Women Scientist Scheme-A

Description
A Research Grant by MoST for female candidates to pursue research in frontier areas of science and engineering, preferably those having a break in career minimum two years and not having regular employment, to explore possibility of re-entry into the profession. This scheme will provide a research grant for a well-defined project proposal for a period of maximum three years. This grant will cover the fellowship of the applicant and cost of small equipment, contingencies, travel, consumables, etc. Institutional overhead charges will be extra. The support is available in 5 disciplines under WOS-A namely, i Physical & Mathematical Sciences PMS , ii Chemical Sciences CS , iii Life Sciences LS , iv Earth & Atmospheric Sciences EAS , and v Engineering Technology ET . The scheme plays pivotal role in gender mainstreaming as it not only prevents brain drain from S&T system but also train and retain women in the system. The scheme initially offers opportunity to work as bench-level scientists and ultimately open new avenues for permanent position in Science & Technology.

Exclusions
• Women in permanent position are not eligible to apply.

Benefits
• ₹ 55,000/- pm (and HRA as applicable) for Ph.D. or equivalent (total project cost not exceeding ₹ 30 lakh)
• ₹ 40,000/- pm (and HRA as applicable) for M.Phil./MTech or equivalent (total project cost not exceeding ₹ 25 lakh)
• ₹ 31,000/- pm (and HRA as applicable) for M.Sc. or equivalent (total project cost not exceeding ₹ 20 lakh)

Eligibility Criteria
1. The applicant must be a FEMALE.
2. The applicant must either be unemployed or in a position other than regular/permanent position.
3. The age of the applicant must be between 27 and 57 years (5 year relaxation for SC/ST/OBC and physically challenged candidates)
4. The applicant must hold either of the following Minimum essential qualification -
5. - Minimum Post Graduate degree, equivalent to M.Sc. in Basic or Applied Sciences or B.Tech. or MBBS or other equivalent professional qualifications.
6. - M.Phil/M.Tech/M.Pharm/M.VSc or equivalent qualifications.
7. - Ph.D. in Basic or Applied Sciences.
8. <br>

Application Process
Step 1: Step 1: Register at the online portal https://online-wosa.gov.in/wosa/ using your active email ID. An auto-generated email will be received with ID and a link to create a password.
Online — https://online-wosa.gov.in/wosa/
Step 1: Register at the online portal https://online-wosa.gov.in/wosa/ using your active email ID. An auto-generated email will be received with ID and a link to create a password.

Step 2: Step 2: After logging in to the WOS-A portal, fill and submit full Project Proposal under WOS-A. The Project Proposal Document (PPD) includes online submission and uploading the required documents in the said formats.
Online — https://online-wosa.gov.in/wosa/
Step 2: After logging in to the WOS-A portal, fill and submit full Project Proposal under WOS-A. The Project Proposal Document (PPD) includes online submission and uploading the required documents in the said formats.

Step 3: Step 3: Before submission, preview your full proposal to make sure that everything is correct and in order. You will not be allowed to edit the contents after submission.
Online — https://online-wosa.gov.in/wosa/
Step 3: Before submission, preview your full proposal to make sure that everything is correct and in order. You will not be allowed to edit the contents after submission.

Step 4: Step 4: You need to click on "Final Submit" button for final submission of the proposal. Your proposal will remain save with your login ID and it may be saved in system and also can be printed.
Online — https://online-wosa.gov.in/wosa/
Step 4: You need to click on "Final Submit" button for final submission of the proposal. Your proposal will remain save with your login ID and it may be saved in system and also can be printed.

Required Documents
• Project Proposal Document (Refer source for Format)
• Biodata of PI (Signed) (Refer source for Format)
• Mentor’s Biodata (Signed)
• Caste Certificate (If SC/ST/OBC/PH)
• DOB certificate (10th class passed only)
• Photograph of PI
• Signature of PI
• Highest Degree
• House Rent Allowance (if Eligible) (Refer source for Format)

Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is there a validity to the scheme benefits?
A: The benefits are provided for a period of maximum three years.

Q: Are contingencies covered under the research grant?
A: This grant will cover the fellowship of the applicant and cost of small equipments, contingencies, travel, consumables, etc.

Q: What would be the mode of payment of the scholarship?
A: The payment of the scholarship will be through DBT.

Q: Are temporary/contractual assignments considered as break?
A: Yes, all temporary/contractual assignments in academics and research are considered as break.

Q: Will I be eligible for the scholarship if I fail to get promoted to the next semester?
A: No. The scholarship will be terminated in that case.

Q: Can I apply offline for the scholarship?
A: No. You need to visit https://online-wosa.gov.in/wosa/ to apply.

Q: Is there any application fee?
A: No. The entire application process is completely free of cost.

Q: Which scientific disciplines are covered under this grant?
A: i) Physical & Mathematical Sciences (PMS),
ii) Chemical Sciences (CS),
iii) Life Sciences (LS),
iv) Earth & Atmospheric Sciences (EAS), and
v) Engineering Technology (ET)

Q: Is it possible to pursue PhD along with a WOS-A project?
A: Yes, the beneficiary is allowed to do so.

Q: I am 24 years in age. Can I apply for the scheme?
A: Women scientists, less than 27 years of age are not eligible.

Q: Do I need to complete the application in one sitting?
A: No. You can save the application as draft and continue at a later time before the deadline.

Q: What should be the type and size of the documents to be uploaded?
A: The format should be.pdf. The size of each document should not be greater than 2MB.

Q: How do I know if a field in the application form is mandatory?
A: The mandatory fields have a red asterisk (*) mark at the end.

Q: I have a query regarding the application process. Whom should I contact regarding the same?
A: Please contact Dr. Vandana Singh for any query about WOS-A at [email protected] You may also call at 011-26590675 or 011-26590273 during 11am - 1pm in weekdays.