- Duolingo English Test launches USD 30,000 DETermined Scholarship for Indian women pursuing STEM degrees in the U.S., with applications open until June 30, 2025.
- A prestigious six-member jury led by Dr. Sapna Poti will select the winner, emphasizing gender equity, innovation, and leadership in STEM.
- Eligibility includes DET score ≥120, 60 percent + in science, and U.S. university admission for Spring 2026, with the winner announced in September 2025 via the Manthan portal.
Duolingo English Test has announced the eminent panel of pioneering women in STEM and education professionals that will decide its esteemed DETermined Scholarship, a USD 30,000 award given to an exemplary Indian woman studying for an undergraduate or postgraduate degree in STEM at an American university that accepts the DET. Applications can be submitted until June 30, 2025, through the Manthan portal, and the winner will be informed in September 2025.
The six-jury panel consists of accomplished experts whose professional expertise resonates with the mission of the scholarship to empower women in scientific and technological fields. Chaired by Dr. Sapna Poti, Director of Strategic Alliances in the Office of the Principal Scientific Adviser to the Government of India, they will provide a crucial insight into gender diversity and national innovation priorities. Kirthiga Reddy, Verix CEO and former Managing Director of Facebook India and South Asia, brings her global business leadership and academic experience she serves on the board of trustees for Syracuse University and has been a member of the Stanford Graduate School of Business management board.
Anuradha Acharya, CEO of genomics firm Mapmygenome, will also be a member of the jury. A tech-founder herself, she personifies the bridge between entrepreneurial vision and scientific innovation. Arnav Kumar, co-founder of Leap, joins them with perspective on global education trends and advising Indian students planning to study abroad. Rounding out the panel are Carrie Wang and Jennifer Dewar, both senior directors at Duolingo English Test, who contribute experience with student engagement and educational equity.
This scholarship is intended to break down monetary barriers and ignite innovation among Indian women in the field of STEM by providing not only funds but also mentorship, advice, and exposure to an international network. The applicants should be Indian citizens, female, possess at least 60 percent marks in science at the qualifying stage, and possess a DET score of 120 or higher. Their intended course of study should be at an American university that accepts the DET during the Spring 2026 semester.
The process of selection will be multi-level testing, culminating in a final decision by the jury selecting a candidate who shows not only academic brilliance but also leadership skill and vision to serve the innovation and technological growth of India. The move reinforces Duolingo's and India's Principal Scientific Adviser's dedication to creating a more inclusive STEM future where brilliant women can thrive on the global stage and return to grow India's scientific ecosystem.
