The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Bombay, in collaboration with the IIT Bombay Heritage Foundation (IITBHF), has announced a landmark scholarship initiative for women in science and engineering. The programme, titled WINGS – Women INspiring Growth in STEM Scholarship Program, has been launched by IIT Bombay Distinguished Alumnus Bharat Desai and his wife Neerja Sethi. The initiative aims to break financial barriers and champion women’s education in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) disciplines.
The WINGS Scholarship reflects a strong commitment to gender equity in higher education and seeks to empower talented women students by providing access to world-class education at IIT Bombay, enabling them to emerge as future leaders and innovators.
About the WINGS Scholarship Program
The WINGS Scholarship Program has been designed to expand access to quality STEM education for women in India. By partnering with IIT Bombay and IITBHF, the initiative focuses on nurturing academic excellence and leadership potential among female students.
The scholarship will be applicable to female undergraduate students at IIT Bombay, starting from the 2026–2027 academic year. It is specifically meant for students who are not availing any other government tuition grants or scholarship schemes, ensuring targeted financial support to deserving candidates.
Key Objectives of WINGS
- Promote women’s participation in STEM education
- Reduce financial constraints for female students at IIT Bombay
- Encourage academic excellence and leadership among women
- Strengthen gender diversity in India’s top technical institution
Eligibility Criteria for WINGS Scholarship
To be eligible for the IIT Bombay WINGS Scholarship, candidates must meet the following conditions:
- Must be a female undergraduate student enrolled at IIT Bombay
- Must not be availing any other government tuition grant or scholarship
- Must maintain a Cumulative Performance Index (CPI) of 6.0 or above
- Must continue to meet academic performance requirements to retain the scholarship
WINGS Scholarship Benefits
The scholarship offers substantial financial assistance to eligible students:
- Tuition fee coverage of ₹2,00,000 per annum
- Continued support throughout the undergraduate programme, subject to academic performance
This financial backing helps students focus on their studies without the burden of tuition expenses.
Documents Required
At this stage, no documents are required to apply or be considered for the WINGS Scholarship. Detailed application or selection guidelines, if any, are expected to be communicated by IIT Bombay in due course.
Quick Reference Summary
| Scholarship Feature | Details |
| Scholarship Name | WINGS – Women INspiring Growth in STEM |
| Launched By | Bharat Desai & Neerja Sethi |
| Institution | IIT Bombay |
| Partner Organization | IIT Bombay Heritage Foundation (IITBHF) |
| Applicable From | Academic Year 2026–27 |
| Eligible Candidates | Female UG students at IIT Bombay |
| Annual Benefit | ₹2,00,000 (Tuition Fees) |
| Minimum CPI Required | 6.0 |
| Documents Required | None (at present) |
Why WINGS Matters for Women in STEM
Despite progress, women remain underrepresented in STEM fields globally. The WINGS Scholarship is a step toward addressing this imbalance by enabling talented women to pursue rigorous STEM education at one of India’s premier institutes. By removing financial hurdles, the programme supports inclusive growth, innovation, and leadership development.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
| What is the WINGS Scholarship at IIT Bombay? |
| It is a tuition support scholarship for female undergraduate students in STEM disciplines at IIT Bombay. |
| Who launched the WINGS Scholarship? |
| IIT Bombay alumnus Bharat Desai and his wife Neerja Sethi. |
| From which academic year is the scholarship applicable? |
| From the 2026–27 academic year. |
| How much financial support does the scholarship provide? |
| ₹2 lakh per annum towards tuition fees. |
| Who is eligible for the WINGS Scholarship? |
| Female undergraduate students at IIT Bombay not receiving other government tuition grants. |
| Is there any academic requirement to continue the scholarship? |
| Yes, students must maintain a CPI of 6.0 or higher. |
| Are documents required to apply right now? |
| No documents are required at this stage. |
| Does the scholarship cover hostel or living expenses? |
| No, it covers only tuition fees. |
The launch of the WINGS – Women INspiring Growth in STEM Scholarship Program marks a significant milestone in promoting women’s education at IIT Bombay. By offering ₹2 lakh annual tuition support, the initiative removes financial constraints and empowers female students to excel in STEM fields. Eligible students are encouraged to stay updated through IIT Bombay’s official website and bookmark this page for future announcements related to the WINGS Scholarship, for more details and apply CLICK HERE
