The Duolingo English Test (DET), a global pioneer in digital English proficiency testing trusted by over 3 million test-takers worldwide, has opened applications for the DETermined Scholarship on the Manthan portal. Launched earlier this year in collaboration with the Office of the Principal Scientific Adviser (PSA) as the knowledge partner, the scholarship will provide ambitious and talented Indian women in STEM a one-time grant of USD 30,000 to cover tuition fees for a bachelor’s or master’s degree at a U.S. university which accepts the DET for admissions in the Spring ‘26 semester.
India continues to strengthen its global leadership in female participation in STEM with recent University Grants Commission (UGC) data showing an increase from 38.4% a decade ago to 42.6% in 2024. While this growth reflects strong ambition among women, financial constraints often limit access to world-class education and international exposure. The DETermined Scholarship addresses this gap by offering financial support to aspiring women professionals in STEM, empowering them to lead innovation and shape India’s STEM future. Supported by the Office of the Principal Scientific Adviser to the Government of India (GoI) as the knowledge partner, the initiative reinforces a shared commitment to creating accessible pathways for students and closing the gender gap in STEM. The PSA will facilitate applications via the Manthan portal and contribute to the selection jury, ensuring a transparent and impactful process.
Application Process and Timeline Applications are now live on the Manthan portal and will remain open till 30th June. The selection process follows a comprehensive three-step approach:
- Application Phase: Candidates will submit their applications including a DET score of 120, a strong academic record and a proposal showcasing their vision for innovation in STEM fields.
- STEM Impact Proposal Challenge: Shortlisted candidates to identify a pressing global or community issue related to STEM and propose an innovative solution for the same. Submissions can be in the form of a concise proposal (maximum 1000 words) or a 5-minute video, showcasing their creativity, research, and potential impact.
- Final Interview: The finalists will each have a virtual interview with the jury panel.
The scholarship recipient will be announced in September 2025, and the amount of USD 30,000 will be paid towards the tuition fee for the Spring 2026 semester of the winning applicant.
Interested candidates can access the application portal at Manthan and complete their submissions online. The platform provides comprehensive guidance throughout the application process, including detailed instructions for each requirement and timeline updates. Additionally, finalists will receive guidance and support from STEM experts, helping them navigate their academic and professional journeys.
Eligibility Requirements To be eligible for the DETermined Scholarship, applicants must:
- Identify as a woman and hold Indian citizenship.
- Reside in India and demonstrate a strong academic record (60% or higher) in a science background from an accredited Indian institution.
- Intend to enroll in a full-time undergraduate or postgraduate STEM program at an affiliated U.S. university, beginning in the spring semester of 2026.
- Have received a DET score of 120 or higher.
- Demonstrate leadership skills, innovation in STEM, and a commitment to solving societal issues.
- Intend to return to India and show the potential to transform innovative ideas into a viable startup.
Tara Kapur, India Market Lead, Duolingo English Test said “At the Duolingo English Test, we continue to see strong interest from Indian women taking the DET to pursue global education. The DETermined Scholarship is more than just financial support, it’s a chance for talented Indian women in STEM to access world-class education, fresh ideas and become one of India’s next generation of STEM innovators. We encourage women across the country to apply, showcase their ambition and take the next step toward shaping the future.”
The Duolingo English Test serves as an accessible, flexible and affordable way for students to showcase their English proficiency. With a focus on convenience, DET allows students to take the test online from anywhere and at any time with results available in 48 hours. Its AI-powered security protocols ensure test integrity, providing a reliable and widely accepted measure of English language skills. By taking the DET, students can gain admission to over 5,800 institutions worldwide, making it a valuable tool in pursuing academic dreams particularly for those applying for the DETermined Scholarship.
