WISE-PhD Fellowship 2026 – Rs.37,000/Month DST Support for Women Scientists

The WISE-PhD Fellowship 2026 is one of India’s most important government-funded doctoral support programmes for women in science. Launched by the Department of Science and Technology (DST) under the WISE-KIRAN initiative, this fellowship provides unemployed women scientists a structured financial pathway to complete their PhD in basic and applied sciences — without depending on any other funding source. If you hold a postgraduate degree in science or engineering and are between 27 and 45 years of age, this guide covers everything you need to know: eligibility, financial support, application steps, selection process, and expert tips to strengthen your proposal.

PMRF 2026 – Rs.80,000/Month PhD Fellowship, Direct Entry & How to Apply

What is WISE-PhD Fellowship 2026?

The WISE Fellowship for Ph.D. (WISE-PhD) is a flagship doctoral funding programme of the Department of Science and Technology (DST), Government of India, operated under its dedicated women’s empowerment initiative — Women in Science and Engineering-KIRAN (WISE-KIRAN). WISE-PhD provides unemployed women holding postgraduate qualifications in science or engineering an independent project-based grant to pursue doctoral research in basic and applied sciences at a recognized Indian research institution.

Unlike conventional university fellowships, WISE-PhD is scientist-specific — the grant follows the individual researcher, not the institution. The programme was restructured from the earlier Women Scientist Scheme (WOS-A) following a third-party review and now aligns with the Vigyan Dhara scheme framework. Results for proposals submitted in the last open call were announced in March 2026, and DST is expected to announce the next call shortly.

UGC NET JRF 2026 – Rs.37,000 Stipend, Eligibility, Exam Dates

Since WISE-KIRAN’s inception in 2018, over 1,962 women scientists have benefited from the umbrella scheme, which carries an annual budget of Rs. 131.20 crore. More than 7,200 research papers have been published by WISE-KIRAN awardees, reflecting the programme’s impact on India’s science ecosystem.

Who Should Apply for WISE-PhD Fellowship 2026?

This fellowship is built specifically for women scientists at a specific career crossroads. If you fall into any of the profiles below, WISE-PhD is designed for you:

• 🎓 MSc/MTech graduates in STEM who want to pursue a PhD but lack funding — the fellowship removes the financial barrier entirely.
• 👩‍🔬 Women who took a career break for family or personal reasons after their postgraduation and wish to re-enter research formally.
• 📋 Women already registered for PhD but not currently receiving any fellowship from any other source — they can apply under WISE-PhD provided they have not completed 2 years of registration.
• 🏠 Homemakers with science postgraduate degrees between 27 and 45 years, who want to transition back into a scientific career through doctoral work.
• ⚗️ Women in temporary or contractual research positions — those in regular permanent employment are NOT eligible, but those on temporary assignments may be.
• 🧬 Women in Life Sciences, Chemistry, Physics, Engineering, or Earth Sciences who have identified a research problem and a potential host institution mentor.
• 🌿 Women from SC/ST/PH communities — they receive a 3-year relaxation in the upper age limit (up to 48 years), expanding access significantly.
• 📚 Women who hold B.Tech or equivalent degrees — WISE-PhD extends eligibility beyond MSc, making it accessible to engineering graduates as well.

WISE-PhD Financial Support – Stipend and Grants

WISE-PhD offers a comprehensive financial package that covers stipend, research costs, and institutional support. Here is a complete breakdown of the monetary support provided under the 2026 guidelines from DST’s official portal:

HRA is calculated based on the government classification of the city where the host institution is located. Fellows residing in hostel accommodation provided by the host institution are not eligible for HRA. If personal accommodation is arranged, HRA is payable upon submission of a valid HRA declaration certificate.

All funds are disbursed through the Public Financial Management System (PFMS) directly to the host institution’s Zero Balance Subsidiary Account (ZBSA), which then disburses fellowship amounts to the fellow monthly.

WISE-PhD Eligibility Criteria and Age Limit

DST has defined clear eligibility conditions for WISE-PhD. All criteria below must be met at the time of proposal submission:

• Educational Qualification: MSc, MTech, MPhil, MPharm, BTech or equivalent postgraduate degree in Basic or Applied Sciences from a recognized university or institute.
• Age: Minimum 27 years and maximum 45 years as on the date of application. SC/ST/PH candidates receive a 3-year relaxation (maximum age 48 years).
• Employment Status: Women in regular/permanent employment are NOT eligible. Only unemployed women or those in temporary/contractual research positions may apply.
• PhD Registration Status: Both unregistered candidates (who will register within 6 months of approval) and those already registered for PhD (but not availing any other fellowship) are eligible. Candidates who have completed more than 2 years of PhD registration are NOT eligible.
• Fellowship Conflict: Applicants currently receiving any fellowship from any source (CSIR-SRF, UGC, DBT, etc.) are NOT eligible simultaneously.
• Host Institution: The applicant must identify a recognized institution (IIT, IISc, NIT, ICAR institute, CSIR lab, central/state university, etc.) with a scientist mentor to host the project.
• Mentor Restriction: Husband or close relatives cannot be the project mentor as per DST guidelines.

How to Apply for WISE-PhD Fellowship 2026 – Step-by-Step

The application process for WISE-PhD is fully online through DST’s ePMS (Electronic Project Management System) portal. No hard copies are required at the proposal submission stage. Follow these steps carefully:

1. Visit the ePMS portal — Go to onlinedst.gov.in and click “New PI Registration” to create your account using a valid email ID and mobile number.
2. Select the WISE-PhD scheme — After login, click “Submit Proposals” and choose the WISE Fellowship for Ph.D. from the list of available DST programmes.
3. Fill personal and academic details — Enter your educational qualifications, date of birth, research area, and the details of your identified host institution and mentor scientist.
4. Fill financial details — Enter the fellowship amount: Rs. 4,44,000/year (Rs. 37,000/month), HRA as per applicable rate (0/9/18/27%), research grant Rs. 1,00,000/year, and overhead Rs. 50,000/year. These figures are fixed and must match DST norms exactly.
5. Prepare and upload the research proposal — Write your project proposal in the prescribed format available on dst.gov.in. Upload scanned copies of degree certificates, ID proof, age proof, and the signed biodata of the Principal Investigator (you). File size must not exceed 2MB per document.
6. Preview and submit — Review all details carefully on the Preview page. Once submitted, changes are NOT possible. Click “Final Submit” to complete the application. Confirmation is sent to your registered email.
7. Wait for preliminary screening and SEC review — DST performs a preliminary eligibility check followed by evaluation by Subject Expert Committees (SECs). Successful candidates are informed through the ePMS portal.
8. Post-selection steps — Upon selection, submit ZBSA details of the host institution, HRA declaration, and mentor details. Register for PhD within 6 months of receiving the Approval Letter, failing which the project may be terminated.

Scientific Disciplines Covered Under WISE-PhD

WISE-PhD supports doctoral research across 5 broad subject areas. Every proposal must be submitted under one of these five categories:

WISE-PhD vs WISE-PDF – Key Differences Explained

DST runs two flagship fellowship programmes under WISE-KIRAN for different career stages. Understanding the difference helps you apply for the right one:

Advantages and Disadvantages of WISE-PhD Fellowship

Every fellowship has strengths and limitations. Here is a balanced assessment:

Advantages:

• ✅ Substantial financial support — Rs. 37,000/month + HRA ensures financial independence while pursuing PhD
• ✅ Long duration of 5 years — sufficient time to complete doctoral research without rushing
• ✅ No conflict with PhD registration — already-registered candidates (under 2 years) can also apply
• ✅ Access to institutional facilities — host institution provides lab access, library, and mentorship
• ✅ Specifically for career-break women — provides a structured re-entry pathway into research
• ✅ Fully online application — no travel required; proposals submitted through ePMS portal
• ✅ Tax-exempt fellowship — research fellowships of this nature are generally not taxed under Indian income tax provisions

Disadvantages:

• ❌ Fellowship disbursement delays — scholars have reported waiting 10–12 months for funds, impacting fieldwork timelines
• ❌ Irregular call schedule — the last call closed in December 2024; the next call timing remains uncertain
• ❌ Excludes regularly employed women — those with permanent jobs cannot benefit even if they hold strong research potential
• ❌ Minimum age of 27 years — younger women who finish MSc early cannot access the scheme until age 27

Important Terms Related to WISE-PhD Fellowship

Understanding these key terms will help you navigate the application and post-selection process with confidence:

• WISE-KIRAN: Women in Science and Engineering-KIRAN — the DST umbrella scheme covering multiple fellowship programmes for women at different career stages. Annual budget: Rs. 131.20 crore (2023–24).
• ePMS (Electronic Project Management System): DST’s online portal at onlinedst.gov.in where all WISE-PhD proposals are submitted, tracked, and managed.
• Subject Expert Committee (SEC): The panel of domain experts that evaluates the scientific merit of submitted proposals and recommends selections to DST.
• Principal Investigator (PI): The WISE-PhD fellow herself — the applicant is the PI of her own research project and remains responsible for its execution.
• Host Institution (HI): The recognized research institute (IIT, NIT, ICAR, CSIR lab, state university, etc.) where the fellow conducts her PhD research.
• PFMS (Public Financial Management System): The government’s centralized fund disbursement portal through which fellowship grants flow from DST to the host institution’s ZBSA.
• ZBSA (Zero Balance Subsidiary Account): A bank account opened by the host institution exclusively for managing WISE-PhD grant funds under PFMS.
• SSR (Societal Science Report): A mandatory output report WISE-PhD fellows submit to DST that translates research findings into accessible societal benefit summaries.
• Vigyan Dhara Scheme: The government’s consolidated science and technology scheme framework under which WISE-KIRAN programmes are being realigned from 2025 onwards.
• HRA Certificate: A declaration submitted by the fellow to claim House Rent Allowance when not residing in the host institution’s hostel accommodation.

Important Dates and Timeline

Important Links

Conclusion

The WISE-PhD Fellowship 2026 remains one of DST’s most impactful programmes for women in STEM, offering Rs. 37,000/month stipend, Rs. 1 lakh/year research grant, and up to 5 years of doctoral support — all without requiring any other funding source. With results for the last batch announced in March 2026 and the next call expected soon, now is the right time to prepare your research proposal and identify a host institution. Bookmark this page and monitor dst.gov.in and onlinedst.gov.in for the official call announcement — the window for submission may be time-bound when it opens.

Frequently Asked Questions About WISE-PhD Fellowship 2026

What is the WISE-PhD Fellowship and who runs it?

The WISE Fellowship for Ph.D. (WISE-PhD) is a doctoral research fellowship programme run by the Department of Science and Technology (DST), Government of India, under its WISE-KIRAN initiative. It provides financial support to unemployed women aged 27–45 years to pursue PhD research in basic and applied sciences at recognized Indian institutions. The programme was restructured from the earlier Women Scientist Scheme (WOS-A).

How much stipend does the WISE-PhD Fellowship give per month?

The WISE-PhD Fellowship provides a monthly stipend of Rs. 37,000/- along with House Rent Allowance (HRA) as per government norms (0%, 9%, 18%, or 27% of fellowship amount depending on city category). This amounts to Rs. 4,44,000/year excluding HRA. In addition, fellows receive Rs. 1.00 lakh per year as a research grant and Rs. 0.50 lakh per year as institutional overhead charges paid to the host institution.

Who is eligible to apply for WISE-PhD Fellowship 2026?

Eligible candidates are unemployed women between 27 and 45 years of age (48 years for SC/ST/PH) holding a postgraduate degree (MSc, MTech, MPhil, MPharm, BTech) in basic or applied sciences. Women in regular permanent employment are NOT eligible. Women already registered for PhD for less than 2 years and not receiving any other fellowship may apply. A recognized host institution and mentor scientist must be identified before submission.

Can a woman who has already registered for PhD apply for WISE-PhD?

Yes, women who have already registered for their PhD can apply under WISE-PhD, provided they have not completed more than 2 years of registration as on the date of application submission, and are not currently receiving any other fellowship from any source (such as CSIR, UGC, DBT, etc.). If selected, they continue their existing PhD registration at the host institution under the WISE-PhD project grant.

What scientific disciplines does WISE-PhD support?

WISE-PhD supports doctoral research in 5 scientific disciplines: (1) Physical and Mathematical Sciences [PM], (2) Chemical Sciences [CS], (3) Life Sciences [LS], (4) Earth and Atmospheric Sciences [EA], and (5) Engineering and Technology [ET]. Each proposal must be submitted under one of these five category codes. The category determines which Subject Expert Committee (SEC) evaluates your proposal.

How is the selection done for WISE-PhD Fellowship?

Selection under WISE-PhD is a two-stage process. First, DST performs a preliminary screening of all submitted proposals for eligibility compliance. Eligible proposals are then evaluated by Subject Expert Committees (SECs) — panels of domain scientists who assess the scientific merit, research methodology, and feasibility of each proposal. Final decisions are communicated to applicants through the ePMS portal (onlinedst.gov.in). DST’s decision is final and binding.

Where to apply for WISE-PhD Fellowship 2026?

Applications must be submitted online through DST’s Electronic Project Management System (ePMS) portal at onlinedst.gov.in. No hard copies are required. The proposal format and all required document formats (Biodata, HRA certificate, etc.) are available on dst.gov.in under the WISE-PhD section. You must register as a new PI on the ePMS portal before submitting a proposal. For queries, email enquiry-wosdst@gov.in.

When will the next WISE-PhD call open in 2026?

As of September 2026, DST has not officially announced the next call date for WISE-PhD. The last call closed on 31 December 2024, and results for that batch were announced in March 2026. DST had announced that future calls would be held in a time-bound manner, twice a year, following realignment with the Vigyan Dhara scheme. Candidates should regularly monitor dst.gov.in/call-for-proposals for the official announcement.

Is the WISE-PhD stipend taxable under Indian income tax?

Research fellowships funded by the Department of Science and Technology are generally treated as research scholarships and are not subject to income tax under Indian income tax laws, as established by CBDT circulars covering government-funded fellowships. However, the tax treatment can depend on individual circumstances, and fellows should consult a tax professional or refer to the latest CBDT guidelines for confirmation specific to their situation.

What is the difference between WISE-PhD and WISE-PDF?

WISE-PhD supports women who want to pursue their doctoral degree (PhD) and requires only a postgraduate qualification for entry. It provides Rs. 37,000/month for up to 5 years. WISE-PDF (Post-Doctoral Fellowship) is for women who have already completed their PhD and wish to conduct independent research in basic and applied sciences. WISE-PDF provides Rs. 67,000/month for up to 3 years and also covers small equipment costs up to Rs. 3 lakh. Apply for WISE-PhD if you haven’t completed your PhD yet; apply for WISE-PDF if you have already earned your doctorate.

Last Updated: September 2026 | Source: Department of Science and Technology, Government of India (dst.gov.in). This guide is reviewed and updated regularly for accuracy. Bookmark this page for the latest information on WISE-PhD Fellowship calls.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only. Readers are advised to verify all details — including stipend amounts, eligibility conditions, and application deadlines — from the official DST portal (dst.gov.in) and the official ePMS system (onlinedst.gov.in) before submitting proposals. Fellowship programme details may be updated by DST at any time.

INSPIRE Fellowship SHE 2026 – Rs.80,000 Scholarship for Class 12 Toppers

Reliance Foundation Scholarship 2026-27 – Rs.6 Lakh for PG, Apply by Oct 5