Assistance to Training Institutions Scheme 2026

The WIDUSHI programme encourages and supports senior women scientists to conduct research in interdisciplinary Science and Technology Read More... fields. Read less

Details

India's Department of Science and Technology (DST) has launched a special initiative called WIDUSHI, which stands for 'Women's Instinct for Developing and Ushering in Scientific Heights & Innovations'. This program is part of the larger 'Women in Science and Engineering-KIRAN (WISE-KIRAN)' scheme.

What is the WIDUSHI Programme?

WIDUSHI is designed to tap into the vast knowledge and potential of experienced women scientists. It aims to provide them with a platform to contribute significantly to the advancement of science and society. The program focuses on supporting research in various interdisciplinary areas of Science and Technology.

Who is WIDUSHI For?

This scheme specifically targets senior women scientists who have a proven track record in research and development. It offers a pathway for them to continue their scientific pursuits and make impactful contributions.

Why This Scheme Matters

By supporting senior women scientists, WIDUSHI aims to foster innovation, encourage mentorship, and ensure that valuable expertise is leveraged for the greater good. It acknowledges the significant role women play in the scientific community and provides them with the necessary resources and encouragement to excel.

Objective

The WIDUSHI programme encourages and supports senior women scientists to conduct research in interdisciplinary Science and Technology fields.

Benefits

Assistance to MSME Training Institutions:

Financial assistance for infrastructure creation, strengthening, or expansion.
Support for opening new branches/centres.
Support for meeting revenue deficit of National Institute for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (NI-MSME).
Assistance limited to actual requirement.

Assistance to MSME Training Institutions:

Financial assistance for infrastructure creation, strengthening, or expansion.
Support for opening new branches/centres.
Support for meeting revenue deficit of National Institute for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (NI-MSME).
Assistance limited to actual requirement.

Assistance for Training Programmes:

Category I:₹38.50 per trainee per hour.
Category II:₹33.00 per trainee per hour.
Category III:₹27.50 per trainee per hour.
Training of Trainers:₹60 per trainee per hour or NSQF rate.
Grant released in installments; first in advance.
Covers overhead costs like space, utilities, staff, and follow-up activities.

Sources and references

Guidelines

Eligibility Criteria for WIDUSHI

To be eligible for the WIDUSHI programme, women scientists must meet specific criteria, categorised as follows:

Category A:

Employment Status: Must be a permanent employee of a government academic or research institution, retiring within a year, or already retired/superannuated.
Age: Between 57 to 62 years.
Qualification: Must hold a Ph.D. in Basic/Applied Sciences or an equivalent degree.
Research Experience: A minimum of 2 R&D projects successfully completed as Principal Investigator with an excellent track record.
Publications: At least 20 research publications with an impact factor.

Category B:

Employment Status: Not a permanent employee but working on a temporary basis and having successfully completed 2 independent research projects as Principal Investigator.
Age: Between 45 to 62 years.
Qualification: Must hold a Ph.D. in Basic/Applied Sciences or an equivalent degree.
Research Experience: A minimum of 2 R&D projects successfully completed as Principal Investigator with an excellent track record.
Publications: At least 10 research publications with an impact factor.

Proposals are welcomed from senior women scientists in the following scientific disciplines:

Physical & Mathematical Sciences
Chemical Sciences
Life Sciences
Earth & Atmospheric Sciences
Engineering & Technology
S&T-based Societal Research

Co-Investigator (Co-I) Requirement: The selected WIDUSHI fellow must appoint a permanent faculty member (male or female) as a Co-Investigator. This Co-I will provide academic and administrative support for the project's duration. The Co-I's service must extend for at least the proposed project period and they are not eligible for any separate grants under this programme.

How to Apply for WIDUSHI

The WIDUSHI programme is open for proposal submissions throughout the year. Interested candidates can apply online through the Electronic Platform for Government Grants (ePMS).

Visit the official DST online portal: https://onlinedst.gov.in
Navigate to the WISE-KIRAN section and find the call for proposals under WIDUSHI.
Complete the application form with all required details.
Upload all necessary documents.
Submit the application before the deadline, if any specific call is announced, or as per the ongoing application process.

Documents Needed for Application

Applicants are required to submit the following documents:

Identity proof (e.g., Aadhaar Card, PAN Card)
Caste Certificate (SC/ST/OBC/PH) if claiming age relaxation
Educational qualification certificates
Proof of date of birth or age
Evidence of research experience
Detailed list of publications
Information on Scholarships, Medals, Fellowships, Awards, and other distinctions received during your academic career
Comprehensive Bio-data of the Principal Investigator and Co-Investigator, including publications from the last 5 years in cited journals
Details of the proposed R&D Project
Certification from the Head of the Institute
Certificate from the Investigator (Principal Investigator)
Any other relevant supporting information

Official Sources

For further details and official notifications, please refer to the Department of Science and Technology (DST) website and the WISE-KIRAN portal.

FAQ’s

What is the main goal of the WIDUSHI programme?

The WIDUSHI programme is designed to encourage and support senior women scientists to conduct research in various interdisciplinary areas of Science and Technology, helping them leverage their expertise for societal benefit.

Can someone who is not currently employed apply for WIDUSHI?

Yes, Category B of the WIDUSHI programme is for women who are not permanent employees but have completed at least 2 independent research projects as Principal Investigator. Category A is for women who are permanent employees but retiring soon or have already retired.

What kind of financial support does WIDUSHI offer?

The programme provides a monthly fellowship to the Principal Investigator (₹75,000 for Category A, ₹85,000 for Category B), a Research Assistant, an annual research grant of ₹5,00,000, and institutional overhead charges of ₹1,00,000 per annum.

Which government department is responsible for WIDUSHI?

The WIDUSHI programme is implemented by the Department of Science and Technology (DST) under the Government of India.

What is the age limit for applying to WIDUSHI?

For Category A, the age limit is between 57 to 62 years. For Category B, the age limit is between 45 to 62 years.

Are there specific scientific fields that WIDUSHI focuses on?

Yes, proposals are invited from senior women scientists in fields like Physical & Mathematical Sciences, Chemical Sciences, Life Sciences, Earth & Atmospheric Sciences, Engineering & Technology, and S&T-based Societal Research.

How long can a project under WIDUSHI run?

The maximum duration for a project under the WIDUSHI programme is 5 years.

What is the process to submit an application for WIDUSHI?

Applications need to be submitted online through the ePMS portal of the Department of Science and Technology, accessible at https://onlinedst.gov.in.

What does a Principal Investigator need to do regarding a Co-Investigator?

The WIDUSHI fellow (Principal Investigator) must select a permanent faculty member as a Co-Investigator to assist with academic and administrative tasks throughout the project. This Co-Investigator cannot receive separate grants under the programme.

Is there a specific deadline to apply for the WIDUSHI programme?

The online application portal for proposal submission under the WISE-KIRAN umbrella, including WIDUSHI, is open throughout the year.