INSPIRE Scholarship

INSPIRE Scholarship 2025 by DST offers INR 80,000 per year to 12,000 students pursuing B.Sc. or M.Sc. in Natural and Basic Sciences. It supports top-performing Class 12 students to build a career in science. Apply online through the official portal.

INSPIRE Scholarship 2025

The Innovation in Science Pursuit for Inspired Research (INSPIRE) Scholarship 2025 is a prestigious initiative by the Department of Science and Technology (DST), Government of India. Designed to attract and nurture talented young minds, the INSPIRE Scholarship for Higher Education (SHE) supports students pursuing undergraduate and postgraduate studies in Natural and Basic Sciences. 

Each year, 10,000 meritorious students are awarded this scholarship, receiving financial assistance of INR 80,000 annually, including a monthly stipend and a mentorship grant. Unlike many competitive scholarships, INSPIRE selects candidates based on academic merit and board exam performance, without the need for entrance tests.

The INSPIRE scholarship 2025 not only provides financial aid but also offers invaluable research exposure through summer projects under renowned scientists across India. Eligible students include those in the top 1% of Class 12 board results or top rankers in competitive exams like JEE or NEET, enrolled in B.Sc., BS, or Integrated M.Sc. courses in Natural Sciences. With its strong focus on academic excellence and research cultivation, INSPIRE serves as a stepping stone for students aspiring to contribute meaningfully to India's scientific and technological advancements.

Also Read: National Overseas Scholarship 2025

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Important Dates for INSPIRE Scholarship 2025

To ensure a successful application process, candidates must stay informed about the key deadlines associated with the INSPIRE Scholarship 2025. Below is a table highlighting the tentative schedule for registration, result announcements, and other important events. 

EventTentative Date
INSPIRE Scholarship 2025 Registration BeginsSeptember 2025
Last Date to Apply for INSPIRE ScholarshipOctober 2025
Release of List of Selected CandidatesDecember 2025

Also Read: Prime Minister Research Fellowship 2025

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Overview of INSPIRE Scholarship 2025

The INSPIRE Scholarship for Higher Education (SHE) 2025 aims to foster scientific talent by providing financial support to students who wish to pursue careers in Basic and Natural Sciences. Below is a comprehensive overview of the scholarship in a detailed tabular format.

ParticularsDetails
Scholarship NameINSPIRE Scholarship for Higher Education (SHE) 2025
Launched ByDepartment of Science & Technology (DST), Government of India
ObjectiveTo attract, encourage, and support talented students to study and pursue research in Natural and Basic Sciences
Scholarship TypeMerit-based
Target GroupClass 12 pass-outs enrolled in B.Sc., BS, or Integrated M.Sc./MS programs in Natural and Basic Sciences
Scholarship AmountINR 80,000 per annum (INR 60,000 as scholarship + INR 20,000 as summer mentorship grant)
Number of Scholarships Offered10,000 scholarships awarded annually
Mode of SelectionBased on academic performance (No competitive exam required)
Eligibility CriteriaTop 1% in Class 12 board exams / Top 10,000 in JEE/NEET /KVPY, NTSE, Olympiad scholars / Enrolled in eligible science courses
Eligible Age Group17 to 22 years
Eligible CoursesB.Sc., BS, Integrated M.Sc./MS in Natural and Basic Sciences
Subjects CoveredPhysics, Chemistry, Mathematics, Biology, Botany, Zoology, Geology, Statistics, Microbiology, Astrophysics, Oceanic Sciences, Atmospheric Sciences, Anthropology, etc.
Subjects Not CoveredEngineering, Medicine, Agriculture, Psychology, Computer Science, IT, Biotechnology, Bioinformatics, Home Science, etc.
Mode of ApplicationOnline application
Renewal CriteriaMinimum 60% marks or 7.0 GPA in university exams; performance report required within 12 months of result declaration

Also Read: Chatravriti Scholarship Yojana 2025

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Objective of the INSPIRE Scholarship 2025

The primary objective of the INSPIRE (Innovation in Science Pursuit for Inspired Research) Scholarship 2025 is to nurture and strengthen the foundation of scientific talent in India by financially supporting academically exceptional students. Launched by the Department of Science & Technology (DST), Government of India, this scholarship is specifically designed to attract young minds towards careers in Natural and Basic Sciences. 

The scholarship encourages students to pursue undergraduate and postgraduate studies in subjects such as Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, Biology, and related fields. The scholarship program supports 10,000 students annually by offering a financial incentive of INR 80,000 per year, including mentorship grants for summer research projects. Through initiatives like SHE, INSPIRE seeks to promote a scientific research culture in India and inspire students to take up research as a long-term profession.

Also Read: Pragati Scholarship 2025

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Schemes Under INSPIRE Scholarship 2025

Under the INSPIRE scholarship 2024, the Department of Science & Technology is offering various schemes to deserving young people interested in pursuing science, from high school through college and beyond. They are encouraged to choose scientific research as a career by this scholarship. This is accomplished by supporting numerous initiatives that improve human potential, such as awarding fellowships, scholarships, and training opportunities for research exposure.

This program is crafted to draw and support meritorious students, inspiring them to explore the fields of basic and natural sciences throughout their college and graduate studies. Additionally, it encourages them to pursue research professions in a variety of fields, such as engineering, medicine, agriculture, veterinary science, and basic and applied sciences. The following schemes fall under the INSPIRE program.

SchemesEligibilityAge GroupNo. of ScholarshipsAwards
INSPIRE InternshipTop 1% students in Class X Boards16-17 years50,0005-day camps through lectures by experts, innovative experiments, etc.
Scholarship For Higher Education (SHE)Top 1% students in Class XII Boards + top 10,000 performers in IIT-JEE + other national exams17-22 years12,000A scholarship (INR 60,000/- p.a.) and mentorship grant (INR 20,000/- p.a.) in B.Sc. & M.Sc. (basic and natural sciences)
INSPIRE FellowshipINSPIRE-SHE Scholars with 70% marks in M.Sc. + M.Sc. Toppers with min 70% marks22-27 years1,000Each chosen candidate will receive a stipend worth INR 80,000 per year through the SHE program to study science and technology and pursue a career in research.
INSPIRE Faculty FellowshipPh.D.27-32 years100INR 1,25,000 per month as a fellowship with an INR 20, 0000 annual raise. Each successful applicant will also receive a research grant worth INR 7,00,000 every year (12 months) for five years (60 months).
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Eligibility Criteria for INSPIRE Scholarship 2025

The INSPIRE scholarship 2025 is for students who are pursuing higher education in Natural and Basic Sciences and is purely merit-based. A detailed table below marks down all the key conditions on eligibility applicants should comply with:

Eligibility ParameterDetailed Criteria
Educational QualificationMust have passed the Class 12 (Senior Secondary) Board Examination.
Current Course EnrollmentMust be enrolled in a regular full-time B.Sc., BS, or Integrated M.Sc. MS course in Natural or Basic Sciences.
Year of AdmissionShould have taken admission to the above-mentioned courses in the same academic year as Class 12 completion.
Academic Performance in Class 12Must be among the top 1% of Class 12 pass-outs from the respective Board (State or Central).
Accepted National Competitive Exams (Alternate Eligibility)Candidates ranked among the top 10,000 in JEE Advanced, JEE Main (AIEEE), NEET, or other recognised national-level entrance exams and pursuing natural sciences are eligible.
Eligible InstitutionsStudents enrolled in IISERs, NISER, DAE-CBS (University of Mumbai), or similar institutes offering courses in Natural and Basic Sciences are eligible.
Recognised Talent AwardeesCandidates who are NTSE, KVPY, or JBNSTS scholars or International Olympiad medalists and pursuing natural sciences courses are eligible.
Age LimitMust be between 17 to 22 years of age at the time of application.
Non-Eligible CoursesStudents pursuing Medicine, Engineering, Agriculture, Psychology, Computer Science, IT, Biotechnology, Home Science, etc., are not eligible.
Mode of EducationOnly students enrolled in regular (full-time, on-campus) education are eligible. Distance or correspondence learners are not eligible.

Also Read: Atal Bihari Vajpayee Scholarship 2025

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Application Process of INSPIRE Scholarship 2025

You have the convenience of both applying for a new scholarship and renewing an existing one through a single online portal. To apply for the Inspire Scholarship 2025, follow these essential steps:

  • Visit the official website at online-inspire.gov.in.
  • If you are a new applicant, click on "New User." If not, proceed to step 4.
  • Fill in all mandatory fields and then submit your application.
  • After submission, log in using the generated credentials, which will grant you access to the candidate dashboard.
  • Browse the scholarship application link and provide personal details, current educational information, and details related to your 12th-grade studies or national-level competitive exams, along with other pertinent information and your contact details.
  • Review all the provided information (filled in by you) for accuracy, and then submit your application.
  • To stay updated about the status of your Inspire scholarship application for 2025, make sure to write down your application reference number or IVR number provided.
  • It is also advisable to print a copy of your application form for future reference.
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Documents Required For INSPIRE Scholarship 2025

When submitting your application for the INSPIRE scholarship 2025, please ensure that you include scanned copies of the following documents:

  • Passport-sized photograph (Required for all applicants)
  • 10th-grade mark sheet (Required for all applicants)
  • 12th-grade mark sheet (Required for all applicants)
  • Caste Certificate (Applicable for OBC/SC/ST applicants)
  • Certificate indicating rank in a National-level competitive entrance exam (Applicable if applying under this category)
  • Certificate demonstrating an award in JBNSTS/NTSE/International Olympic Medals (Applicable if applying under this category)
  • Endorsement form signed by the Principal/Director/Registrar of your current College/Institute/University (Compulsory for all applicants)
  • Eligibility Note/Advisory Note (Optional, not mandatory)
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Benefits of the INSPIRE Scholarship 2025

The INSPIRE Scholarship for Higher Education (SHE) 2025 offers significant financial and academic support to meritorious students pursuing studies in natural and basic sciences. Designed by the Department of Science and Technology (DST), this scholarship encourages students to build a career in scientific research. Below are the detailed benefits:

  • An INR 80,000 scholarship amount is provided to each scholar annually, encompassing both academic and research components.
  • A monthly scholarship of INR 5,000 is paid to scholars for 12 months, amounting to INR 60,000 every year, to meet their tuition and other academic expenses.
  • An additional INR 20,000 is paid to a scholar every year for carrying out summer research projects under established research mentors.
  • Scholars are encouraged to do summer research projects at leading research institutions so that they can acquire hands-on experience and become oriented towards scientific innovation.
  • Being an INSPIRE scholar adds value to the student's profile academically and enhances the chances of fellowships, admissions, or research jobs in the future.
  • The selection process is purely merit-based without any kind of entrance examination and is, by all means, if through board exams or ranking in other national-level examinations.

Also Read: MMVY Scholarship 2025

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Contact Details of INSPIRE Scholarship 2025

For assistance with the INSPIRE Scholarship for Higher Education (SHE) 2025 application process, candidates can reach out to the designated contact points provided by the Department of Science & Technology (DST), Government of India. The official contact details are as follows:

INSPIRE Programme Division

Department of Science & Technology

Technology Bhavan, New Mehrauli Road

New Delhi – 110 016

Phone Numbers:

0124-6690020

0124-6690021 

Email:

inspire.prog-dst@nic.in 

Working Hours:

Monday to Friday – 9:00 AM to 5:30 PM (excluding gazetted holidays)  

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FAQs about INSPIRE Scholarship

What to do in case the official letter is not issued despite being selected for the INSPIRE SHE scholarship?

In cases where the candidate has not received the official letter despite getting selected for the INSPIRE SHE scholarship, they must log in to their account on the INSPIRE Web Portal. The offer letter will be available in the dashboard notifications.

When will I be notified of my selection for the INSPIRE Scholarship?

You will be notified of your selection for INSPIRE scholarship at least four months from the application submission deadline. All selected candidates will receive a Provisional Offer Letter on their web portal accounts, confirming their scholarship selection. Provisionally selected students must log in to the online portal to download the offer letter. The list of selected and rejected students will also be displayed on the home page of the INSPIRE Web Portal. Selected candidates must upload the required documents on their web portal within the specified time limit, as mentioned in the offer letter, for further processing by the Department.

How do I apply for the scholarship?

Scholarship applications can only be submitted online. To apply, please visit this link: www.online-inspire.gov.in. Detailed guidelines for online applications are available on the portal.

What documents should I include with my INSPIRE scholarship application?

When submitting your INSPIRE scholarship application form, please include the following documents:

  • Class XII Mark Sheets (mandatory)
  • Class X Mark Sheet/Certificate (for proof of date of birth) (mandatory)
  • Endorsement Certificate in the prescribed format, signed by the Principal of the College/Director of the Institute/Registrar of the University (mandatory)
  • Eligibility Note/Advisory Note (if provided by the State/Central Board) (not mandatory)
  • Certificate specifying Rank or Award in JEE (Main)/ JEE (Advanced)/ NEET/ KVPY /JBNSTS/ NTSE / International Olympic Medallists (if eligible under this criterion) (mandatory)

When can the candidates apply for the SHE scholarship?

Candidates who have completed their XII standard examination in the same year and have enrolled in B.Sc., B.S., Int. M.Sc./M.S. degrees in Basic and Natural Sciences (in the subjects listed above) are eligible to apply. Application calls will be announced on the INSPIRE Web Portal, accessible through this link: https://www.online-inspire.gov.in.

What is the duration of INSPIRE-SHE scholarships?

The duration of  INSPIRE-SHE scholarships is a maximum of five years, starting from the first year of their B.Sc., B.S., Int. M.Sc./Int.M.S. program, or until they complete their course, whichever comes first. Scholarship continuation depends on maintaining good academic performance, as defined in question no. 20, in university examinations and approval from the Head of the Institution.

What benefits do INSPIRE-SHE recipients receive?

The benefit of each INSPIRE-SHE scholarship is INR 80,000 per annum. Each recipient receives an annual scholarship of INR 60,000, disbursed at INR 5,000 per month. All SHE scholars are required to complete summer research projects under the supervision of an active researcher at a recognized research center in India. A summer-time Mentorship grant of INR 20,000 is provided each year. Scholars must submit a Project Report and a Certificate from their Mentor upon project completion.

Which subjects fall under the scope of the INSPIRE Scholarship?

The subjects that fall under the scope of INSPIRE Scholarships are applicable to in the field of basic and natural sciences for B.Sc./B.S./Int. M.Sc./Int. M.S. courses:

  • Physics
  •  Chemistry
  •  Mathematics
  • Biology
  • Statistics
  • Geology
  • Astrophysics
  •  Astronomy
  • Electronics
  • Botany
  • Zoology
  • Biochemistry
  • Anthropology
  • Microbiology
  • Geophysics
  • Geochemistry
  •  Atmospheric Sciences
  •  Oceanic Sciences

Who is eligible to apply for INSPIRE SHE scholarships?

To be eligible for the INSPIRE SHE scholarships, one must meet the following prerequisitess

  • Should have achieved aggregate marks within the top 1% of their Class XII examinations.
  • Students who have secured ranks in the JEE of IIT, AIPMT.
  • Students who have achieved aggregate marks within the top 1% of their Class XII examinations from any State/Central Education Board in India and are pursuing Integrated M.S. courses in natural and basic sciences at institutions like IISERs, NISER, Department of Atomic Energy Centre for Basic Sciences - University of Mumbai, and Visva-Bharati, Shanti Niketan.
  • Students who have been selected under the Kishore Vaigyanik Protsahan Yojana (KVPY) and are pursuing Bachelor/Master level courses in natural sciences.
  • National Talent Search Examination (NTSE) scholars, Jagadish Bose National Science Talent Search (JBNSTS) scholars, and International Olympiad medallists who are pursuing Bachelor/Master level courses in natural sciences are also eligible.

What is the INSPIRE Scholarship for Higher Education (SHE)?

The INSPIRE Scholarship for Higher Education (SHE) is a flagship initiative run by the Department of Science and Technology (DST), a division of the Ministry of Science and Technology, Government of India, includes the Scholarship for Higher Education (SHE). The SHE scholarship aims to encourage students to pursue undergraduate and postgraduate studies in basic and natural science subjects and pursue a career in research by providing scholarships to deserving and interested students. Under the SHE program, 12,000 scholarships (starting from the SHE-2017 batch) are awarded annually, each valued at INR 80,000, to students pursuing Bachelor's and Master's level courses in basic and natural science fields.

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