GS I · Society & Women · GS II · Social Justice · GS III · Science & Technology
Women in Science
Famous Indian Women Scientists & Their Roles
14 scientists across 5 eras · Their fields, firsts & awards · Women in ISRO space missions · Gender disparity data · 8 government schemes · Updated current affairs · 5 PYQs · 7 MCQs · 5 UPSC Traps
🌟
Overview — Women in Indian Science
100+ years · Statistics · 5-era framework · Why UPSC tests this
Key Context
India has a 100+ year history of women scientists contributing to medicine, physics, chemistry, botany, engineering, space, and defence. From the first female physician in 1861 to India’s first Moon South Pole landing in 2023 — Indian women have shaped science at every stage, yet face significant institutional and social barriers.
15%
Women in Indian R&D workforce vs 30% global average (2018 Task Force)
28%
Women in extramural R&D (2018–19) — doubled from 13% in 2000–01
18.7%
Female researchers in India (2018), up from 13.9% in 2015 (DST)
4×
Rise in women primary R&D investigators: 232 (2000–01) → 941 (2016–17)
5-Era Memory Framework
Era 1 — Medical Pioneers (1860s–1920s): Kadambini Ganguly · Anandibai Joshi · Mary Poonen Lukose
Era 2 — Science Trailblazers (1910s–1940s): E.K. Janaki Ammal · Anna Mani · Kamala Sohonie · Rajeswari Chatterjee · Bhibha Chowdhury
Era 3 — Post-Independence (1940s–2000s): Asima Chatterjee · Darshan Ranganathan
Era 4 — Industry & Defence Leaders (1960s–present): Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw · Indira Hinduja · Tessy Thomas · N. Kalaiselvi
Era 5 — Space Women (2010s–present): Ritu Karidhal · Vanitha Muthayya · Nandini Harinath · Kalpana Kalahasti
Era 2 — Science Trailblazers (1910s–1940s): E.K. Janaki Ammal · Anna Mani · Kamala Sohonie · Rajeswari Chatterjee · Bhibha Chowdhury
Era 3 — Post-Independence (1940s–2000s): Asima Chatterjee · Darshan Ranganathan
Era 4 — Industry & Defence Leaders (1960s–present): Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw · Indira Hinduja · Tessy Thomas · N. Kalaiselvi
Era 5 — Space Women (2010s–present): Ritu Karidhal · Vanitha Muthayya · Nandini Harinath · Kalpana Kalahasti
Why UPSC Tests This
GS-I: Biographies of eminent scientists; role of women in society
GS-II: Social justice; gender disparity in STEM; government schemes for women
GS-III: Science & Technology; contributions of Indians to science; space programme
GS-II: Social justice; gender disparity in STEM; government schemes for women
GS-III: Science & Technology; contributions of Indians to science; space programme
🏥
Era 1 — Medical Pioneers (1860s–1920s)
Kadambini Ganguly · Anandibai Joshi · Mary Poonen Lukose
👩⚕️
1861 – 1923
Medicine
Kadambini Basu Ganguly
South Asia · Medical Trailblazer
🏅 First female graduate, British Indian Empire
•South Asia’s first female physician with Western medical training
•Annie Besant praised her: “A symbol that India’s freedom will uplift India’s womanhood”
•Practised medicine despite intense 19th-century societal opposition
🎍 Pioneer of women’s education in India
👩🎓
1865 – 1887
Obstetrics
Anandibai Joshi
First Indian woman to study medicine abroad
🏅 First Indian woman to study medicine abroad (USA)
•Studied at Women’s Medical College of Pennsylvania, USA
•Thesis: “Obstetrics among Aryan Hindus” — combined Ayurveda + American medicine
•Died of tuberculosis in 1887, aged just 21
•A towering icon of women’s determination
🎍 Forever remembered as India’s first (medicine abroad)
🔬
1886 – 1976
Surgery
Mary Poonen Lukose
Gynaecology · Travancore
🏅 First female Surgeon General in India
•In 1924 became ‘Durbar Physician’ — head of Travancore’s medical service (first Indian woman to hold this post)
•Established a tuberculosis sanatorium at Nagercoil, Tamil Nadu
•Founded the X-Ray and Radium Institute in Trivandrum
🎍 First Female Surgeon General
📋 PYQ — UPSC PrelimsClassic
Anandibai Joshi is remembered in Indian history as:
- (a) The first woman to lead an ISRO space mission
- (b) The first woman Director General of CSIR
- (c) The first Indian woman to study medicine abroad ✓ Correct
- (d) The first female Surgeon General of India
Anandibai Joshi (1865–1887) was the first Indian woman to study medicine abroad — at the Women’s Medical College of Pennsylvania, USA. Thesis: “Obstetrics among Aryan Hindus.” Died of tuberculosis aged 21. Key distinctions: First female Surgeon General = Mary Poonen Lukose; First woman DG of CSIR = N. Kalaiselvi (2022); Chandrayaan-2 women leaders = Vanitha Muthayya & Ritu Karidhal.
⚛️
Era 2 — Physics, Botany & Science Trailblazers (1910s–1940s)
E.K. Janaki Ammal · Anna Mani · Kamala Sohonie · Rajeswari Chatterjee · Bhibha Chowdhury · Darshan Ranganathan
🌿
1897 – 1984
Botany
E.K. Janaki Ammal
Botanist · Plant Cytologist · Padma Shri
🏅 National award established in her name
•Expert in genetics, evolution, phytogeography & ethnobotany
•Chromosome & ploidy studies revealed how plant species evolved
•Fellow of Indian Academy of Sciences & INSA
•Honorary LL.D., University of Michigan
•EK Janaki Ammal National Award for Plant & Animal Taxonomy
🎍 Padma Shri
🌤️
1918 – 2001
Meteorology
Anna Mani
Physicist · IMD Deputy Director General
🏅 Deputy Director General, IMD
•Studied radiation, ozone, atmospheric electricity (surface & upper air)
•Used special sounding techniques for upper-air studies
•Books: Handbook for Solar Radiation Data for India (1980); Solar Radiation over India (1981)
🎍 K.R. Ramanathan Medal
🧪
1911 – 1998
Biochemistry
Kamala Sohonie
Biochemist · Nutritional Science
🏅 First Indian woman PhD in any branch of science
•Discovered cytochrome C enzyme in potatoes — explained plant respiration
•Nutritional studies on milk, legumes, pulses — relevant to India’s poorest
•Proved ‘Neera’ (palm sap) drink significantly improved health of malnourished tribal children & pregnant women
🎍 Rashtrapati Award
📡
1922 – 2010
Engineering
Rajeswari Chatterjee
Microwave & Antennae Engineer · IISc Bengaluru
🏅 First woman pioneer in Microwave Engineering, India
•Retired as Professor & Chairperson, Dept. of Electro-Communication Engineering, IISc Bengaluru
•Mountbatten Prize — best paper, IEEE UK
•JC Bose Memorial Prize — best research paper, Institution of Engineers
🎍 Mountbatten Prize · JC Bose Prize
⚛️
1931 – 1991
Particle Physics
Bhibha Chowdhury
Particle Physicist · Cosmic Ray Research
🏅 First woman particle physicist & first Indian woman PhD in Physics
•Developed photographic nuclear emulsions to image high-energy nuclear particles
•Research on cosmic rays and air showers
•Thesis: “Extensive air showers associated with penetrating particles”
🎍 First PhD in Physics (Indian woman)
🧬
1941 – 2001
Chemistry
Darshan Ranganathan
Supramolecular Chemistry · Nanotechnology
🏅 Pioneer of nanoscience in India
•Reproduced natural biochemical processes in laboratory
•Designed proteins in various conformations & pioneered self-assembling peptide nanotubes
•Work in supramolecular assemblies, molecular design, hybrid peptide synthesis
•Books: Challenging Problems in Organic Reaction Mechanisms; Art in Biosynthesis
🎍 Pioneer in Nanoscience
📋 PYQ — UPSC PrelimsClassic
E.K. Janaki Ammal is associated with which field, and what national honour was established in her name?
- (a) Atmospheric physics; the Janaki Ammal Award for Meteorology
- (b) Botany and plant cytology; the EK Janaki Ammal National Award for Plant and Animal Taxonomy ✓ Correct
- (c) Medicinal chemistry; the Janaki Ammal Prize for Drug Discovery
- (d) Particle physics; the Janaki Ammal Medal for Nuclear Research
E.K. Janaki Ammal (1897–1984) was a renowned botanist and plant cytologist. Her contributions were in genetics, evolution, phytogeography, and ethnobotany. She studied chromosome numbers and ploidy in many species. Fellow of the Indian Academy of Sciences & INSA; Honorary LL.D. from University of Michigan; Padma Shri. The EK Janaki Ammal National Award for Plant Taxonomy and Animal Taxonomy was established in her honour — one of very few Indian women scientists with a national award named after them.
🚀
Era 3 & 4 — Post-Independence & Modern Leaders
Asima Chatterjee · Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw · Indira Hinduja · Tessy Thomas · N. Kalaiselvi
💊
1917 – 2006
Medicinal Chem
Asima Chatterjee
Medicinal Chemistry · Rajya Sabha MP
🏅 First woman President, Indian Science Congress
•Member of Rajya Sabha (Parliament of India)
•Developed Ayush-56 — anti-epileptic drug from Ayurvedic plants
•Also developed an anti-malarial drug
•Research in natural products & medicinal chemistry
🎍 Padma Bhushan · SS Bhatnagar · CV Raman · PC Ray Awards
🏭
1953 – present
Biotechnology
Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw
Biocon Ltd · Chairman & MD · Bangalore
🏅 Founded India’s largest biotech company
•Chairman & MD, Biocon Limited — India’s largest biotechnology company
•Biocon makes drugs for cancer, diabetes & auto-immune diseases
•Pipeline includes world’s first oral insulin (Phase III clinical trial)
🎍 Padma Shri · Padma Bhushan
👶
1946 – present
Gynaecology
Dr. Indira Hinduja
IVF Pioneer · Reproductive Medicine · Mumbai
🏅 First IVF baby in India (1986)
•India’s first test tube baby via IVF technique (1986)
•Pioneered GIFT (Gamete Intra Fallopian Transfer) — India’s first GIFT baby
•Oocyte donation technique — India’s first baby using this for menopausal patients (1991)
🎍 Padma Shri
🚀
1963 – present
DRDO · Defence
Dr. Tessy Thomas
“Missile Woman of India” · DG Aeronautical Systems, DRDO
🏅 First woman to head a missile project in India
•Director General of Aeronautical Systems, DRDO
•Former Project Director, Agni-IV missile
•Designed guidance scheme for long-range missiles — used in ALL Agni missiles
•Work in guidance, trajectory simulation & mission design
🎍 Agni Self-Reliance Award 2001
🔋
1967 – present
Electrochemistry
Dr. N. Kalaiselvi
First Woman DG, CSIR (2022) · Li-ion Battery Scientist
🏅 First woman Director General of CSIR (2022) CA
•Lithium-ion battery scientist — electrochemical power systems
•Projects in electric mobility in India
•Nodal Scientist for MULTIFUN (Multifunctional Electrodes & Electrolytes)
•CSIR has 37 national labs & 4,600+ scientists
🎍 First Woman DG, CSIR
📋 PYQ — UPSC Prelims2021
Tessy Thomas is known as the “Missile Woman of India” because she:
- (a) Founded India’s first private missile company
- (b) Was the first woman in India to head a missile project — as Project Director for the Agni-IV missile at DRDO ✓ Correct
- (c) Launched India’s first anti-satellite missile (ASAT) in 2019
- (d) Designed India’s Prithvi missile guidance system at ISRO
Dr. Tessy Thomas is the first woman scientist in India to head a missile project — as Project Director for the Agni-IV missile at DRDO. She designed the guidance scheme for long-range missile systems used in ALL Agni missiles. She is currently Director General of Aeronautical Systems at DRDO (not ISRO). She received the Agni Self-Reliance Award 2001. Important: DRDO = defence/missiles; ISRO = space. ASAT test (Mission Shakti, 2019) was a separate programme.
🛸
Era 5 — Women in India’s Space Programme (ISRO)
Mangalyaan (2013) · Chandrayaan-2 (2019) · Chandrayaan-3 (2023) · Aditya-L1
🔴 Mars Orbiter Mission — Mangalyaan (2013)
India’s maiden Mars mission. India became the 4th country to orbit Mars and the first Asian nation to succeed in its very first attempt. Key women scientists:
Ritu KaridhalDeputy Operations Director
Nandini HarinathSystems Engineer
Anuradha TK
Moumita Dutta
Minal Rohit
The iconic photo of women scientists in sarees celebrating at ISRO mission control became a globally recognised symbol of India’s scientific progress and gender inclusion.
🌙 Chandrayaan-2 (2019) — First Dual Women Leadership in ISRO History
Historic first: An ISRO mission led simultaneously by two women:
The Vikram lander lost communication near the lunar surface but the Chandrayaan-2 orbiter continues to function (90%+ mission success). A landmark for gender leadership in ISRO history.
Vanitha Muthayya — Project Director (overall mission head)
Ritu Karidhal Shrivastava — Mission Director (“Rocket Woman of India”)
🌑 Chandrayaan-3 — August 23, 2023 Historic
India became the first country to soft-land near the Moon’s South Pole — a global first. Women’s key roles:
India = 4th country to achieve a soft lunar landing. August 23 declared National Space Day. The Vikram lander and Pragyan rover operated successfully on the lunar surface.
Ritu Karidhal Shrivastava — Mission Director
Kalpana Kalahasti — Deputy Project Director
☀️ Aditya-L1 — India’s First Solar Mission (September 2023) CA
India’s first mission to study the Sun. Successfully inserted into L1 Lagrange point halo orbit in January 2024. Women scientists contributed significantly to payload development and mission design. Studies solar corona, solar wind, space weather — continuing ISRO’s gender-inclusive mission tradition.
📋 PYQ — UPSC Prelims2022
Which of the following statements about Chandrayaan-2 is correct?
- (a) It was India’s first Mars mission and was led by two women scientists
- (b) For the first time in ISRO history, two women — Vanitha Muthayya (Project Director) and Ritu Karidhal (Mission Director) — led the mission ✓ Correct
- (c) It achieved India’s first soft landing on the Moon’s South Pole in 2019
- (d) Kalpana Kalahasti was the Mission Director and Ritu Karidhal was the Project Director of Chandrayaan-2
Chandrayaan-2 (2019) made history as the first ISRO mission led simultaneously by two women: Vanitha Muthayya as Project Director and Ritu Karidhal as Mission Director — unprecedented in ISRO’s history. Option (a) wrong: Mangalyaan (2013) was the first Mars mission. Option (c) wrong: Chandrayaan-3 (Aug 23, 2023) achieved the Moon South Pole landing. Option (d) wrong: Kalpana Kalahasti was Deputy Project Director for Chandrayaan-3 — not Chandrayaan-2. The dual-women ISRO leadership was specifically Chandrayaan-2.
📊
Gender Disparity in Indian Science — Data & Challenges
DST statistics · CSIR Survey 2022 · Root causes · Barriers
| Indicator | Statistic | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Women in Indian R&D workforce | 15% vs global average of 30% | National Task Force on Women in Science, 2018 |
| Women in extramural R&D projects | 28% (2018–19) — up from 13% (2000–01) | DST |
| Female researchers in India | 18.7% (2018) — up from 13.9% (2015) | DST |
| Women primary R&D investigators | 232 (2000–01) → 941 (2016–17) = 4× rise | DST |
| CSIR: Women scientists in labs | Only 18% scientists; 15% technical staff. Many labs have no female Chief Scientists. | CSIR Gender Survey 2022 |
| Indian Science Congress 2021–22 | All 23 award winners were men. CSIR did not recognise any women scientists. | ISC records |
| Project funds for women PIs | Considerably lower than male counterparts in specific CSIR clusters | CSIR Survey 2022 |
❌ Root Causes of Gender Disparity
1. Gender Mindset (Most Significant): Bias starts from infancy — academic books, societal norms, parental expectations. Parents and teachers often discourage girls from pursuing science.
2. Institutional Barriers: Fewer science institutions vs arts/commerce. Low peer recognition for women scientists. Rarely in prominent roles at scientific conferences.
3. Work-Life Balance: Career breaks for marriage/childcare disproportionately affect women. Lab hours, fieldwork, travel — structurally disadvantage women.
4. Financial Disparities: Women PIs receive less funding. Salary gaps in research institutions persist.
5. Harassment: Despite POSH Act (2013), harassment from science institutions continues (CSIR Survey 2022).
2. Institutional Barriers: Fewer science institutions vs arts/commerce. Low peer recognition for women scientists. Rarely in prominent roles at scientific conferences.
3. Work-Life Balance: Career breaks for marriage/childcare disproportionately affect women. Lab hours, fieldwork, travel — structurally disadvantage women.
4. Financial Disparities: Women PIs receive less funding. Salary gaps in research institutions persist.
5. Harassment: Despite POSH Act (2013), harassment from science institutions continues (CSIR Survey 2022).
✅ Positive Trends
Doubled participation: Extramural R&D share doubled from 13% to 28% (2000–2019).
Leadership breakthroughs: N. Kalaiselvi (first woman DG of CSIR, 2022); dual-women led Chandrayaan-2; women in Chandrayaan-3, Mangalyaan, Aditya-L1 teams.
Rising girl enrolment: Gender Parity Index in higher education improving post-2015.
Industry leadership: Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw (Biocon), Indira Hinduja — proving women can lead science enterprises.
Government schemes: WISE-KIRAN, Vigyan Jyoti, GATI, SERB-POWER, WEST — specifically targeting women in STEM.
Leadership breakthroughs: N. Kalaiselvi (first woman DG of CSIR, 2022); dual-women led Chandrayaan-2; women in Chandrayaan-3, Mangalyaan, Aditya-L1 teams.
Rising girl enrolment: Gender Parity Index in higher education improving post-2015.
Industry leadership: Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw (Biocon), Indira Hinduja — proving women can lead science enterprises.
Government schemes: WISE-KIRAN, Vigyan Jyoti, GATI, SERB-POWER, WEST — specifically targeting women in STEM.
🏛️
Government Schemes for Women in STEM
WISE-KIRAN · Vigyan Jyoti · GATI · SERB-POWER · Indo-US STEMM · WEST · National Award
| Scheme | Agency | Target Group | Key Feature |
|---|---|---|---|
| WISE-KIRAN Women in Science & Engineering–KIRAN | DST | Women scientists broadly | Umbrella scheme. Includes Women Scientists Scheme (WOS) — specifically for women with career breaks to re-enter research (WOS-A, B, C components). High Yield |
| Vigyan Jyoti | DST | Meritorious girl students, Class 9–12 | Encourages girls to pursue STEM where women are underrepresented. Scholarships, national lab visits, mentoring by women scientists. CA |
| GATI Gender Advancement for Transforming Institutions | DST | Academic/research institutions | Transforms institutions to be gender-sensitive. Institutional Charter & Assessment Matrix. Modelled on UK’s Athena SWAN programme. |
| SERB-POWER Promoting Opportunities for Women in Exploratory Research | SERB (under DST) | Women scientists in S&E | Addresses lower women participation in research. Two components: POWER Fellowship (international) + POWER Research Grant (national). CA |
| Indo-US STEMM Fellowship | DST + US institutions | Women scientists & technologists | International collaborative research at US institutions. STEMM = Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics & Medicine (note double M). |
| WEST Women in Engineering, Science & Technology | I-STEM, Govt of India | Women with STEM background | Launched 2022. Empowers women to contribute to technology & innovation ecosystem. Part of I-STEM (Indian S&T Engineering Facilities Map). CA |
| National Award for Woman Scientist | Ministry of Earth Sciences | Outstanding women researchers | Annual award since 2018. One woman scientist per year recognised for excellence in earth sciences. Raises visibility of women in STEM. |
Mnemonic — 5 Key Schemes & Their Targets
WISE-KIRAN → Women with career breaks (re-entry into research)
Vigyan Jyoti → Girl students Class 9–12 (school level)
GATI → Academic/research institutions (gender transformation; modelled on UK Athena SWAN)
SERB-POWER → Women scientists doing active research (grants + fellowship)
WEST → Women with STEM background (innovation ecosystem)
DST runs almost all schemes. Ministry of Earth Sciences runs the National Award (since 2018).
Vigyan Jyoti → Girl students Class 9–12 (school level)
GATI → Academic/research institutions (gender transformation; modelled on UK Athena SWAN)
SERB-POWER → Women scientists doing active research (grants + fellowship)
WEST → Women with STEM background (innovation ecosystem)
DST runs almost all schemes. Ministry of Earth Sciences runs the National Award (since 2018).
📰
Current Affairs — Women in Indian Science (2022–2025)
N. Kalaiselvi · Chandrayaan-3 · Aditya-L1 · Global recognition · UPSC 2026
🇮🇳 Key Milestones 2022–2025
N. Kalaiselvi — First Woman DG of CSIR (2022): Historic appointment. CSIR has 37 national labs, 4,600+ scientists. Li-ion battery expert. Breaking decades of male-dominated leadership. High Yield
Chandrayaan-3 — Moon South Pole (Aug 23, 2023): Global first — first country to land near the Moon’s South Pole. Ritu Karidhal (Mission Director), Kalpana Kalahasti (Dy. Project Director). August 23 = National Space Day. High Yield
Aditya-L1 — First Solar Mission (Sep 2, 2023): India’s first mission to study the Sun from L1 Lagrange point. Women significantly contributed. Successfully in L1 halo orbit since January 2024. CA
Gaganyaan (2025–26): India’s first human spaceflight — potential for first Indian woman in space. Mission training underway.
Chandrayaan-3 — Moon South Pole (Aug 23, 2023): Global first — first country to land near the Moon’s South Pole. Ritu Karidhal (Mission Director), Kalpana Kalahasti (Dy. Project Director). August 23 = National Space Day. High Yield
Aditya-L1 — First Solar Mission (Sep 2, 2023): India’s first mission to study the Sun from L1 Lagrange point. Women significantly contributed. Successfully in L1 halo orbit since January 2024. CA
Gaganyaan (2025–26): India’s first human spaceflight — potential for first Indian woman in space. Mission training underway.
🌍 Global Context & Policy
UNESCO “Women in Science” Report 2024: Only 33% of global researchers are women. India at 18.7% is below the global average. UNESCO advocates for removing structural barriers in academic institutions.
G20 Presidency 2023: India highlighted women in STEM. Recommendations: unconscious bias training, institutional gender audits, mentorship programmes, equal pay in research.
NEP 2020 & Gender Inclusion: National Education Policy 2020 emphasises gender inclusion in STEM. Mother-tongue medium instruction may help rural girls access science education.
International Day of Women and Girls in Science: February 11 (UN designated since 2015). DST events, national campaigns held annually.
Biocon pipeline: Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw’s Biocon’s oral insulin (IN-105) in Phase III — could be a major breakthrough in diabetes treatment globally.
G20 Presidency 2023: India highlighted women in STEM. Recommendations: unconscious bias training, institutional gender audits, mentorship programmes, equal pay in research.
NEP 2020 & Gender Inclusion: National Education Policy 2020 emphasises gender inclusion in STEM. Mother-tongue medium instruction may help rural girls access science education.
International Day of Women and Girls in Science: February 11 (UN designated since 2015). DST events, national campaigns held annually.
Biocon pipeline: Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw’s Biocon’s oral insulin (IN-105) in Phase III — could be a major breakthrough in diabetes treatment globally.
🎯
Practice MCQs — Women in Science
UPSC-style · 7 questions · Click an option to reveal answer
🔬 Click any option to check your answer
Q1. Kamala Sohonie’s most significant ‘first’ in Indian scientific history was:
- (a) First Indian woman to receive a Ph.D in Physics
- (b) First Indian woman to receive a Ph.D in any branch of science
- (c) First woman President of the Indian Science Congress
- (d) First woman Director General of CSIR
Kamala Sohonie (1911–1998) was the first Indian woman to receive a Ph.D in any branch of science (Biochemistry, Cambridge University). She discovered cytochrome C enzyme in potatoes, did nutritional studies on milk/legumes/pulses, and proved ‘Neera’ (palm sap) improved malnourished children’s health. Rashtrapati Award. Distinctions: First Indian woman PhD in Physics = Bhibha Chowdhury; First woman President ISC = Asima Chatterjee; First woman DG of CSIR = N. Kalaiselvi (2022).
Q2. Which scheme specifically supports women scientists who had career breaks to re-enter research?
- (a) Vigyan Jyoti
- (b) GATI
- (c) Women Scientists Scheme (WOS) under WISE-KIRAN
- (d) SERB-POWER Fellowship
The Women Scientists Scheme (WOS) under WISE-KIRAN specifically helps women who had career breaks (marriage, childbirth, family) to re-enter science. It has components WOS-A (research), WOS-B (S&T-based societal programmes), WOS-C (intellectual property). Distinctions: Vigyan Jyoti = girl students Class 9–12. GATI = transforms institutions (not individual scientists). SERB-POWER = for actively researching women scientists (not specifically career-break re-entry).
Q3. Which of the following is INCORRECT about Asima Chatterjee?
- (a) She was the first woman President of the Indian Science Congress
- (b) She was a member of the Rajya Sabha
- (c) She was the first Indian woman to receive a Ph.D in any branch of science
- (d) She developed Ayush-56, an anti-epileptic drug from Ayurvedic plants
Option (c) is INCORRECT. The first Indian woman to receive a PhD in any branch of science was Kamala Sohonie (Biochemistry, Cambridge). Asima Chatterjee’s actual distinctions: (a) ✓ First woman President, Indian Science Congress; (b) ✓ Rajya Sabha Member; (d) ✓ Developed Ayush-56 (anti-epileptic) + anti-malarial drug. Awards: Padma Bhushan, SS Bhatnagar Award, CV Raman Award (UGC), PC Ray Award. This is a classic UPSC trap — Asima Chatterjee and Kamala Sohonie’s achievements are frequently confused.
Q4. Dr. Indira Hinduja is credited with three reproductive medicine firsts in India. Which correctly lists all three?
- (a) India’s first test tube baby; India’s first surrogacy baby; India’s first gender-selection technique
- (b) India’s first IVF baby; India’s first GIFT baby; India’s first stem cell baby
- (c) India’s first IVF baby; India’s first cloning technique; India’s first GIFT baby
- (d) India’s first test tube baby via IVF (1986); India’s first GIFT baby; India’s first baby using oocyte donation for menopausal patients (1991)
Dr. Indira Hinduja’s three reproductive medicine firsts: (1) First IVF/test tube baby in India (1986); (2) Pioneered GIFT (Gamete Intra Fallopian Transfer) — India’s first GIFT baby; (3) Oocyte donation technique — India’s first baby for menopausal patients (1991). None of the other options (surrogacy, cloning, gender-selection, stem cells) are her credited firsts. She received the Padma Shri.
Q5. The GATI scheme is modelled on which international programme?
- (a) European Research Council (ERC) Gender Equality Plan
- (b) UK’s Athena SWAN programme
- (c) UNESCO’s L’Oréal-UNESCO For Women in Science Awards
- (d) USA’s NSF ADVANCE programme
GATI (Gender Advancement for Transforming Institutions) is explicitly modelled on the UK’s Athena SWAN (Scientific Women’s Academic Network) programme. Like Athena SWAN, GATI uses an Institutional Charter and Assessment Matrix — institutions are assessed against gender equity criteria and guided to improve. GATI addresses institutional barriers (not individual scientists). This Athena SWAN connection is sometimes directly tested in UPSC.
Q6. Bhibha Chowdhury’s research is associated with which field, and what was her doctoral thesis on?
- (a) Particle physics; thesis on “extensive air showers associated with penetrating particles” — cosmic ray research
- (b) Nuclear medicine; thesis on “radioisotopes in cancer treatment”
- (c) Atmospheric science; thesis on “ozone layer measurement”
- (d) Biochemistry; thesis on “cytochrome enzymes in plant respiration”
Bhibha Chowdhury (1931–1991) was India’s first woman particle physicist and first Indian woman to earn a PhD in Physics. Thesis: “Extensive air showers associated with penetrating particles” — she studied cosmic rays and air showers. She developed photographic nuclear emulsions to image high-energy nuclear particles. Note: Option (d) describes Kamala Sohonie’s work (cytochrome C). Option (c) describes Anna Mani’s work (ozone/atmospheric studies). These are classic mix-up points.
Q7. According to 2018 DST and National Task Force data, which correctly reflects gender in Indian R&D?
- (a) Women make up 30% of Indian R&D workforce, matching global average
- (b) Women make up 28% of Indian R&D workforce, above global average of 15%
- (c) Women make up only 15% of Indian R&D workforce, half the global average of 30%; women in extramural R&D projects rose from 13% to 28% between 2000–01 and 2018–19
- (d) Women’s share has remained flat at 15% with no improvement since 2000
Option (c) correctly combines both statistics. 2018 National Task Force on Women in Science: only 15% of India’s R&D workforce are women vs global average of 30% (India = half the global level). However, there IS progress: women in extramural R&D projects rose from 13% (2000–01) to 28% (2018–19). Additionally: female researchers 13.9% (2015) → 18.7% (2018); women primary investigators 232 → 941 (4× rise). CSIR labs: only 18% scientists. All four statistics must be known for UPSC.
⚡ Quick Revision — Women in Science: Famous Indian Women Scientists
| Scientist | Field | Key UPSC Facts | Award |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kadambini Ganguly (1861–1923) | Medicine | First female graduate, British India. South Asia’s first female physician (Western training). Annie Besant praised her. | — |
| Anandibai Joshi (1865–1887) | Medicine / Obstetrics | First Indian woman to study medicine abroad (USA). Thesis: Obstetrics among Aryan Hindus. Died TB, age 21. | — |
| Mary Poonen Lukose (1886–1976) | Surgery | First female Surgeon General in India. Durbar Physician, Travancore (1924). Founded TB sanatorium + X-Ray Institute, Trivandrum. | — |
| E.K. Janaki Ammal (1897–1984) | Botany / Cytology | Chromosome + ploidy studies. Fellow IAS & INSA. Honorary LL.D. (Michigan). EK Janaki Ammal National Award for Taxonomy named after her. | Padma Shri |
| Anna Mani (1918–2001) | Physics / Meteorology | Deputy DG, IMD. Radiation, ozone, atmospheric electricity. Books on solar radiation data for India. | KR Ramanathan Medal |
| Kamala Sohonie (1911–1998) | Biochemistry | First Indian woman PhD in any science (Biochemistry, Cambridge). Cytochrome C in potatoes. ‘Neera’ health drink for tribal children. Nutritional studies on milk/legumes. | Rashtrapati Award |
| Rajeswari Chatterjee (1922–2010) | Electrical Engineering | First woman pioneer in Microwave + Antennae Engineering, India. Professor & Chairperson, IISc Bengaluru. | Mountbatten Prize, JC Bose Prize |
| Bhibha Chowdhury (1931–1991) | Particle Physics | First woman particle physicist; First Indian woman PhD in Physics. Photographic nuclear emulsions. Cosmic ray + air shower research. Thesis: extensive air showers. | — |
| Asima Chatterjee (1917–2006) | Medicinal Chemistry | First woman President, Indian Science Congress. Rajya Sabha MP. Ayush-56 (anti-epileptic) + anti-malarial drug from Ayurvedic plants. | Padma Bhushan, SS Bhatnagar, CV Raman, PC Ray Awards |
| Darshan Ranganathan (1941–2001) | Supramolecular Chem | Biochemical simulation in lab. Peptide nanotubes. Supramolecular assemblies. Pioneer of nanoscience in India. | — |
| Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw (1953–) | Biotechnology | Founded Biocon (India’s largest biotech). Cancer, diabetes, auto-immune drugs. World’s first oral insulin pipeline (Phase III). Bengaluru. | Padma Shri, Padma Bhushan |
| Indira Hinduja (1946–) | Gynaecology / Repro. | First IVF baby India (1986). GIFT technique (India’s first GIFT baby). Oocyte donation for menopausal patients — India’s first baby (1991). | Padma Shri |
| Tessy Thomas (1963–) | Defence (DRDO) | “Missile Woman of India.” First woman to head missile project (Agni-IV, DRDO). Guidance scheme for ALL Agni missiles. DG Aeronautical Systems, DRDO. | Agni Self-Reliance Award 2001 |
| N. Kalaiselvi (1967–) | Electrochemistry | First woman DG of CSIR (2022). Li-ion battery scientist. Electric mobility. MULTIFUN project. | First Woman DG, CSIR |
| Ritu Karidhal (ISRO) | Space Science | “Rocket Woman of India.” Mission Director — Chandrayaan-2 (2019) & Chandrayaan-3 (2023). Deputy Operations Director — Mangalyaan (2013). | — |
| Vanitha Muthayya (ISRO) | Space Science | Project Director — Chandrayaan-2. First time two women led an ISRO mission (Vanitha + Ritu). Historic landmark. | — |
| Kalpana Kalahasti (ISRO) | Space Science | Deputy Project Director — Chandrayaan-3. Part of historic Moon South Pole landing team (Aug 23, 2023). National Space Day. | — |
| Key Schemes | WISE-KIRAN + WOS (career breaks, DST) | Vigyan Jyoti (Class 9–12 girls, DST) | GATI (institutions, Athena SWAN model, DST) | SERB-POWER (research grants, SERB) | Indo-US STEMM Fellowship | WEST (I-STEM, 2022) | National Award for Woman Scientist (Ministry of Earth Sciences, since 2018) | ||
| Key Statistics | Women = 15% R&D workforce (vs 30% global). 28% extramural R&D (2018–19). CSIR: 18% scientists, 15% technical. ISC 2021–22: all 23 awards to men. Women PIs: 232 (2000–01) → 941 (2016–17) — 4× rise. | ||
🚨 5 UPSC TRAPS — Women in Science:
Trap 1 — “Kamala Sohonie was the first Indian woman to earn a PhD in Physics” → WRONG! Kamala Sohonie was first in any branch of science (Biochemistry). First Indian woman PhD specifically in Physics = Bhibha Chowdhury. Two different women, two different distinctions — frequently confused in UPSC options.
Trap 2 — “Asima Chatterjee was the first Indian woman to get a PhD in science” → WRONG! Asima Chatterjee’s distinction = first woman President of the Indian Science Congress. First Indian woman PhD in science = Kamala Sohonie. Do NOT confuse these two chemists. Asima Chatterjee also holds a PhD — but she was NOT the first.
Trap 3 — “Vanitha Muthayya led Chandrayaan-3” → WRONG! Vanitha Muthayya was Project Director of Chandrayaan-2 (not 3). Chandrayaan-3 Mission Director = Ritu Karidhal; Deputy Project Director = Kalpana Kalahasti. The dual-women ISRO leadership (Vanitha + Ritu) was for Chandrayaan-2. Very frequently confused in exams.
Trap 4 — “GATI provides scholarships to girl students to pursue STEM” → WRONG! GATI transforms institutions (universities, labs) to be gender-sensitive — NOT for individual students or scientists. For girl students (Class 9–12) = Vigyan Jyoti. For career-break women scientists = WOS under WISE-KIRAN. GATI = institutions, modelled on UK Athena SWAN.
Trap 5 — “Tessy Thomas = Rocket Woman of India, works at ISRO” → WRONG on both counts! Tessy Thomas works at DRDO (not ISRO) and is called the “Missile Woman” (not “Rocket Woman”) of India. The “Rocket Woman of India” = Ritu Karidhal of ISRO. Two different women, two different organisations, two different nicknames — a classic and very deliberate UPSC confusion point.
Trap 1 — “Kamala Sohonie was the first Indian woman to earn a PhD in Physics” → WRONG! Kamala Sohonie was first in any branch of science (Biochemistry). First Indian woman PhD specifically in Physics = Bhibha Chowdhury. Two different women, two different distinctions — frequently confused in UPSC options.
Trap 2 — “Asima Chatterjee was the first Indian woman to get a PhD in science” → WRONG! Asima Chatterjee’s distinction = first woman President of the Indian Science Congress. First Indian woman PhD in science = Kamala Sohonie. Do NOT confuse these two chemists. Asima Chatterjee also holds a PhD — but she was NOT the first.
Trap 3 — “Vanitha Muthayya led Chandrayaan-3” → WRONG! Vanitha Muthayya was Project Director of Chandrayaan-2 (not 3). Chandrayaan-3 Mission Director = Ritu Karidhal; Deputy Project Director = Kalpana Kalahasti. The dual-women ISRO leadership (Vanitha + Ritu) was for Chandrayaan-2. Very frequently confused in exams.
Trap 4 — “GATI provides scholarships to girl students to pursue STEM” → WRONG! GATI transforms institutions (universities, labs) to be gender-sensitive — NOT for individual students or scientists. For girl students (Class 9–12) = Vigyan Jyoti. For career-break women scientists = WOS under WISE-KIRAN. GATI = institutions, modelled on UK Athena SWAN.
Trap 5 — “Tessy Thomas = Rocket Woman of India, works at ISRO” → WRONG on both counts! Tessy Thomas works at DRDO (not ISRO) and is called the “Missile Woman” (not “Rocket Woman”) of India. The “Rocket Woman of India” = Ritu Karidhal of ISRO. Two different women, two different organisations, two different nicknames — a classic and very deliberate UPSC confusion point.
