Are you a woman scientist who wants to restart your career in science and technology? If yes, then you might be interested in the Women Scientists Scheme 2023-24. This scheme is offered by the Department of Science and Technology (DST) to support women scientists and technologists who had a break in their career due to family or social reasons. It aims to encourage women scientists to pursue a research career in the science & technology domain (S&T) and address social challenges through viable S&T interventions.
In this article, we will tell you more about the scheme, its benefits, eligibility criteria, application process and selection procedure. Read on to find out how you can apply for this Women Scientists Scheme 2023 and re-enter the mainstream of science.
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Overview: Women Scientist Scheme (WOS) 2023
If you are looking for a quick summary of the Women Scientists Scheme 2023-24, you can check out the table below. It covers the main features, benefits, eligibility criteria, application process and selection procedure of the scheme. You can also find the links to the official websites and advertisements of the scheme for more details.
| Feature | Description |
| Name | Women Scientists Scheme 2023-24 |
| Offered by | DST |
| Aim | To help women scientists resume their career in S&T |
| Domain | S&T |
| Duration | Up to three years |
| Benefits | Up to Rs. 30 lakh grant, Rs. 55,000 to Rs. 60,000 fellowship, Rs. 3 lakh contingency |
| Eligibility | Indian women, 27 to 57 years, PG degree in S&T or equivalent, career break for two years |
| Application process | Online at http://online-wosa.gov.in/ |
| Selection procedure | Project proposal, academic record, research experience and interview |
What is Women Scientists Scheme 2023-24
The Women Scientists Scheme 2023-24 is a special initiative by the Department of Science and Technology (DST) to empower women scientists and technologists in India. The scheme recognizes the challenges faced by women who had to leave their scientific careers due to family or social reasons and provides them with an opportunity to re-enter the mainstream of science.
This new women scheme offers research grants, fellowships and contingency grants to women scientists who have a minimum postgraduate degree in basic or applied sciences or equivalent and who have a break in their career for at least two years. The women beneficial scheme also requires the women scientists to submit a well-defined project proposal in the science & technology domain (S&T) that can address a social problem through a viable S&T intervention.
The central govt’s scheme covers various disciplines such as physical and mathematical sciences, chemical sciences, life sciences, earth and atmospheric sciences, engineering sciences and interdisciplinary areas. The duration of the scheme is up to three years and the selection procedure is based on the project proposal, academic record, research experience and interview. This special scheme for women aims to enhance the participation of women in science and technology and contribute to the socio-economic development of the country.
Benefits & Features of Women Scientists Scheme 2023-24
The government’s Women Scientists Scheme 2023-24 has many benefits and features that make it attractive for women who want to resume their scientific careers. Some of the main benefits and features are:
- Research grant:
Provides a research grant of up to Rs. 30 lakh per project for a maximum period of three years. The grant covers the cost of equipment, consumables, travel, contingency and overheads.
- Fellowship:
Also provides a monthly fellowship of Rs. 55,000 to Rs. 60,000 depending on the qualification and experience of the women scientists. The fellowship is subject to income tax deduction as per the rules.
- Contingency grant:
A contingency grant of Rs. 3 lakh per year for meeting the expenses related to communication, publication, stationery, etc.
- Mentorship:
It provides mentorship and guidance to the women scientists through subject experts and project advisory committees.
- Flexibility:
Allows the women scientists to choose their place of work, which can be an academic institution, national laboratory, NGO or any other organization with adequate research facilities. The scheme also allows the women scientists to change their place of work once during the project duration with prior approval.
- Recognition:
Recognizes the achievements and contributions of the women scientists through awards, publications and patents.
These are some of the benefits and features of the Women Scientists Scheme 2023-24 that can help women scientists to re-enter the mainstream of science and technology and pursue their research interests.
Eligibility Criteria for Women Scientists Scheme 2023-24
The Women Scientists Scheme 2023-24 has some specific eligibility criteria that the applicants must fulfill to apply for the scheme. The eligibility criteria are:
- Gender:
The scheme is open to women candidates only.
- Citizenship:
The applicants must have Indian citizenship.
- Age:
The age group of 27 to 57 years as on January 31st, 2023.
- Qualification:
Minimum postgraduate degree in basic or applied sciences or equivalent. They can also have a B.Tech or MBBS or other equivalent professional qualification from a recognized university in India.
- Career break:
Break in their career for at least two years due to family or social reasons. They must not be employed or enrolled in any academic or research institution during this period.
Here are some of the eligibility criteria for the Women Scientists Scheme 2023-24. If you meet these criteria, you can apply for the scheme online through the portal http://online-wosa.gov.in/.
Required Documents Women Scientists Scheme 2023-24
This new Women Scientists Scheme 2023-24 requires the applicants to submit some necessary documents along with their online application form. The documents are:
- Project proposal document:
Well-defined project proposal in the science & technology domain (S&T) that can address a social problem through a viable S&T intervention. The project proposal document should include the objectives, methodology, expected outcomes, budget and timeline of the project.
- Biodata of applicant:
Biodata with details of their academic qualifications, research experience, publications, awards, etc.
- Biodata of mentor:
Submit the biodata of their mentor who will guide them in their project. The mentor should be a subject expert from an academic institution, national laboratory, NGO or any other organization with adequate research facilities.
- Certificate from mentor:
A certificate from their mentor stating that they will provide the necessary guidance and support to the applicant and that they have no conflict of interest with the applicant or the project.
- Endorsement from the head of the institution:
An endorsement from the head of the institution where they will carry out their project. The endorsement should state that the institution will provide the necessary infrastructure and facilities to the applicant and that they have no objection to the applicant’s participation in the scheme.
- Caste certificate:
Belonging to SC/ST/OBC categories must submit their caste certificate issued by a competent authority.
- DOB certificate:
Must submit their date of birth certificate as proof of their age.
- Photograph:
Upload their recent passport size photograph in JPEG format.
Check these list of necessary documents for the Women Scientists Scheme 2023-24. The applicants must upload these documents online through the portal http://online-wosa.gov.in/.
How to Apply for Women Scientists Scheme 2023-24
The Women Scientists Scheme 2023-24 has a simple and easy application process that the applicants can follow to apply for the scheme. The application process is:
- Online submission:
Submit their application form online through the portal http://online-wosa.gov.in/. The portal is open throughout the year, but the last date for submission of online applications is January 31st, 2023.
- Registration:
Register themselves on the portal by clicking on “New PI Registration” and filling all the registration details. They will receive a login ID and password after successful registration.
- Application form:
Log in to the portal using their login ID and password and fill out the application form with all the required details. They must also upload their project proposal document, biodata of the applicant, biodata of mentor, a certificate from a mentor, endorsement from the head of the institution, caste certificate, DOB certificate, and photographs.
- Submission:
You must submit your application form online after verifying all the details and documents. They will receive an acknowledgment with a serial number on the screen after successful submission.
This is the application process for the Women Scientists Scheme 2023-24. The applicants must follow this process carefully and apply for the scheme before the deadline.
Contact Details Women Scientists Scheme 2023-24
The government’s new Women Scientists Scheme 2023-24 has some contact details that the applicants can use to get more information or clarification about the scheme. The contact details are:
- Email: You can send their queries or feedback to the following email addresses: wosa-dst@gov.in, vandana.singh@nic.in or chander.m@nic.in.
- Phone: The applicants can also call the following phone numbers for any assistance or guidance: 011-26534166, 011-26590355, 011-26590675 or 011-26590371. They can also use the Women Scientists Helpline Number: 011-26565285.
- Address: Also send their hard copy of the submitted proposal or any other correspondence to the following address: Mrs. Namita Gupta, Scientist-‘G’, KIRAN Division, Department of Science and Technology (DST), Technology Bhawan, New Mehrauli Road, New Delhi-110016.
Contact details for the Women Scientists Scheme 2023-24 are given above. You can use these details to get in touch with the DST officials or experts and resolve their doubts or queries.
FAQs Related to Women Scientists Scheme 2023-24
Here are some of the frequently asked questions about the scheme:
What is the objective of the scheme?
The objective of the scheme is to support women scientists and technologists who had a break in their career due to family or social reasons and provide them with an opportunity to pursue a research career in the S&T domain and address social challenges through viable S&T interventions.
Who can apply for the scheme?
The scheme is open to women candidates only who have Indian citizenship, age between 27 to 57 years, minimum postgraduate degree in basic or applied sciences or equivalent, break in career for at least two years due to family or social reasons.
How to apply for the scheme?
The applicants must submit their application form online through the portal http://online-wosa.gov.in/ before January 31st, 2023. They must also upload their project proposal document, the biodata of the applicant, the biodata of the mentor, a certificate from a mentor, an endorsement from the head of the institution, a caste certificate, a DOB certificate, and photographs.
What are the benefits of the scheme?
The scheme provides a research grant of up to Rs. 30 lahks per project for a maximum period of three years, a monthly fellowship of Rs. 55,000 to Rs. 60,000 depending on the qualification and experience of the women scientists, a contingency grant of Rs. 3 lahks per year, mentorship and guidance from subject experts and project advisory committees, flexibility to choose their place of work and recognition for their achievements and contributions.
What are the selection criteria for the scheme?
The selection criteria for the scheme are based on the project proposal, academic record, research experience, and interview. The project proposal should be well-defined, innovative, feasible, and relevant to the S&T domain and social problem. The academic record should reflect the applicant’s aptitude and interest in S&T. The research experience should demonstrate the applicant’s skills and knowledge in S&T. The interview should assess the applicant’s understanding and commitment to the project.
Here are some of the FAQs about the Women Scientists Scheme 2023-24. If you have any other queries or doubts, you can contact the DST officials or experts using the contact details given in this article.
In Conclusion,
The Women Scientists Scheme 2023-24 is a great opportunity for women who want to restart their careers in science and technology and contribute to the socio-economic development of the country. It also provides financial support, mentorship, flexibility, and recognition to women scientists who have a break in their career due to family or social reasons. This new scheme encourages women scientists to pursue research projects that can address social problems through viable S&T interventions.
It is open to women candidates who have Indian citizenship, age between 27 to 57 years, minimum postgraduate degree in basic or applied sciences or equivalent, break in career for at least two years due to family or social reasons. You must submit their online application form along with the necessary documents and project proposal before January 31st, 2023. The selection procedure is based on the project proposal, academic record, research experience and interview.
The scheme is offered by the Department of Science and Technology (DST) under the Knowledge Involvement in Research Advancement through Nurturing (KIRAN) division. It aims to enhance the participation of women in science and technology and empower them to pursue their research interests. If you are interested in applying for this scheme, you should do so as soon as possible and re-enter the mainstream of science.
