The KIRAN-Women Scientists Scheme (Knowledge Involvement in Research Advancement through Nurturing) is a flagship initiative of India’s Department of Science and Technology addressing the critical issue of gender disparity in scientific research. Launched in 2014 as an umbrella program consolidating earlier efforts, KIRAN provides specialized support to women scientists who have experienced career breaks due to family responsibilities. According to the data presented by the Ministry of Science and Technology, over 3000 women have benefited till date and Maharashtra is on the top of the list.
Through fellowships, research grants, and training opportunities, the scheme facilitates women to re-enter mainstream scientific careers. Let’s have a complete look into the scheme ensuring gender equality.
| Name of the Scheme | KIRAN – WISE |
| Full Form | Knowledge Involvement in Research Advancement through Nurturing (KIRAN) – Women Scientists Scheme |
| Formerly Known As | Women Scientists Scheme (WISE) |
| Launch Date | 2014 (KIRAN as an umbrella scheme consolidating earlier programs that began in 2002-03) |
| Launching Authority | Ministry/Department: Department of Science and Technology (DST), Ministry of Science and Technology, Government of India |
| Type of Scheme | Central Government Scheme |
Objective of the Scheme
The KIRAN-Women Scientists Scheme addresses the critical issue of gender disparity in the Indian scientific community. Despite women constituting nearly 40% of science graduates and post-graduates in India, their representation in scientific research and leadership positions remains disproportionately low—a phenomenon often referred to as the “leaky pipeline.”
Primary Objectives
- Provide opportunities to women scientists and technologists who had a career break due to family responsibilities
- Facilitate re-entry of women scientists into the mainstream scientific workforce after career interruptions
- Promote gender equity in Science & Technology (S&T) institutions and practices
- Develop women scientists as leaders in science and technology sectors
- Encourage research in areas with societal relevance
Intended Beneficiaries
- Women scientists and technologists with career breaks (primarily due to family responsibilities)
- Women researchers seeking to establish themselves in scientific careers
- Women scientists facing relocation challenges due to marriage or family obligations
- Early and mid-career women scientists requiring specialized support
Key Features and Components
The KIRAN scheme operates through multiple components, each addressing specific aspects of women’s participation in science:
Women Scientists Scheme-A (WOS-A): Research in Basic & Applied Sciences
- Provides research opportunities in basic and applied sciences
- Projects with duration of up to three years
- Fellowship ranging from ₹55,000 to ₹67,000 per month based on qualifications
- Research grant of up to ₹30 lakhs for the entire project duration
Women Scientists Scheme-B (WOS-B): S&T Solutions for Societal Challenges
- Focuses on developing technological solutions for societal problems
- Projects with duration of up to three years
- Similar fellowship structure as WOS-A with additional emphasis on technology development
Women Scientists Scheme-C (WOS-C): Internship in Intellectual Property Rights
- One-year internship program in Intellectual Property Rights (IPR)
- Training in patent search, drafting, and filing
- Monthly stipend of ₹55,000 for PhD holders and ₹40,000 for others
- Placements in IP firms, R&D centers, and legal organizations after training
Indo-US Fellowship for Women in STEMM (WISTEMM)
- International research opportunity in collaboration with the Indo-US Science and Technology Forum
- Short and medium-term fellowship opportunities at premier US institutions
- Aimed at exposing Indian women scientists to global research environments
Unique Features of KIRAN-WISE
- Age relaxation and flexibility in work hours considering family responsibilities
- Mentorship component connecting beneficiaries with established scientists
- Special focus on women returning after maternity or childcare breaks
- Dedicated funding for scientific infrastructure and laboratory equipment
Eligibility for KIRAN-WISE
- ust be an Indian citizen
- Women scientists/researchers with a break in career (minimum 1 year)
- Possessing at least a Master’s degree in Science/Technology/Medicine or Bachelor’s degree in Engineering/Technology
- Upper age limit of 40-45 years (varies by component, with relaxations for SC/ST/OBC/PWD candidates)
- Proof of career break required (gap in employment/research activities)
Funding Pattern of KIRAN-WISE
KIRAN-WISE is 100% centrally funded scheme through the Department of Science and Technology. Ministry allocate the budget of approximately ₹90 crores annually.
According to the statement by Minister of State (Independent Charge) for the Ministry of Science and Technology and Earth Science, Dr. Jitendra Singh in Lok Sabha a total amount of Rs. 586 crores was sanctioned for the WISE-KIRAN Scheme during the last five years. The year-wise details are:
| S.No. | Financial Year | Amount Spent |
| 1 | 2020-21 | ₹95 Crore |
| 2 | 2021-22 | ₹100 Crore |
| 3 | 2022-23 | ₹125 Crore |
| 4 | 2023-24 | ₹131.20 Crore |
| 5 | 2024-25 | ₹135.50 Crore |
| Total | ₹586.7 Crore |
Fund Distribution
- Research fellowship/stipend for the scientist (55-67% of project cost)
- Research grant for equipment, consumables, and contingencies (30-40%)
- Institutional overhead charges (3-5%)
- Travel grant for conference participation and field work (up to 5%)
The scheme involves no cost-sharing with states, making it entirely a central government initiative. Host institutions provide infrastructure support and administrative facilitation but are not required to contribute monetarily.
Achievements and Impact
- Over 3,000 women scientists have benefited from various components of the scheme since its inception
- Approximately 800-1000 active projects ongoing at any given time
- Publication of more than 2,500 research papers in peer-reviewed journals
- Filing of over 125 patents through the IPR component
- Development of 75+ technologies with direct societal applications
- Successfully facilitated re-entry of women into scientific careers after breaks
- Created a visible cohort of women scientists addressing national priorities
- Enhanced gender diversity in S&T institutions across the country
- Contributed to research in critical areas including healthcare, agriculture, and environmental sustainability
- Developed specialized expertise in intellectual property management
Implementation Challenges
- Delays in project approval and fund disbursement affecting research timelines
- Limited absorptive capacity of host institutions in some regions
- Insufficient laboratory infrastructure in certain disciplines
- Inadequate mentorship support in specialized research areas
- Limited opportunities for permanent placement after project completion
Overall, the KIRAN-Women Scientists Scheme represents a significant initiative in addressing gender disparities in Indian science and technology sectors. While challenges persist, the scheme has made substantial contributions to creating pathways for women scientists to rejoin and excel in research careers after breaks. For job aspirants and UPSC candidates, understanding this scheme provides insights into both gender-focused policies and science promotion initiatives of the Government of India.
