/filters:format(webp)/english-betterindia/media/media_files/2025/12/23/whatsapp-image-priyanka-tri-2025-12-23-12-24-49.jpeg "Over 600 Grassroots Women in Ranchi Trained in AI Skills to Boost Livelihoods")
In a landmark move to deepen gender parity in science, technology, engineering and mathematics, IIT Bombay announced the launch of the “WINGS – Women INspiring Growth in STEM” scholarship programme offering 100 percent tuition fee support to female undergraduate students from the 2026-27 academic year onwards.
Backed by alumnus Bharat Desai and his wife Neerja Sethi, the initiative aims to remove financial barriers for women across the country, especially those from rural or underprivileged backgrounds. The Director of the institute declared that talent should never be constrained by cost and that this step is meant to open doors wide—ensuring that young women who dream of becoming engineers, scientists or innovators can do so without fear of expense.
The scholarship is more than a fee waiver, it signals a cultural shift. In a country where only about 42% of STEM enrolments are women, according to recent data, this initiative recognises that equality in access has been uneven.
With scholarship support, selected students will have access to mentorship, summer research programmes and industry linkages as part of their package, making the opportunity comprehensive rather than tokenistic. The institution emphasised outreach beyond metropolitan centres: women from small towns and rural districts will be encouraged to apply, with additional preparatory workshops to level the playing field.
The message is clear: women are essential to the future of innovation and India’s competitiveness in global technology. This bold move by IIT Bombay may set a precedent for other premier institutes to follow, and as applications open in the coming months, many aspiring women in STEM will be watching closely.
