INSPIRE Scholarship 2026

What is the INSPIRE Scholarship?

The INSPIRE Scholarship for Higher Education (SHE) is one of India's most prestigious merit-based financial aid programmes for science students. It is a key component of the broader Innovation in Science Pursuit for Inspired Research (INSPIRE) programme launched by the Department of Science and Technology (DST), Government of India.

Every year, the scheme selects 10,000 top-performing students from across the country and provides them with ₹80,000 per annum to pursue undergraduate and integrated postgraduate courses in Natural and Basic Sciences. The scholarship aims to bridge the growing gap between the number of science graduates and the country's demand for researchers and innovators.

Objectives of the INSPIRE Programme

The INSPIRE programme was designed with a clear mission — to attract young talent towards science and build a strong research ecosystem in India. Here are the specific goals:

• Promote science education: Encourage students to take up B.Sc., B.S., and Integrated M.Sc./M.S. programmes in natural sciences by removing financial barriers.
• Build a research culture early: Give students hands-on exposure to scientific research during their undergraduate years through mandatory summer projects.
• Develop homegrown scientific talent: Nurture a generation of scientists who can contribute to India's technological growth and self-reliance.
• Reverse the science talent shortage: Address the declining number of students choosing careers in pure science by making it a financially viable option.
• Enhance global competitiveness: Help India produce world-class scientists and innovators who can compete on the international stage.

Who Can Apply? — Eligibility Criteria

The INSPIRE Scholarship is strictly merit-based. Applicants must satisfy at least one of the following academic criteria:

Eligible Subjects & Streams

The scholarship is exclusively for Natural and Basic Sciences. The following subjects/disciplines are covered:

Scholarship Benefits & Financial Support

Selected scholars receive a total of ₹80,000 per annum, disbursed as follows:

Duration & Tenure

The INSPIRE Scholarship is available for a maximum of 5 years, starting from the 1st year of B.Sc./B.S./Integrated M.Sc./M.S., or until the completion of the course — whichever comes first.

Year-on-year continuation depends on maintaining satisfactory academic performance: a minimum of 60% marks or a GPA of 7.0 or above (on a 10-point scale) in the first attempt of annual or semester examinations.

How Are Students Selected?

The selection is entirely merit-based and follows a transparent multi-step process:

1. Application Screening: All submitted applications are verified for eligibility and completeness of documents.
2. Merit List Preparation: A merit list is generated based on Class 12 aggregate marks, JEE/NEET ranks, or eligibility under KVPY/NTSE/JBNSTS/Olympiads.
3. Provisional Offer: Shortlisted students receive a provisional offer letter via their INSPIRE Web Portal account.
4. Final Confirmation: The scholarship is confirmed after successful verification and uploading of all required documents within the deadline.

How to Apply for the INSPIRE Scholarship

Applications are accepted only online through the official INSPIRE Web Portal. No offline or postal applications are considered.

Step-by-Step Application Process

1. Visit the INSPIRE portal and click on "New User? Register here".
2. Fill in the registration form with accurate details, submit it, and activate your account using the verification link sent to your email.
3. Log in using your registered email and password.
4. Navigate to "Scholarship" → "Apply for Scholarship".
5. Complete the application form — fill all required fields, upload scanned documents in the specified format, and submit.

Documents Required for Application

Keep these documents ready before you start the application. All uploads should be in PDF or JPEG format and must not exceed 1 MB in size.

• Passport-size photograph (JPEG, max 50 KB)
• Class 10 Marksheet or Certificate (for date of birth verification)
• Class 12 Marksheet
• Endorsement Certificate — signed by the Principal/Director/Registrar in the prescribed format
• Eligibility or Advisory Note from the Board (if issued; this is optional)
• JEE/NEET/KVPY/NTSE/JBNSTS/Olympiad certificates (if claiming eligibility under these routes)
• Community or Caste Certificate (if applicable)
• First page of your SBI bank passbook (signed copy, for DBT transfer)
• Any other relevant supporting documents

Summer Research Projects — A Mandatory Component

Unlike many scholarships, INSPIRE-SHE requires hands-on research experience. Every scholar must undertake a 6 to 8 week summer research project at a recognised research centre in India — and it must be outside their parent institution.

Key Details

• A mentorship grant of ₹20,000 per year is provided specifically for this purpose.
• Upon completion, scholars must submit:
  • A detailed Project Report covering objectives, methodology, results, and duration.
  • An attested certificate from the research guide at the host institution.
• Group projects are not accepted — each scholar must complete an individual project.

Rules for Continuation of the Scholarship

Maintaining the scholarship beyond the first year requires meeting specific academic and administrative requirements:

• Scholars must score ≥60% marks or achieve a GPA ≥7.0 (on a 10-point scale) in each academic year's first attempt.
• Annual submission of documents is mandatory:
  • Annual Performance Report — signed by the Head of the Institution.
  • Original or self-attested marksheets for the year.
• Failure in exams, absence from exams, or delay of more than 12 months in submitting documents will lead to forfeiture of the scholarship for that year.

Official Contact Details

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)