IIT Bombay Launches WINGS Scholarship to Empower Women in STEM

The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Bombay has unveiled a transformative scholarship program named WINGS — Women INspiring Growth in STEM — aimed at empowering undergraduate women pursuing degrees in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM).

About the WINGS Scholarship

The WINGS initiative is designed to provide full tuition support to female students at IIT Bombay, ensuring that financial constraints do not hinder their academic and professional aspirations. This program specifically targets young women, particularly those from rural and underrepresented backgrounds, to create a more equitable learning environment. The inaugural cohort of WINGS scholars is set to commence their studies in the 2026–2027 academic year.

Vision and Impact

The scholarship is backed by IIT Bombay alumnus Bharat Desai and his wife Neerja Sethi, co-founders of Syntel, an IT consulting and outsourcing company. Their vision is to eliminate financial barriers for talented young women, enabling them to pursue higher education in STEM fields. Bharat Desai emphasized, “Education is the most powerful tool for change. By removing financial obstacles, we are unleashing the talent and determination of young women who will drive the future of innovation and progress in India.” IIT Bombay's Director, Prof. Shireesh Kedare, highlighted the significance of the initiative, stating, “Financial constraints should never determine a student's future. This scholarship initiative is a commitment to ensuring that talented young women in STEM have the freedom to pursue their aspirations without limitations.”

Encouraging Rural Representation

A key objective of the WINGS scholarship is to encourage applications from women in rural communities, aiming to increase their representation in STEM education at IIT Bombay. This initiative aligns with IIT Bombay's broader efforts to promote diversity and inclusion within its academic community.