INSPIRE Scholarship – Detailed Snapshot
| Scholarship Name | INSPIRE Scholarship for Higher Education (SHE) |
| Provider | Department of Science & Technology (DST), Government of India |
| Mode of Application | Online through the INSPIRE Online Portal |
| Application Level | National (applicable across India) |
| Selection Process | Based on academic merit and verification of uploaded documents |
| Duration | Up to 5 years or until course completion, whichever is earlier |
| Renewal | Subject to maintaining good academic performance and submission of required documents annually |
| Official Website | INSPIRE Online Portal |
INSPIRE Scholarship – Objective
The primary goal of the INSPIRE Scholarship for Higher Education (SHE) is to create a pool of young scientists who are motivated to pursue careers in science and research. It is a component of the Innovation in Science Pursuit for Inspired Research (INSPIRE) programme, a flagship initiative of the Department of Science and Technology (DST), Government of India.
The specific objectives are:
- Promotion of science education: To encourage students to pursue undergraduate and postgraduate courses in natural and basic sciences by providing financial support.
- Strengthening of research ecosystem: To create an environment where students can engage in scientific research early in their academic careers.
- Developing talent for national growth: To nurture scientific talent that can contribute to India’s development and technological advancement.
- Addressing the shortage of scientists: To counter the decline in the number of students pursuing science careers by making it an attractive option.
- Global competitiveness: To help India compete globally in scientific research by nurturing future world-class scientists and innovators.
INSPIRE Scholarship – Eligibility Criteria
The applicants must fulfill certain academic requirements. The eligibility criteria are as follows:
1. Top 1% in Class 12 Board Exams: Meritorious students with aggregate marks within the top 1% of their Class 12 examination from any State/Central Education Board in India, and pursuing Natural and Basic Sciences at the B.Sc., B.S., and Integrated M.Sc./M.S. level.
OR
2. JEE/NEET ranks: Students who secured a rank within the top 10,000 in JEE (Main/Advanced) or AIPMT/NEET and are presently pursuing Natural and Basic Science courses at B.Sc., B.S., or Integrated M.Sc./M.S. level.
OR
OR
4. KVPY scholars: Students selected under Kishore Vaigyanik Protsahan Yojana (KVPY) and pursuing Bachelor/Master’s level courses in Natural Sciences.
OR
5. Other recognized scholars: Students who are NTSE scholars, JBNSTS scholars, or International Olympiad medallists pursuing Bachelor’s/Master’s level courses in Natural Sciences.
Age criteria: Applicants must be in the 17–22 years age group.
INSPIRE Scholarship – Eligible Streams
The scholarship supports courses only in the Natural and Basic Sciences. Eligible subjects include:
- Physics
- Chemistry
- Mathematics
- Biology
- Statistics
- Geology
- Astrophysics
- Astronomy
- Electronics
- Botany
- Zoology
- Biochemistry
- Anthropology
- Microbiology
- Geophysics
- Geochemistry
- Atmospheric Sciences
- Oceanic Sciences
- Ecology
- Marine Biology
- Genetics
- Biophysics
INSPIRE Scholarship – Benefits
Scholarship value: ₹80,000 per annum
- Monthly scholarship: ₹5,000 (₹60,000 per year)
- Mentorship grant: ₹20,000 per year for summer research projects
Mode of payment: Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) into the scholar’s State Bank of India (SBI) savings account. Joint accounts or accounts in other banks are not accepted. The account must be Aadhaar-linked.
INSPIRE Scholarship – Tenure
- The scholarship is available for a maximum of 5 years, starting from the 1st year of B.Sc./B.S./Int. M.Sc./M.S. course or until completion of the course, whichever is earlier.
- Continuation depends on academic performance: at least 60% marks or GPA ≥ 7.0 (on 10-point scale) in the first attempt of annual/semester examinations.
INSPIRE Scholarship – Selection Process
The selection is based on merit and follows these steps:
- Application Screening: Eligibility and document verification.
- Merit List Generation: Based on Class 12 marks, JEE/NEET ranks, or eligibility under KVPY/NTSE/JBNSTS/Olympiads.
- Provisional Offer: Selected candidates will receive an offer letter in their INSPIRE Web Portal account.
- Final Award: Confirmation after uploading the required documents within the deadline.
Note: In case of more than 10,000 eligible applications, selection will be made using the Board Inclusive Model on a pro-rata basis across State/Central Boards.
INSPIRE Scholarship – How to Apply?
Applications must be submitted online only through the INSPIRE Web Portal:
Steps to apply:
- Visit the INSPIRE portal and click ‘New User? Register here’.
- Fill out the registration form, submit it, and activate the account via the email link.
- Log in using registered credentials.
- Click on ‘Scholarship’ → ‘Apply for Scholarship’.
- Fill in required details, upload scanned documents in prescribed format, and submit.
INSPIRE Scholarship – Documents Required
Applicants must upload the following documents (PDF/JPEG format, size ≤ 1 MB):
- Passport size photograph (JPEG, 50 KB)
- Class 10 Marksheet/Certificate (proof of date of birth)
- Class 12 Marksheet
- Endorsement Certificate (signed by Principal/Director/Registrar in prescribed format)
- Eligibility/Advisory Note (if issued by the Board, optional)
- Certificates for JEE/NEET/KVPY/NTSE/JBNSTS/Olympiad eligibility (if applicable)
- Community/Caste Certificate (if applicable)
- First page of SBI bank passbook (signed copy, for DBT transfer)
- Any other relevant supporting documents
Document formats available on portal:
- Endorsement Form (B.Sc. students)
- Enrolment Form (M.Sc. students)
- Project Completion Certificate Format
- Performance Report Format (for continuation)
INSPIRE Scholarship – Summer Research Projects
- Every scholar must undertake 6–8 weeks of summer research at a recognized research centre in India, outside their parent institution.
- A mentorship grant of ₹20,000 per year is provided.
- Upon completion, scholars must submit the following:
- Project report (including objectives, methods, results, and duration)
- Attested certificate from the research guide
- Group projects are not accepted.
INSPIRE Scholarship – Key Rules for Continuation
- Scholars must maintain ≥60% marks or GPA ≥7.0 in each academic year’s first attempt.
- Documents required yearly:
- Annual Performance Report (signed by the Head of Institution)
- Original/self-attested marksheets
- Failure, absence from exams, or delay beyond 12 months in submitting documents will result in the forfeiture of the scholarship for that year.
INSPIRE Scholarship – Contact Details
INSPIRE Programme Division
Department of Science and Technology
Technology Bhavan, New Mehrauli Road,
New Delhi – 110016
- Email: inspire.prog-dst@nic.in
- Phone: (0124)-669002/6690021
- Website: https://www.online-inspire.gov.in
FAQs
What is the INSPIRE Scholarship for Higher Education (SHE)?
The INSPIRE Scholarship for Higher Education (SHE) is a flagship program under the Department of Science & Technology (DST), Government of India, to encourage students to pursue higher studies and research in natural and basic sciences. It provides financial support of ₹80,000 per annum to 10,000 meritorious students every year.
Who is eligible to apply for the INSPIRE Scholarship?
Students must meet one of the following criteria: be in the top 1% of Class 12 Board exams and pursuing B.Sc./B.S./Int. M.Sc./M.S. in Natural/Basic Sciences; secure a rank within top 10,000 in JEE (Main/Advanced) or NEET/AIPMT and pursue Natural/Basic Sciences; be admitted to IISERs, NISER, DAE-CBS (Mumbai), or Visva-Bharati under direct entry; or be a KVPY, NTSE, JBNSTS scholar, or International Olympiad medallist. Age limit: 17–22 years.
Which subjects are covered under the scholarship?
The scholarship covers only Natural and Basic Sciences, including Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, Biology, Statistics, Geology, Astrophysics, Astronomy, Electronics, Botany, Zoology, Biochemistry, Anthropology, Microbiology, Atmospheric Sciences, Oceanic Sciences, Ecology, Marine Biology, Genetics, Biophysics, Geophysics, and Geochemistry.
Which courses are not supported under INSPIRE-SHE?
The scholarship does not support courses like Engineering, Medicine, Defence/Military Science, Agriculture, Psychology, Geography, Economics, Education (including B.Sc.-B.Ed.), Biotechnology, Computer Science, IT, Bioinformatics, Home Science, Physical Education, Distance Education, and other professional/vocational programs.
What is the scholarship amount and how is it disbursed?
The scholarship provides ₹5,000 per month (₹60,000 annually) plus ₹20,000 per year as a summer research mentorship grant. The amount is transferred to the scholar’s Aadhaar-linked SBI savings account via Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT). Joint accounts or non-SBI accounts are not accepted.
What is the tenure of the INSPIRE Scholarship?
The scholarship is provided for a maximum of 5 years or until completion of the course (B.Sc./B.S./Int. M.Sc./M.S.), whichever is earlier.
What are the rules for continuation of the scholarship?
Scholars must secure ≥60% marks or GPA ≥7.0 on a 10-point scale in each academic year’s first attempt. Annual submission of performance reports and marksheets is mandatory. Failure, absenteeism, or late submission (beyond 12 months) results in forfeiture of benefits.
What is the summer research project requirement under INSPIRE-SHE?
Each scholar must complete a 6–8 week summer research project at a recognized research centre in India (outside their parent institution). Submission of a Project Report and an attested certificate from the research guide is required. Group projects are not accepted.
How can students apply for the INSPIRE Scholarship?
Applications are accepted only through the INSPIRE Online Portal. Steps: register as a new user, activate via email link, log in and click 'Apply for Scholarship', fill the form, upload documents (marksheets, endorsement form, eligibility certificates, SBI passbook copy, etc.), and submit. No offline applications are accepted.
How are students selected for the scholarship?
Selection is merit-based. Applications are screened, and a merit list is generated using Class 12 marks, JEE/NEET ranks, or recognition under KVPY/NTSE/JBNSTS/Olympiads. Shortlisted students receive a provisional offer letter via the INSPIRE Web Portal. Final award is confirmed after document verification. If more than 10,000 eligible students apply, selection follows a Board Inclusive Model on a pro-rata basis across State/Central Boards.