The Central Government’s INSPIRE Fellowship is for students doing a PhD in science. It is given by the Department of Science and Technology (DST). Under the fellowship, the first 2 years pay ₹37,000 a month as JRF and the next 3 years pay ₹42,000 a month as SRF. HRA and a ₹20,000 yearly contingency grant are also given. The fellowship lasts for a maximum of 5 years. There is no entrance exam — selection is on the basis of academic marks and merit.
How much money is given
Under the INSPIRE Fellowship, the first 2 years pay ₹37,000 a month as JRF (Junior Research Fellow). The next 3 years pay ₹42,000 a month as SRF (Senior Research Fellow). HRA (House Rent Allowance) is also given. Every year, a ₹20,000 contingency grant is given for books, research material and conferences. The fellowship is given for a maximum of 5 years. The fellowship amount comes directly into the bank account (DBT). Note that the old rates of ₹31,000 and ₹35,000 a month no longer apply — the rates were raised to ₹37,000 and ₹42,000 in 2023.
Who can apply
INSPIRE stands for Innovation in Science Pursuit for Inspired Research. Its aim is to attract talented students towards research in science. The applicant must be a first-rank holder in MSc or MTech — in basic or applied sciences. INSPIRE-SHE scholarship holders can also apply, if they scored 70% or more in MSc. The applicant’s age must be between 22 and 27 years — reserved categories get relaxation as per rules. The applicant must take admission in a PhD at a recognised institution. About 1,000 fellows are selected every year. The 2025-26 application window was 24 April to 23 May 2026 and is now closed — check the portal for the next window.
How to apply
Applications are made online on the online-inspire.gov.in portal. Register on the portal and upload the MSc/MTech marksheet, rank certificate, PhD admission proof and other required documents. Check the latest dates and process on online-inspire.gov.in — never pay anyone for applying. Selection is merit-based; there is no written exam. The selected fellow gets the fellowship amount directly in the bank account. While filling the form, enter your rank and marks correctly, because wrong information can lead to rejection of the application. Keep your Aadhaar-linked bank account ready, because the fellowship is paid through DBT.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: How much money is given under the INSPIRE Fellowship? A: ₹37,000 a month as JRF for the first 2 years and ₹42,000 a month as SRF for the next 3 years, plus HRA and ₹20,000 yearly contingency.
Q2: For how many years is the fellowship given? A: For a maximum of 5 years — 2 years as JRF and 3 years as SRF.
Q3: Who can apply? A: First-rank holders in MSc or MTech, or INSPIRE-SHE scholars with 70%+ marks; age 22–27 years.
Q4: Where do I apply? A: Online on the online-inspire.gov.in portal; check the next application window dates there.
Useful links
- INSPIRE Portal (DST): https://online-inspire.gov.in/
- INSPIRE Fellowship on MyScheme: https://www.myscheme.gov.in/schemes/inspire-f
- Next Action: see all 726 Central Government schemes — https://www.viksitharyana.com/english/kendra-sarkar-ki-yojnayen-2/
