The INSPIRE Scholarship (Innovation in Science Pursuit for Inspired Research) is one of India’s most prestigious scholarships launched by the Department of Science & Technology (DST), Government of India. It motivates talented students to pursue science education and build a career in research by offering generous financial assistance from Class 11 to Ph.D. level. This 800-word detailed guide covers all important points—eligibility, benefits, documents, selection process, tables, overview charts, and top FAQs—with clear and well-structured representation.
What Is the INSPIRE Scholarship?
INSPIRE stands for Innovation in Science Pursuit for Inspired Research, a scheme designed to attract bright young minds to science and research careers. It provides scholarships, internships, fellowships, and mentorship from school to doctoral levels.
INSPIRE has three main components:
- INSPIRE – SEATS (for Classes 6 to 10)
- INSPIRE – Scholarship for Higher Education (SHE)
- INSPIRE – Fellowship (for PhD)
The most popular component is INSPIRE Scholarship for Higher Education (SHE), which supports students pursuing B.Sc., B.Tech (Science), BS-MS, or integrated MSc programs.
1. INSPIRE Scholarship for Higher Education (SHE)
Eligibility Criteria
Students must meet any one of the following:
- Be in the top 1% of Class 12 board exam results.
- Rank within the top 10,000 in JEE Main, JEE Advanced, or NEET (for science programs only).
- Be enrolled in a B.Sc., B.S., B.Stat, B.Math, Integrated M.Sc., or M.S. degree in natural or basic sciences.
- Must be 17 to 22 years old at the time of application.
Covered Science Subjects
- Physics
- Chemistry
- Mathematics
- Biology
- Astronomy
- Geology
- Statistics
- Ocean Sciences
- Atmospheric Sciences
- and other natural sciences
Scholarship Benefits
- ₹80,000 per year for 5 years.
- Yearly scholarship includes:
- ₹60,000 annual scholarship
- ₹20,000 for summer research internship
2. INSPIRE Internship (SEATS Program)
This part encourages students from Classes 6–10 by providing:
- Science camps
- Mentorship from top scientists
- Hands-on projects
Selection is based on merit and nominations from schools.
3. INSPIRE Fellowship for Ph.D.
For students pursuing doctoral research in science:
- Monthly fellowship support
- Contingency research grants
- Guidance from top scientific institutions
Documents Required for INSPIRE Scholarship
- Aadhaar Card
- Class 12 Marksheet
- Top 1% certificate (or rank proof JEE/NEET)
- Admission proof of B.Sc./Integrated MSc
- Photo and signature
- Bank account details
- Income certificate (if required)
- Caste certificate (if applicable)
How to Apply for INSPIRE Scholarship (Step-by-Step Guide)
- Visit the official INSPIRE program portal.
- Create a new user profile using email and mobile.
- Fill personal and academic details.
- Upload required documents and certificates.
- Choose the appropriate INSPIRE category (SHE, fellowship, etc.).
- Submit the form and download the acknowledgement slip.
- Track application status using the login dashboard.
Selection Process for INSPIRE SHE
- Shortlisting based on Class 12 performance or national exam ranks.
- Scrutiny of documents by DST.
- Confirmation after verification and approval.
- Scholarship credited yearly via Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT).
Important Points to Remember
- Only science students (natural/basic sciences) are eligible.
- Professional courses like Engineering, MBBS, Pharmacy are not eligible unless combined with science degrees.
- Scholarship continues only if the student maintains high academic performance each year.
- Students should not take any other major scholarship simultaneously.
Benefits of INSPIRE Scholarship
- Encourages students to build a research career in science.
- Provides hands-on research experience through summer internships.
- Mentorship from leading scientists and research institutions.
- Financial support for books, instruments, and academic projects.
- Builds strong foundation for future PhD and research fellowships.
Overview Table
| Component | Eligible Students | Benefits | Level | Ministry |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SEATS | Class 6–10 | Camps & mentorship | School | DST |
| SHE Scholarship | Top 1% Class 12 or top ranks | ₹80,000/year | UG–PG | DST |
| Fellowship | Postgraduate science students | Monthly research fellowship | Ph.D. | DST |
| Internship | School students | Hands-on science projects | School | DST |
| Young Scientist Award | Early researchers | Recognition & grant | Research | DST |
Comparison Table for INSPIRE SHE Eligibility
| Qualification Path | Eligibility Requirement | Evidence Needed |
|---|---|---|
| Class 12 Board Top 1% | Must be within top percentile | Board certificate |
| JEE Main/Adv Top 10,000 | Rank ≤ 10,000 | Rank card |
| NEET Rank | Top rank in science-based courses | Scorecard |
| KVPY Scholars | Automatically eligible | KVPY certificate |
| B.Sc./BS Admission | Must pursue natural sciences | Admission proof |
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Uploading unclear documents.
- Applying for non-science degrees (will be rejected).
- Wrong bank details causing delay.
- Missing scholarship renewal each year.
FAQs
1. Can engineering or medical students apply for INSPIRE?
No, only students of natural and basic sciences can apply.
2. What is the yearly scholarship amount under INSPIRE SHE?
Students receive ₹80,000 per year, including internship allowance.
3. Is the INSPIRE Scholarship based on an entrance exam?
No exam is conducted; selection is based on Class 12 merit or national exam ranks.