The Central Government’s INSPIRE Scholarship (Scholarship for Higher Education — SHE) is meant to attract meritorious science students towards research. It was launched by the Department of Science and Technology (DST) in 2008. INSPIRE stands for Innovation in Science Pursuit for Inspired Research. Its purpose is that the country’s best students should study science and make research their career. 10,000 scholarships are given every year.
What is given
The selected student gets ₹80,000 a year. This includes a ₹60,000 scholarship — that is, ₹5,000 a month — and a ₹20,000 mentorship grant. The ₹20,000 is for a compulsory 6 to 8 week summer research project, which the student has to do under the guidance of a scientist at a research institution. The scholarship is given for a maximum of 5 years or till the course is completed — whichever is earlier. The amount goes directly into the student’s bank account through DBT.
Who can apply
The applicant must be aged between 17 and 22 years. There are three routes to eligibility: (1) scoring in the top 1% in Class 12 from any recognised State or Central board; (2) securing a top 10,000 rank in JEE Advanced or NEET; or (3) being selected in IISER, NISER, DAE-CBS, KVPY, NTSE or JBNSTS, or winning a medal in a science Olympiad. The student must pursue a degree in natural or basic science — B.Sc., B.S. or Integrated M.Sc./M.S. (Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, Biology, Statistics, Geology, Astrophysics, Electronics, Microbiology, Biochemistry, Geophysics, Atmospheric or Oceanic sciences).
Engineering and medical courses are not eligible
Note that the INSPIRE Scholarship is only for basic science. Students of engineering, medicine, agriculture, pharmacy or other applied courses are NOT eligible — even if they are in the top 1% in Class 12. A student doing B.Tech or MBBS cannot apply for INSPIRE-SHE. Such students should look at other schemes like AICTE Pragati, PM-USP (CSSS) or state scholarships. Before applying, always check your course’s eligibility on online-inspire.gov.in.
How to apply
Applications are made online on online-inspire.gov.in. There is no entrance examination for it — selection is based on Class 12 marks, JEE/NEET rank, or achievement in an Olympiad or competitive examination. The student has to submit the Class 12 marksheet, admission proof and bank account details. Confirm the last date for 2026-27 only from the official portal — different sources quote different dates. Do not pay anyone for applying.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: How much money does the INSPIRE Scholarship give?
A: ₹80,000 a year — a ₹60,000 scholarship (₹5,000 a month) and ₹20,000 for the summer research project.
Q2: Who can apply?
A: Students aged 17–22 who are in the top 1% in Class 12, in the top 10,000 in JEE Advanced or NEET, or successful in KVPY, NTSE or an Olympiad.
Q3: Are B.Tech or MBBS students eligible?
A: No — only basic science (B.Sc., B.S., Integrated M.Sc./M.S.) students are eligible; engineering and medical courses are not.
Q4: Where do I apply?
A: On online-inspire.gov.in — there is no entrance examination, and the last date is also given there.
Useful links
- INSPIRE online portal: https://online-inspire.gov.in/
- INSPIRE Scholarship on MyScheme: https://www.myscheme.gov.in/schemes/inspire-she
- Next Action: see all 726 Central Government schemes — /english/kendra-sarkar-ki-yojnayen-2/
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