India has produced remarkable female Indian scientists who have significantly advanced scientific knowledge and innovation. This article celebrates the Top 10 Female Scientists of India—famous pioneers whose achievements inspire future generations. From chemistry and engineering to space science and genomics, these famous female scientists showcase excellence and resilience.

Table: Top 10 Female Scientists of India

1. Anandibai Gopalrao Joshi – Trailblazer in Medicine

Anandibai Gopalrao Joshi became the first Indian woman scientist in Western medicine, earning global acclaim for her achievements. Her pioneering spirit set a powerful precedent for female scientists of India. 

• Field: Medicine
  
  
• Major Achievement: First Indian woman to earn a medical degree in Western medicine (from the Women’s Medical College of Pennsylvania, USA in 1886).
  
  
• Awards/Recognition: Honored by Queen Victoria for her accomplishment; remembered as one of the earliest women scientists in India in healthcare.
  
  
• Legacy: Inspired countless female scientists of India to pursue higher education in medicine.
  
  

2. Janaki Ammal – Renowned Botanist

Janaki Ammal, a celebrated female Indian scientist, conducted groundbreaking research in plant cytogenetics and phytogeography—especially for sugarcane and brinjal. She received the Padma Shri for her lasting contributions.

• Field: Botany & Cytogenetics
  
  
• Major Achievement: Her research on sugarcane and brinjal genetics improved crop productivity in India.
  
  
• Awards: Padma Shri (1977).
  
  
• Legacy: One of the most famous women scientists of India, her work strengthened India’s agricultural science sector.

3. Kamala Sohonie – Biochemistry Pioneer

Kamala Sohonie broke barriers as the first Indian woman to earn a Ph.D. in a scientific field, becoming a biochemist and mentor to many female researchers.

• Field: Biochemistry
  
  
• Major Achievement: First Indian woman to earn a Ph.D. in science (1939, Cambridge University). Discovered the nutritional importance of vitamins in legumes.
  
  
• Awards: Rashtrapati Award for her contributions.
  
  
• Legacy: Opened doors for female scientists in India to pursue advanced research.

4. Asima Chatterjee – Champion of Medicinal Chemistry

Asima Chatterjee, an acclaimed famous female scientist, conducted vital research on anti-epileptic and anti-malarial drugs, and was the first woman in India to earn a D.Sc. 

• Field: Organic & Medicinal Chemistry
  
  
• Major Achievement: Developed anti-malarial and anti-epileptic drugs. First woman to be awarded a Doctor of Science (D.Sc.) from an Indian University.
  
  
• Awards: Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar Award (1961), Padma Bhushan (1975), Fellow of the Indian National Science Academy.
  
  
• Legacy: Among the famous female scientists in history, she established a strong base for drug research in India.

5. Ritu Karidhal – Rocket Scientist Extraordinaire

A celebrated women scientist in India, Ritu Karidhal played a crucial role in ISRO’s Mars Orbiter Mission (Mangalyaan), earning recognition as one of the rising icons in space research.

• Field: Aerospace Engineering (ISRO)
  
  
• Major Achievement: Deputy Operations Director of India’s Mars Orbiter Mission (Mangalyaan, 2013). Key role in Chandrayaan-2 and Chandrayaan-3.
  
  
• Awards: ISRO Young Scientist Award (2007), India Today Woman Achiever Award.
  
  
• Legacy: A role model among Indian female scientists in space exploration.
  
  

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6. Tessy Thomas – The Missile Woman of India

Known as the Missile Woman, Tessy Thomas became the first female scientist in India to head major Agni missile programs, marking a significant milestone in defense research. 

• Field: Aerospace & Defense Research
  
  
• Major Achievement: First woman scientist in India to lead missile projects. Director-General of Aeronautical Systems, DRDO. Key role in Agni-IV and Agni-V missiles.
  
  
• Awards: Lal Bahadur Shastri National Award (2012), DRDO Scientist of the Year Award, Padma Shri (2022).
  
  
• Legacy: Known as the Missile Woman, she shattered gender barriers in defense research.

7. Aditi Pant – Pioneering Oceanographer

Oceanographer Aditi Pant made history as the first Indian woman to visit Antarctica. Her research elevated India’s role in ocean sciences and became a beacon for young female Indian scientists.

• Field: Marine Science & Oceanography
  
  
• Major Achievement: First Indian woman scientist to participate in an Antarctic expedition (1983). Specialized in the study of ocean productivity.
  
  
• Awards: Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar Fellowship, INSA Fellowship.
  
  
• Legacy: A trailblazer among women scientists in India, paving the way in ocean research.

8. Usha Barwale Zehr – GM Crop Pioneer

Botanist Usha Barwale Zehr contributed significantly to agriculture by developing India’s first genetically modified food—Bt brinjal. A true famous female scientist in biotechnology. 

• Field: Agricultural Biotechnology
  
  
• Major Achievement: Led the development of India’s first genetically modified food crop (Bt brinjal). Research in plant biotechnology for food security.
  
  
• Awards: Recognized globally by agricultural science forums, worked with Mahyco and Gates Foundation projects.
  
  
• Legacy: Her innovations make her one of the most famous female scientists of India in modern agriculture.

9. Gaiti Hasan – Neuroscience Leader

Gaiti Hasan, a dynamic Indian female scientist, specializes in Drosophila genetics and neuroscience at NCBS Bangalore. She is a respected INSA Fellow and researcher. 

• Field: Neurogenetics & Molecular Biology
  
  
• Major Achievement: Research on intracellular calcium signaling in Drosophila (fruit flies), crucial for understanding neurological disorders.
  
  
• Awards: Elected Fellow of the Indian Academy of Sciences, Indian National Science Academy.
  
  
• Legacy: One of the Indian famous scientists advancing cutting-edge neuroscience research.

10. Manjula Reddy – Bacterial Genetics Innovator

Manjula Reddy is a leading female scientist in India known for discovering a key enzyme in bacterial cell-wall growth. She received the prestigious Infosys Prize for Life Sciences. 

• Field: Microbiology & Genetics
  
  
• Major Achievement: Discovered key enzymes involved in bacterial cell wall growth.
  
  
• Awards: Infosys Prize for Life Sciences (2019).
  
  
• Legacy: A highly respected female scientist in India, contributing to new approaches in antibiotic research.

Why This List Matters

Within this list of Top 10 Female Scientists of India, you’ll find examples of brilliance, courage, and groundbreaking research—embodying the spirit of famous women scientists of India. Their accomplishments span:

• Medicine and public health (Anandibai Joshi)
  
  
• Botany and genetics (Janaki Ammal)
  
  
• Chemistry and pharmaceuticals (Asima Chatterjee)
  
  
• Aerospace and defense (Ritu Karidhal, Tessy Thomas)
  
  
• Oceanography, biotechnology, neuroscience, and genomics (Aditi Pant, Usha Zehr, Gaiti Hasan, Manjula Reddy)
  
  

Each of these Indian female scientists not only excelled in their fields but also paved the way for future generations of famous scientists in India.

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Conclusion

This comprehensive profile of the Top 10 Female Scientists of India celebrates their transformative contributions and unwavering dedication. From Anandibai Joshi’s medical achievements to the cutting-edge work of Gaiti Hasan and Manjula Reddy in modern science, these famous female scientists have shaped history and inspired countless aspirants.

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