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The Women Scientist Scheme-A by the Ministry of Science & Technology provides a research grant for women Read More... in science and engineering, especially those returning to their careers after a break. Read less
Details
Are you a woman scientist looking to restart your career in research? The Ministry of Science & Technology (MoST) has a scheme that could be perfect for you. The Women Scientist Scheme-A (WOS-A) aims to support talented women who wish to pursue research in cutting-edge areas of science and engineering.
This scheme is particularly beneficial for women who have taken a break from their careers, ideally for at least two years, and are not currently employed in a regular position. It's designed to give them a chance to re-enter the scientific workforce by funding a well-defined research project.
What Is This Scheme?
WOS-A is a research grant provided by MoST to encourage women to continue their scientific journey. It allows them to work on a specific research project for up to three years. The grant helps cover the researcher's fellowship, essential small equipment, travel, consumables, and other project-related expenses. Institutional overhead charges are separate.
Who Can Benefit From This Scheme?
This scheme is for women who want to pursue research in various scientific fields. It's especially helpful for those who have had a career break and are looking to get back into research and development. The goal is to retain talented women in the Science & Technology sector and prevent 'brain drain'.
Why This Scheme Is Important
WOS-A plays a crucial role in promoting gender equality in science. By offering financial support and a research platform, it helps women scientists overcome career interruptions and find new opportunities. It's a step towards ensuring that women can continue their contributions to science and technology, potentially paving the way for permanent positions in the field.
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Benefits
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Eligibility Criteria
To apply for the Women Scientist Scheme-A, you must meet the following criteria:
- You must be a female candidate.
- You should be either unemployed or not holding a regular/permanent job.
- Your age should be between 27 and 57 years. This age limit has a relaxation of 5 years for candidates belonging to SC/ST/OBC categories or those with physical disabilities.
- You must possess at least one of the following minimum qualifications:
- A Postgraduate degree in Basic or Applied Sciences, or a B.Tech., MBBS, or equivalent professional qualification.
- An M.Phil., M.Tech., M.Pharm., M.VSc., or an equivalent qualification.
- A Ph.D. in Basic or Applied Sciences.
How To Apply
Interested candidates can apply online through the official portal. Here are the general steps:
- Visit the official application website: https://online-wosa.gov.in/wosa/
- Fill out the application form carefully with all the required details.
- Upload all necessary documents in the specified format and size.
- Submit the completed application form before the deadline.
Please refer to the official website for specific instructions and the application deadline.
Documents Required
When applying for the Women Scientist Scheme-A, you will need to submit the following documents:
- A detailed Project Proposal (Format to be referred from the official source).
- Biodata of the Principal Investigator (PI), duly signed (Format to be referred from the official source).
- Biodata of the Mentor, duly signed.
- Caste Certificate (if applicable, for SC/ST/OBC/PH candidates).
- Proof of Date of Birth (e.g., 10th class certificate).
- A recent Photograph of the PI.
- Signature of the PI.
- Certificates of Highest Degree obtained.
- House Rent Allowance (HRA) details, if eligible (Format to be referred from the official source).
Official Sources
For the latest information and to download specific formats, please refer to the official scheme website.
FAQ’s
What is the maximum duration for which the scheme benefits are provided?
The scheme provides financial support and research opportunities for a maximum period of three years.
Does the research grant include funds for unexpected expenses or travel?
Yes, the grant is comprehensive and covers the applicant's fellowship, costs for small equipment, contingencies, travel, and necessary consumables.
How will the scholarship amount be disbursed?
The scholarship payments are made directly to the beneficiaries through the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) system.
Are short-term or contractual research roles considered a career break?
Yes, any temporary or contractual positions held in academic or research fields are counted as a break in service for the purpose of this scheme.
What happens if I don't meet the academic progression requirements for the next semester?
If you fail to achieve the required academic progress for the subsequent semester, your scholarship will be discontinued.
Can I submit my application for the scholarship via post or in person?
No, applications are accepted exclusively online. You need to visit https://online-wosa.gov.in/wosa/ to apply.
Is there any cost involved in applying for this scheme?
No, the entire application process for this scholarship is completely free of charge. There is no application fee.
Which scientific fields are covered under the WOS-A grant?
The scheme supports research in five main areas: Physical & Mathematical Sciences (PMS), Chemical Sciences (CS), Life Sciences (LS), Earth & Atmospheric Sciences (EAS), and Engineering Technology (ET).
Is it possible to pursue a Ph.D. while receiving support under the WOS-A project?
Yes, women scientists benefiting from this scheme are permitted to simultaneously pursue their Ph.D. studies.
I am 24 years old. Am I eligible to apply for this program?
No, the scheme is for women scientists aged 27 years or older. Applicants below 27 years of age are not eligible.
Do I need to complete the entire application in a single session?
No, you have the flexibility to save your application as a draft and return to complete it later, as long as you submit it before the final deadline.
What are the acceptable file types and size limits for documents when uploading?
Documents must be uploaded in PDF format, and each file should not exceed 2MB in size.
How can I identify which fields in the application form are mandatory?
All mandatory fields in the application form are clearly marked with a red asterisk (*) at the end.
Who can I contact if I have questions about the application procedure?
For any queries regarding the WOS-A scheme, you can contact Dr. Vandana Singh via email at [email protected]. You can also reach them by phone at 011-26590675 or 011-26590273 between 11 AM and 1 PM on weekdays.
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