Women Scientist Scheme-B (WOS-B) 2026: Research Fellowship, Eligibility & Application Process

At a glance

About the scheme

Administered by the Ministry of Science and Technology, the Women Scientist Scheme-B (WOS-B) provides a vital re-entry pathway for women scientists and technologists who experienced career interruptions. The initiative focuses on research projects aimed at solving grassroots societal problems across areas such as health, agriculture, water management, energy, and artificial intelligence. Beneficiaries receive grant support for up to three years to work as Principal Investigators on their proposed technological interventions.

Benefits

• Financial research grant provided for a maximum duration of three years.
• Grant covers the fellowship stipend for the Principal Investigator paid directly via Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT).
• Coverage for project costs including minor equipment, consumables, travel, and contingencies.
• Provision for institutional overhead charges paid extra to the host institution.
• Beneficiaries are permitted to pursue a Ph.D. alongside the sanctioned project.

Who can apply (eligibility)

• Applicant must be a female citizen.
• Applicant must be unemployed or holding a non-regular, non-permanent position.
• Applicant must be between 27 and 57 years of age (up to 5 years relaxation provided for SC, ST, OBC, and physically challenged candidates).
• Must hold a minimum Post Graduate degree such as M.Sc. in Basic or Applied Sciences, B.Tech., MBBS, or other equivalent professional qualifications; or M.Phil., M.Tech., M.Pharm., M.V.Sc.; or a Ph.D. in Basic or Applied Sciences.

Who cannot apply

• Female scientists younger than 27 years of age are not eligible.
• Applicants currently employed in regular or permanent posts are not eligible.
• Candidates failing to get promoted to the next semester during Ph.D. study face termination of the fellowship.

Documents required

• Curriculum Vitae and project proposal in prescribed format (PDF format up to 2MB).
• Proof of date of birth showing age between 27 and 57 years.
• Category certificate for SC, ST, OBC, or disability certificate (if claiming age relaxation).
• Educational certificates and degree transcripts (Post Graduate, M.Tech., M.Phil., MBBS, or Ph.D.).
• Host institution endorsement and bio-data details.

How to apply

1. 1Visit the official portal at https://online-wosa.gov.in/wosb/ to register and begin the application process.
2. 2Draft your project proposal identifying societal challenges in approved areas such as agriculture, health, energy, waste management, or IT.
3. 3Fill in all mandatory profile, educational, and project details marked with a red asterisk in the online form.
4. 4Upload required documents in PDF format ensuring file sizes do not exceed 2MB each.
5. 5Submit the completed online application form free of cost before the announced deadline.
6. 6Print the submitted online application and dispatch the signed hard copy to the Department of Science and Technology within twenty days of the online submission closing date.

Frequently asked questions