Q: I am a postdoc in Molecular Biology. Could you tell me about fellowships or grants for Women in India?

Let’s answer all three questions one by one: 

(i) What are some fellowships or grants in India for women scientists? 

There are several offerings by the Government of India’s Department of Science and Technology (DST) and Department of Biotechnology (DBT), as well as others: 

• Women Scientist Scheme by DST (schemes A and B for research in basic & applied sciences and for science and technology interventions for societal benefit, respectively 

• WISE Post-Doctoral Fellowship by DST for women in science and engineering 

• BioCARe by DBT 

• UGC’s Post Doctoral Fellowship for Women 

• Indo-U.S. Fellowship for Women in STEMM (https://iusstf.org/indo-u-s-fellowship-for-women-in-stemm-wistemm-) 

• SERB-National Post Doctoral Fellowship 

(ii) Where can I find out about them, and what are the eligibility criteria? 

The links to each fellowship include the eligibility criteria (e.g., age, experience).  

(iii) Do I need to work in the same institute if I get a grant for starting a research project? 

No, it is not necessary that you work in the same institute once you receive such grants.