IIT Bombay Launches WINGS Scholarship for Female STEM Students

IIT Bombay launched the WINGS (Women INspiring Growth in STEM) Scholarship Programme on October 10, 2026, to support female students pursuing undergraduate degrees in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. Funded by alumnus Bharat Desai and his wife, Neerja Sethi, the scholarship provides ₹2 lakh per year to successful applicants. The initiative aims to address the historically low enrollment of women in these disciplines. It is available to those entering undergraduate STEM courses at IIT Bombay for the 2027–28 academic year. To qualify, applicants must maintain a minimum Cumulative Performance Index (CPI) of 6.0 and cannot be recipients of other government tuition grants. By easing financial pressures, the scholarship helps remove economic barriers that often hinder women from entering these critical fields.

This new funding aligns with a national drive to increase female participation in STEM, a sector central to India's technological progress. IIT Bombay hopes that by investing in this talent, they can create a more inclusive setting where women can thrive. The launch coincides with an increasing awareness that diversity in these fields brings about more innovative thinking and varied perspectives. Candidates interested in the programme must submit their applications by October 31, 2026. Beyond the financial aid, the scholarship acknowledges the vital role women play in areas that have been traditionally male-dominated, offering a path for those looking to contribute to the industry.

Moving forward, IIT Bombay will track how the WINGS Scholarship affects both enrollment and retention for female students. The goal is to encourage a gradual shift in gender balance, helping to build a professional landscape where women lead and excel in STEM careers. This effort sits within a broader movement across India to ensure women are represented throughout every sector of the economy.