In the last couple of hundred years, we have witnessed an increasing number of in women opting for science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) courses. While engineering is still one of the most male-dominated fields in STEM, for decades, there have been attempts to attract more women in the field.
There are plenty of scholarships and fellowships offered to women, from the under-graduate to doctoral level, and these could help you pursue your dream in science and technology in India.
1. Gender Advancement for Transforming Institutions (GATI)
With an aim to enable equal participation of women in Science, Technology, Engineering, Medicine and Mathematics (STEMM) disciplines at all levels, GATI has 25 participating institutions from a diverse spectrum.
More details: https://dst.gov.in/sites/default/files/Gati%20detailed%20advertisement_0.pdf
2. INSPIRE - SHE (Innovation in Science Pursuit for Inspired Research - Scholarship for Higher Education)
INSPIRE-SHE aims to encourage young students between the ages of 17-22 to take up higher studies in science-intensive programmes by providing scholarships and mentorship. Every candidate pursuing Bachelor and Masters level education in the Natural and Basic Sciences is given a fund of ₹80,000 per year. The scheme offers 10,000 Scholarship every year.
More details: https://online-inspire.gov.in/
3. PRAGATI Scholarship for Girl Students for Technical Education
The Ministry of Human Resource Development offers 4,000 scholarships to female students who pursue technical education in AICTE-approved technical college/institutions.
The scheme pays a tuition fee up to ₹30,000 and a living monthly stipend of ₹2,000 for 10 months.
More details: https://www.aicte-pragati-saksham-gov.in/
4. UGC-Post Doctoral Fellowship for Women Candidates
Initiated by UGC, the scheme offers Post-Doctoral Fellowships to 100 women PhD holders. They can avail the Fellowship for five years with no provision for further extension. The aim is to encourage women to pursue advanced studies in science, engineering and technology, humanities and social sciences in Indian Universities and Colleges.
More details: https://www.ugc.ac.in/pdfnews/7347918_pdfw.pdf
5. WISE Post-Doctoral Fellowship (WISE-PDF)
The Department of Science & Technology (DST) offers a fellowship of ₹55,000 per month, a Research Grant of ₹2 lakh per year and cost of small equipment (up to ₹3 lakh) and house rent allowances to women scientists and technologists between the ages of 27-60 years. The aim is to encourage women candidates to continue their research as bench-level scientists in basic and applied sciences.
More Details: https://online-wosa.gov.in/wosa/aboutUsPDF
6. Women Scientist Scheme-A (WOS-A)
Open for applications through the year, Women Scientist Schemes offer ₹55,000 per month for the first eligibility group, ₹40,000 per month for the second eligibility group and ₹30,000 per month for the third. The scheme aims at gender mainstreaming, and works towards training and retaining women in the system.
More details: https://dst.gov.in/scientific-programmes/scientific-engineering-research/women-scientists-programs
7. Women Scientist Scheme-B (WOS-B)
With a focus on science and technology for societal benefit, Women Scientist Scheme-B (WOS-B) requires women scientists to develop their own project/proposals for scientific and technological solutions to address issues and enhance quality-of-life at the grassroots’ level.
More details: https://dst.gov.in/scientific-programmes/scientific-engineering-research/women-scientists-programs
8. Women Scientist Scheme- C (WOS-C)
The WOS-C curriculum involves practical instruction on various aspects of intellectual property rights (such as patent search, know-how, drafting, filing, trademarks, trade secrets, copyright, etc.) through partnerships with different knowledge partners, which include law firms, knowledge processing organisations (KPOs), government agencies and more.
More details: https://dst.gov.in/scientific-programmes/scientific-engineering-research/women-scientists-programs
9. DRDO Scholarship Scheme for Girls
This scheme grants ₹1,86,000 to post graduates, and ₹1,20,000 to 30 girls who have cleared JEE Main and enrolled in B.Tech/BE or an equivalent course for a maximum period of two years.
More details: https://www.drdo.gov.in/aeronautics-research-development/scholarship-schemes
10. Consolidation of University Research for Innovation and Excellence in Women Universities (CURIE)
This is a special programme by the Department of Science and Technology to encourage women’s universities to improve their research and development (R&D) infrastructure. The aim was to create world-class women scientists in all areas of sciences and technology who could excel research in their fields.
More details: https://dst.gov.in/scientific-programmes/scientific-engineering-research/women-scientists-programs
11. WEnyan:
WEnyan is a scholarship program where women leaders from STEM fields guide and mentor female candidates from marginalised backgrounds in Maharashtra in STEM fields, to achieve their goals. The scheme is funded by BASF Chemicals India Private Limited (BCIPL), which helps finance these women’s research, in areas including Applied Natural Sciences, Specialty Chemicals, Agri-Chemicals, New Materials and Sustainability.
More details: https://www.psa.gov.in/article/wenyan-research-scholarship-program-driven-women-women/3739