MSDST

Mobility Scheme

7.3/10

The Mobility Scheme is aimed to provide an opportunity to women scientists who are facing difficulties in their present job due to relocation (marriage, transfer of husband to any other location within the country, attending ailing parents, and accompanying children studying in different city).

Central Composite

States / UT: All India

Ministry / nodal: Ministry Of Science And Technology

Nodal department: Department Of Science & Technology

Scheme for: Individual

Scheme profile

DBT (direct benefit transfer): No

Categories: Science, IT & Communications

Sub-categories: Research & Development

Target beneficiaries: Individual

Tags: Women Scientist, KIRAN, Fellowship, Mobility, Academicians, Capacity Building

Details

The “Mobility Scheme” was launched under Knowledge Involvement in Research Advancement through Nurturing (KIRAN) Programme by the Department of Science & Technology, Government of India, aims to address relocation issue of women scientists working in regular position in Government Organizations. The scheme aims to provide an opportunity to women scientists who are facing difficulties in their present job due to relocation (marriage, transfer of husband to any other location within the country, attending ailing parents, and accompanying children studying in different city) and will act as filler while searching other career option at new place.
The initiative intends to provide a harmonious environment during early phases of women scientists where they would like to stay active in research in addition to attending and fulfilling other responsibilities in the domestic front. It offers a contractual research award to women scientists and enables them for independent research.

Benefits

  • - Monthly Salary: Consolidated monthly salary is provided to awardees for the entire project duration. - Manpower Support: Need-based manpower support is provided to assist in project implementation. - Research Grant: ₹5,00,000/- per annum is provided for consumables, contingencies, travel, and minor equipment. - Duration: Total tenure will be a maximum of five (5) years for this award. This award will not be available for renewal after completion of 5 years duration
  • Monthly Salary: Consolidated monthly salary is provided to awardees for the entire project duration. - Manpower Support: Need-based manpower support is provided to assist in project implementation. - Research Grant: ₹5,00,000/- per annum is provided for consumables, contingencies, travel, and minor equipment. - Duration: Total tenure will be a maximum of five (5) years for this award. This award will not be available for renewal after completion of 5 years duration.

Eligibility

  • Woman scientists/academicians working at permanent position in any Government Institution/R&D Lab/University and willing to resign from their permanent position or take a long leave to avail the fellowship and after completion of the tenure return back to the parent organization.
  • The new place should be located beyond 500 Km from present city.
  • Upper age limit is 50 years to apply.

How useful is this scheme?

Public benefit analysis

A practical look at this scheme for citizens

AI-generated insights showing how useful, accessible, and practical this scheme may be — combining deterministic scoring rules with a public-policy LLM analyst.

7.3
/ 10
Public Benefit Score
Accessibility 6.0/10 Moderate
Rural usefulness 6.0/10 Moderate
Application complexity 5.0/10 Moderate
Financial impact 9.5/10 Good
Literacy barrier 2.0/10 Good
Women inclusivity 9.0/10 Good
Awareness 7.5/10 Good
Implementation reliability 8.0/10 Good
Bigger shape means a better fit for citizens
  • Accessibility6.0
  • Financial impact9.5
  • Rural utility6.0
  • Awareness7.5
  • Simplicity5.0
  • Inclusivity9.0

What problem does this scheme solve?

The Mobility Scheme provides essential support for women scientists facing relocation challenges, promoting their continued engagement in research.

Key challenges addressed

  • Job-related challenges due to relocation
  • Support for women scientists balancing domestic responsibilities

Most beneficial for

  • Women scientists
  • Academicians in government institutions

Likely challenges

  • Complex application process
  • Limited awareness among potential beneficiaries

Practical insights for citizens

The scheme is practical for women scientists but may face challenges in reaching rural applicants.

Rural challenges

  • Limited access to information about the scheme
  • Potential difficulties in submitting applications from remote areas

Digital challenges

  • Low digital literacy among some potential applicants
  • Limited online resources for application guidance

Implementation bottlenecks

  • Complexity in application submission
  • Need for awareness campaigns to reach potential beneficiaries

Awareness challenges

  • Low visibility of the scheme among target beneficiaries
  • Need for outreach to increase knowledge of eligibility and benefits

Application analysis

Application mode
Offline
Documents burden
Moderate, requires multiple copies of application
Verification complexity
Moderate, involves departmental review
Office dependency
High, requires submission to a specific department
DBT dependency
No direct benefit transfer involved
CSC support
Limited, primarily offline process
Estimated citizen effort
High, requires detailed proposal and multiple submissions

Estimated beneficiary reach

  • Rural / urban reach Moderate
  • Gender reach Female-focused
  • Occupation reach Academics and research professionals

Benefit analysis

Benefit type
Composite
Benefit frequency
Monthly salary and annual research grant
Benefit practicality
High, as it provides financial support for research activities
Financial meaningfulness
Moderate, with a significant annual grant but dependent on individual circumstances
Long-term impact
Positive, as it encourages women to remain active in research despite personal challenges

Plain-language guidance

The Mobility Scheme helps women scientists who need to relocate for personal reasons by providing financial support for research. It allows them to continue their work while managing family responsibilities.

Who should apply
Women scientists and academicians in permanent positions at government institutions.
Who may struggle
Potential applicants with limited awareness of the scheme or those facing difficulties in the application process.
Best application route
Prepare a detailed research proposal and submit five copies to the Department of Science and Technology by speed post.

This intelligence section is generated by an AI policy analyst combined with rule-based scoring. Scores and narrative are estimates derived from the publicly available scheme information shown on this page; actual experience may vary by state, district, and department. Always confirm details on the official portal before you apply.

Application Process

Offline

Step 1: The applicant needs to prepare a full-fledged research proposal in the area of her expertise.
Step 2: Five copies of application form including general information and research proposal is to be submitted in prescribed format available at https://dst.gov.in.
Step3: Five (5) copies of application should be sent to Department of Science and Technology, Technology Bhawan, New Mehrauli Road, New Delhi-110016 by speed post.

Note: The envelope may be superscribed with "Mobility Scheme”.


Clarifications

Additional points from the scheme information published on myScheme (not legal advice).

What is the aim of this Scheme?

The Mobility Scheme is an initiative aimed at providing opportunities to women scientists who face job-related challenges due to relocation.

Who is eligible to apply for the scheme?

Women scientists or academicians holding permanent positions in Government Institutions, R&D Labs, or Universities, who are willing to resign or take long leave to avail the fellowship, are eligible.

What circumstances qualify as reasons for relocation under this scheme?

Qualifying circumstances include relocation due to marriage, transfer of a spouse to another location within the country, attending to ailing parents, or accompanying children studying in a different city.

What is the duration of the fellowship under the Scheme?

The total tenure of the award is a maximum of five years.

What financial support is provided to the awardees?

Awardees receive a consolidated monthly salary for the project duration. Additionally, there is a research grant of ₹5 lakh per annum, which includes provisions for consumables, contingencies, travel, and minor equipment necessary for implementing the project.

Is there support for hiring manpower under this scheme?

Yes, the scheme provides need-based support for hiring one manpower personnel to assist in the research project.

Can the awardee return to their parent organization after the fellowship?

Yes, awardees have the option to return to their parent organization after completing the tenure of the fellowship.

Are there any restrictions on the location of the new workplace?

Yes, the new workplace must be located more than 500 km away from the applicant's current city.

What is the upper age limit for applicants?

Applicants must be under the age of 50 to be eligible for the scheme.

How can one apply for the Mobility Scheme?

Applicants need to prepare a detailed research proposal in their area of expertise. Five copies of the application form, including general information and the research proposal in the prescribed format, should be submitted.

Where can applicants find the application format?

The prescribed application format is available on the Department of Science & Technology's official website.

To whom should the application be sent?

Five copies of the application should be sent to Department of Science & Technology, Technology Bhawan, New Mehrauli Road, New Delhi-110016, by speed post.

Is the scheme applicable to women scientists in private institutions?

No, the scheme is specifically designed for women scientists working in permanent positions in Government Institutions, R&D Labs, or Universities.

References

Guidelines
https://dst.gov.in/sites/default/files/ADVERTISEMENT-Mobility.pdf
Scheme Details
https://www.indiascienceandtechnology.gov.in/programme-schemes/women-schemes/mobility-scheme

Apply

Apply now

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Frequently asked questions

What is the purpose of Mobility Scheme?
Mobility Scheme is a government welfare initiative designed to support Individual, Individual through benefits related to Science, IT & Communications, financial assistance, subsidies, social welfare, healthcare, education, or livelihood support.
Who can apply for Mobility Scheme?
Eligibility for Mobility Scheme may depend on factors such as income category, age, gender, occupation, state of residence, social category, and government-defined beneficiary criteria.
What benefits are offered under Mobility Scheme?
Benefits under Mobility Scheme may include financial assistance, subsidies, scholarships, insurance support, healthcare benefits, pension support, training assistance, or welfare services depending on the scheme guidelines.
Which department manages Mobility Scheme?
Mobility Scheme is managed by Department Of Science & Technology and may be implemented through district offices, online portals, CSC centres, banks, or authorised government agencies.
Can users apply online for Mobility Scheme?
Yes, eligible applicants may be able to apply online for Mobility Scheme through official government portals, authorised service centres, or digital application systems depending on the implementation process.
Is Aadhaar mandatory for Mobility Scheme?
Many government schemes may require Aadhaar verification, identity proof, or linked bank account details for beneficiary validation and direct benefit transfer processing.
Where can users apply for Mobility Scheme?
Applications for Mobility Scheme may be submitted through government departments, official scheme portals, CSC centres, district offices, welfare departments, or authorised service centres.
What documents may be required for Mobility Scheme?
Applicants may need Aadhaar card, income certificate, residence proof, bank account details, caste certificate, photographs, educational records, or occupation-related documents depending on scheme eligibility requirements.
Is Mobility Scheme a central government scheme?
Yes, Mobility Scheme is a central government welfare initiative that may be implemented across multiple states through authorised departments and agencies.
Is Mobility Scheme only for women beneficiaries?
Mobility Scheme is primarily intended to support eligible women beneficiaries through welfare assistance, financial support, skill development, healthcare, or social security initiatives.
Does Mobility Scheme support self-employment or financial assistance for women?
Depending on scheme guidelines, Mobility Scheme may provide loans, subsidies, training support, self-employment assistance, or financial welfare benefits for women.
Can CSC centres help users apply for Mobility Scheme?
Many government schemes may be accessible through nearby CSC centres, authorised digital service centres, or welfare facilitation offices.
How can users check the latest updates for Mobility Scheme?
Users should verify official notifications, department announcements, application deadlines, and eligibility updates through authorised government portals or implementing agencies.
Can beneficiaries track application status for Mobility Scheme?
Certain schemes may provide online application tracking, beneficiary verification systems, or status-check facilities through official portals.
Where can users get help for Mobility Scheme in All India?
Users in All India may seek assistance through CSC centres, district welfare offices, government departments, agriculture offices, social welfare departments, or authorised facilitation centres.
Which nearby public services may help with Mobility Scheme applications?
Depending on the scheme, users may require support from Aadhaar centres, CSC centres, banks, hospitals, post offices, or government welfare offices for document verification and application assistance.