The Women Scientist Scheme-B (WOS-B) is a research grant initiative by the Ministry of Science and Technology (MoST) aimed at supporting female candidates who have experienced a career break and wish to address societal challenges through innovative science and technology (S&T) interventions. The scheme enables eligible women to develop their own project proposals that focus on creating technological solutions to enhance quality of life at the grassroots level. It covers the fellowship for the applicant as well as the cost of small equipment, consumables, travel, and contingencies for a project duration of up to three years. (Note: Institutional overhead charges are extra.)
Benefits
- Fellowship & Allowance:
- Ph.D. or Equivalent: ₹55,000 per month (plus HRA, as applicable)
Total project cost not exceeding ₹30 lakh (excluding HRA and overheads). - M.Phil./M.Tech. or Equivalent: ₹40,000 per month (plus HRA, as applicable)
Total project cost not exceeding ₹25 lakh (excluding HRA and overheads). - M.Sc. or Equivalent: ₹31,000 per month (plus HRA, as applicable)
Total project cost not exceeding ₹20 lakh (excluding HRA and overheads).
- Ph.D. or Equivalent: ₹55,000 per month (plus HRA, as applicable)
- Project Cost Coverage:
The grant covers the fellowship for the Principal Investigator (PI), consumables, travel, contingencies, and minor equipment required for the project.
Eligibility
- Gender Requirement:
The applicant must be a female. - Employment Status:
The applicant should be unemployed or in a position other than a regular/permanent appointment. - Age Criterion:
The applicant must be between 27 and 57 years of age, with a relaxation of 5 years for SC/ST/OBC and physically challenged candidates. - Educational Qualifications:
The applicant must hold at least one of the following:- A minimum postgraduate degree equivalent to M.Sc. in Basic or Applied Sciences, B.Tech., MBBS, or other equivalent professional qualifications.
- M.Phil., M.Tech., M.Pharm., M.VSc., or equivalent.
- A Ph.D. in Basic or Applied Sciences.
- Skill Requirement:
The candidate should possess adequate S&T skills and technical expertise to deliver the proposed project outcome. - Career Break:
This scheme is especially intended for women with a break in their career.
Application Process
Online Process
- Registration:
- Visit the official portal: WOS-B Portal.
- Register using your active email ID. You will receive an auto-generated mail with an ID and a link to create a password.
- Submission of Proposal:
- Log in to the WOS-B portal.
- Fill out and upload your full Project Proposal Document (PPD) along with the required supporting documents in the prescribed formats.
- Preview your proposal carefully before clicking on the “Final Submit” button. Once submitted, you will not be allowed to edit the contents.
- Hard Copy Submission:
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Print one hard copy of the submitted proposal.
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Send the hard copy via post to the address below, clearly marking the envelope with “Women Scientist Scheme-B (WOS-B)”:
Mrs. Namita Gupta
Scientist-‘G’, KIRAN Division
Department of Science and Technology (DST)
Technology Bhawan, New Mehrauli Road, New Delhi-110016
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- Follow-Up:
- Your proposal remains saved in the system with your login credentials, and you can print it for your records.
Documents Required
- Project Proposal Document (PPD):
Refer to the prescribed format available on the portal. - Biodata of the Principal Investigator (PI):
Signed as per the format. - Mentor’s Biodata:
Signed as per the prescribed format. - Caste Certificate:
(If applicable for SC/ST/OBC/Physically Challenged candidates.) - Proof of Date of Birth:
(For example, 10th class passing certificate.) - Photograph of the PI:
Recent passport-size photograph. - Signature of the PI.
- Highest Degree Certificate:
Proof of highest qualification. - House Rent Allowance (HRA) Details:
If applicable, as per the prescribed format.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is there a validity period for the scheme benefits?
The scheme is valid for a project duration of up to three years. - What is the mode of payment for the fellowship?
Payments are made monthly, along with HRA if applicable. - What expenses are covered under the project cost?
The grant covers the fellowship, consumables, travel, contingencies, and minor equipment (excluding HRA and overheads). - Will I be eligible if I do not get promoted to the next semester?
Eligibility is based on meeting the minimum qualification requirements at the time of application. - Can I apply offline for the scheme?
No, applications must be submitted online via the WOS-B portal. - Is there any application fee?
Please refer to the official portal for the latest details on application fees. - Which scientific disciplines are covered?
The scheme supports projects in Basic and Applied Sciences across various disciplines. - Is it possible to pursue a Ph.D. while working on a WOS-B project?
Yes, applicants pursuing a Ph.D. or equivalent are eligible. - I am 24 years old. Can I apply?
No, the minimum age requirement is 27 years. - Do I need to complete the application in one sitting?
It is recommended to complete the application in one sitting; however, the system may allow saving progress. - What should be the type and size of documents to be uploaded?
Please refer to the guidelines on the portal for specific file formats and size restrictions. - How do I know if a field in the application form is mandatory?
Mandatory fields are marked with a red asterisk. - Who should I contact if I have a query regarding the application process?
Contact details are provided on the WOS-B portal for technical and process-related queries. - Should I apply as a Principal Investigator or as a Mentor?
You must apply as the Principal Investigator (PI). - Is there a deadline for submitting the hard copy of the online application?
Please refer to the official guidelines on the portal for hard copy submission deadlines.