In a groundbreaking move to promote gender equity and expand access to technical education, IIT Bombay has announced the launch of the WINGS scholarship—short for Women INspiring Growth in STEM. Under this new initiative, female undergraduates enrolled in STEM disciplines at IIT Bombay will receive 100% tuition fee support, beginning from the 2026-27 academic year.
🎯 Vision & Purpose
The WINGS scholarship is designed to dismantle financial barriers that may prevent talented women, especially from rural and underprivileged backgrounds, from pursuing STEM education at a premier institute. IIT Bombay aims to send a strong message: financial constraints should not decide academic potential.
The institute expects the program to not only support individual students but also help set a precedent—encouraging other top institutions to adopt similar models, thereby progressively narrowing the gender gap in STEM fields nationwide.
💡 Key Highlights of WINGS
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Coverage | Full tuition fee waiver for female undergraduate students in STEM courses at IIT Bombay. |
| Start Year | 2026-27 academic session |
| Focus | Encourage women from diverse socio-economic and geographic backgrounds (including rural) to apply |
| Backers | The scholarship is funded by IIT Bombay alumnus Bharat Desai and his wife Neerja Sethi |
| Additional Support | Beyond financial aid, the program is expected to include mentorship, access to research/industry exposure, and support systems for scholars. |
📝 What Students Should Know & Do
- Keep an eye on the official IIT Bombay website and admissions portal for details on eligibility criteria, application procedure, and deadlines.
- Visit the circular Download here
- Prepare a strong academic record, statement of purpose, and possibly recommendation letters.
- Engage in STEM projects, science fair participation, or community/volunteer work—these may strengthen applications.
- For students from rural or underprivileged backgrounds, this is a golden opportunity to step into top-tier STEM education without the burden of tuition fees.
