Assistance to Training Institutions Scheme 2026

The WIDUSHI programme by DST supports experienced women scientists in pursuing advanced research across various scientific fields. Read More... Read less

Details

The Department of Science and Technology (DST) has launched the 'WIDUSHI' programme, which stands for Women’s Instinct for Developing and Ushering in Scientific Heights & Innovations. This initiative is part of the larger 'Women in Science and Engineering-KIRAN (WISE-KIRAN)' scheme. Its core goal is to tap into the vast knowledge and potential of senior women scientists, encouraging them to contribute to advancements in Science and Society.

What Is This Scheme?

WIDUSHI is designed to give a fresh impetus to the careers of experienced women scientists. It aims to provide them with the resources and support needed to undertake research projects, particularly in interdisciplinary areas of Science and Technology. The programme is a significant step towards valuing and utilizing the accumulated expertise of senior women in the scientific community.

Who Can Benefit From This Scheme?

This scheme specifically targets senior women scientists who have a strong track record in research. It is divided into two categories to accommodate different employment statuses and experience levels, ensuring a broader reach within the senior scientific fraternity.

Why This Scheme Is Important

By focusing on senior women scientists, WIDUSHI acknowledges their immense contribution and ensures their continued engagement in impactful research. The programme helps bridge potential gaps after retirement or during temporary employment, allowing these accomplished individuals to mentor younger scientists and lead groundbreaking projects. This not only benefits individual scientists but also enriches the broader scientific landscape of India.

Objective

The WIDUSHI programme by DST supports experienced women scientists in pursuing advanced research across various scientific 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

The WIDUSHI programme has specific criteria for two categories:

Category A:

Employment: Women Scientists who are permanent employees retiring within a year, or have already retired/superannuated from government academic or research institutions.
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 completed as Principal Investigator with an excellent track record.
Publications: At least 20 research publications with an impact factor.

Category B:

Employment: Women who are not permanent employees but are working temporarily and have 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 completed as Principal Investigator with an excellent track record.
Publications: At least 10 research publications with an impact factor.

Proposals are invited 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

Note on Co-Investigator (Co-I): A permanent faculty member (male/female) needs to be chosen as the Co-I to provide academic and administrative support for the project. The Co-I's service must extend for at least the proposed project duration. Co-Is are not eligible for separate grants under this programme.

How To Apply

Interested and eligible senior women scientists can submit their proposals through the online portal for WISE-KIRAN at ePMS (Electronic Platform for Government Schemes).

Online Application Portal: https://onlinedst.gov.in

The call for proposal submission is open throughout the year.

Documents Required

Identity proof (e.g., Aadhaar Card, PAN Card)
SC/ST/OBC/PH Certificate (if claiming age relaxation)
Educational certificates
Proof of age
Proof of research experience
List and details of publications
Details of scholarships, medals, fellowships, awards, distinctions, or honors received during academic career
Detailed Bio-data of the Principal Investigator and Co-Investigator, including publications in cited journals from the last 5 years
Details of the R&D Project
Certification by the Head of the Institute
Certificate from the Investigator
Any other relevant information as applicable

FAQ’s

What is the main goal of the WIDUSHI programme?

The primary aim of the WIDUSHI programme is to encourage and support senior women scientists in conducting research, especially in interdisciplinary areas of Science and Technology, to benefit both science and society.

Can someone who is already retired apply for the WIDUSHI programme?

Yes, under Category A, women scientists who have already retired or superannuated from government academic/research institutions are eligible to apply.

What are the research areas that WIDUSHI supports?

The programme supports research proposals in the following scientific disciplines: Physical & Mathematical Sciences, Chemical Sciences, Life Sciences, Earth & Atmospheric Sciences, Engineering & Technology, and S&T-based Societal Research.

What is the age limit for applicants under Category B of WIDUSHI?

For Category B, the age criteria for women scientists is between 45 to 62 years.

How long can a WIDUSHI project run?

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

Who is responsible for implementing the WIDUSHI programme?

The Department of Science & Technology (DST), Government of India, is the implementing agency for the WIDUSHI programme.

What kind of financial support does Category A of WIDUSHI offer?

Category A offers a fellowship of ₹75,000 per month for the Principal Investigator, a Research Grant of ₹5,00,000 annually, and institutional overhead charges of ₹1,00,000 per annum. It also provides one Research Assistant position.

If I am temporarily employed, can I still apply for WIDUSHI?

Yes, if you are working temporarily and have completed at least 2 independent research projects as a Principal Investigator, you can apply under Category B.

How many publications are required to be eligible for Category A?

To be eligible for Category A, women scientists need to have a minimum of 20 research publications with an impact factor.

When is the last date to submit applications for WIDUSHI?

The online application portal for WIDUSHI proposals is open throughout the year, meaning there isn't a fixed last date for submission.

What is the minimum research experience needed for Category B?

For Category B, women scientists must have completed a minimum of 2 R&D projects as Principal Investigator with an excellent track record.

What is the fellowship amount for the Principal Investigator in Category B?

In Category B, the fellowship provided to the Principal Investigator is ₹85,000 per month.