate New Proposal.”
- Search for the programme by Division Name or Call by Programme/Scheme and select “WIDUSHI.”
- Choose the appropriate category (A or B) and fill in all required information.
- Upload a research proposal outlining the intended work (maximum 5 pages, single PDF).
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Final Submission:
- Preview all details before final submission. Once the “FINAL SUBMIT” button is clicked, no changes can be made.
Selection Process
- Proposals will first be screened, and the Principal Investigators (PIs) of shortlisted proposals will be invited for presentation before the Programme Advisory Committee.
- Final recommendations are communicated by DST only after the necessary administrative and financial approvals are secured.
Documents Required
- Identity proof (e.g., Aadhaar Card, PAN Card)
- Educational certificates and Ph.D. certificate
- Proof of age
- Proof of research experience
- List/details of research publications
- Details of any scholarships, medals, fellowships, awards, or distinctions received during the academic career
- Detailed bio-data of the PI and Co-Investigator, including the last 5 years’ publications in cited journals
- Details of the R&D projects
- Certification by the Head of the Institute
- Certificate from the Investigator
- Any other relevant information
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
-
What is the “WIDUSHI” programme?
It is a DST initiative under WISE-KIRAN that supports senior women scientists in pursuing interdisciplinary research for scientific and societal advancement. -
What is the aim of this programme?
To harness the potential of senior women scientists to develop innovative research that benefits both science and society. -
Which is the implementing agency?
The programme is implemented by the Department of Science & Technology (DST). -
Who can apply for the programme?
Retiring/retired women scientists (Category A) and senior women scientists not in regular employment (Category B) meeting the specified eligibility criteria. -
What are the areas covered under this programme?
Areas include Physical & Mathematical Sciences, Chemical Sciences, Life Sciences, Earth & Atmospheric Sciences, Engineering & Technology, and S&T based Societal Research. -
What support does the programme provide?
It provides a monthly fellowship (₹75,000 for Category A; ₹85,000 for Category B), research grants, manpower support (one research assistant), and institutional overheads. -
What is the age criterion to apply?
For Category A, 57-62 years; for Category B, 45-62 years. -
What is the project tenure?
The project duration is up to 5 years. -
What is the application process?
Proposals are submitted online via the DST e-PMS Portal; registration and submission steps are detailed above. -
Where can applicants find the application format?
The format is available on the DST Portal (https://dst.gov.in) and the online portals https://onlinedst.gov.in and https://online-wosa.gov.in.