Vidyajyothi Scheme- Financial Aid For Uniforms And Study Materials To PH Students 2026
This scheme aims to boost entrepreneurship and improve livelihoods for unemployed SC/ST women in STEM fields, leveraging Read More... science, technology, and innovation. Read less
Details
Are you an SC/ST woman with a background in Science, Technology, Engineering, or Mathematics (STEM) looking to start your own venture? The ED/SC-ST-WISTEM scheme is designed to help you explore your entrepreneurial potential and enhance your earning opportunities.
What Is This Scheme?
The "Entrepreneurship Development by SC & ST Women in Science Technology Engineering Mathematics" (ED/SC-ST-WISTEM) program is an initiative to encourage unemployed Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe (SC & ST) women in STEM areas to become techno-entrepreneurs. It uses the power of Science, Technology, and Innovation to create better livelihood options.
Who Can Benefit From This Scheme?
This scheme is specifically for unemployed women who belong to Scheduled Caste (SC) or Scheduled Tribe (ST) communities. They must have qualifications in Science, Technology, Engineering, or Mathematics (STEM) and be residents of Kerala State.
Why This Scheme Is Important
The program's core objective is to create a pathway for SC/ST women to build their own successful tech-based enterprises. It focuses on turning marketable ideas into commercial ventures, drawing from traditional knowledge, agriculture, food and health sectors, waste management, and electronics.
Objective
Benefits
Financial assistance is being provided to students whose disability percentage is 40% or above for the purchase of study materials and uniforms on the following basis:
Sl. No.Course/ClassAssistance for Study materialsAssistance for Uniform19th to 10th Standard@ ₹1000/- each (50 children from each district)@ ₹1500/- (30 children from each district)2+1, +2, ITI, Polytechnic, VHSC@ ₹2000/- each (50 children from each district)@ ₹1500/- each (30 children from each district)3Degree, Diploma, Professional Courses@ ₹3000/- each (25 children from each district)Nil4Post Graduation@ ₹3000/- each (20 children from each district)NilSources and references
Eligibility Criteria
- You must be an Indian citizen and a woman belonging to SC/ST communities.
- You should have a background in Science, Technology, Engineering, or Mathematics (STEM) and be a resident of Kerala State.
- The upper age limit for receiving financial support is 50 years or above.
- Required qualifications include a Ph.D. in Science, Technology, or Engineering, OR an M.Sc. in Basic Science/Natural Science, OR an M.Tech in Science/Technology/Engineering.
- You need to identify a host institution and a mentor. Applications can also be submitted via nomination from the Head of S&T Institutions in Kerala.
- Host institutions must be recognized S&T institutions in Kerala with R&D facilities, such as university departments, colleges, or DSIR-recognized bodies.
- Co-mentorship is encouraged, with co-mentors ideally having experience in enterprise creation.
- Selected applicants must join the host institute within 15 days of receiving the initial grant.
How To Apply
- Applications are invited through notifications on the KSCSTE website and in print media.
- The application form must be submitted in PDF format during the specified call opening period.
- The detailed application process and any specific online portal links will be provided in the official notification.
- For further details and to apply, please refer to the official notifications from the Kerala State Council for Science, Technology and Environment (KSCSTE).
Contact Information:
Email: [email protected]
Documents Required
- Identity proof of the applicant.
- Biodata of the applicant.
- Technical Document (maximum 3-4 pages).
- Endorsement Letter from the Head of the Host Institution.
- Consent Letter from the Mentor and Co-Mentor (if applicable).
- Undertaking of the Project Scientist (to be submitted after joining).
- Age proof certificate (e.g., Class X mark sheet or birth certificate).
- SC/ST Certificate issued by the Tahsildar.
- Letter from the Head of Institution (if the application is submitted by nomination).
Official Links for Documents:
FAQ’s
What is the main goal of the ED/SC-ST-WISTEM program?
The program aims to help unemployed SC/ST women in STEM fields become entrepreneurs. It focuses on improving their livelihoods by using science, technology, and innovation.
Can someone from outside Kerala apply for this scheme?
No, this scheme is specifically for SC/ST women who are residents of Kerala State and are working in STEM areas.
What academic qualifications are needed to apply?
You need to have a Ph.D. in Science, Technology, or Engineering; an M.Sc. in Basic Science/Natural Science; or an M.Tech in Science/Technology/Engineering.
What is the maximum age limit for applicants?
The upper age limit for receiving financial support under this program is 50 years or above.
How much money can a selected candidate receive?
Financial support is up to ₹20 Lakhs for one year, covering fellowship, capital costs, operational costs, and overheads.
What is the monthly fellowship amount for PhD holders?
PhD holders will receive a monthly fellowship of ₹45,000/- plus HRA.
How many grants are usually given out each year?
The scheme typically awards 3 to 5 grants per year, covering all eligible subject areas.
Is there any flexibility if the project takes longer than a year?
The program duration is generally one year. However, in rare and exceptional cases, based on program progress, a no-cost extension for a maximum of six months may be considered.
What kind of institutions can host the project?
Host institutions can be government or private academic institutions, university departments, colleges with R&D facilities, or DSIR-recognized institutions in Kerala.
How do I start the application process?
Keep an eye on the KSCSTE website and print media for official notifications. You'll need to submit your application in PDF format as per the guidelines mentioned in the notification.
Where can I get the application forms or templates?
Specific formats for the Technical Document and Biodata are usually provided by KSCSTE. You can find links to these on their official website when a call for applications is open.
Who is implementing this scheme?
This scheme is implemented by the Kerala State Council for Science, Technology and Environment (KSCSTE).
Can I find a mentor and co-mentor easily?
You'll need to identify a mentor from the host institution. Co-mentorship is encouraged, and it's beneficial if the co-mentor has experience in starting businesses.
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