Central Government INSPIRE Faculty Fellowship: ₹1,25,000 a Month for Young Researchers

10 November 2026, 9:11 PM • Harish Sharma • Category: All India Schemes

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News: Central Government INSPIRE Faculty Fellowship: ₹1,25,000 a Month for Young Researchers
Date: 10 November 2026, 9:11 PM
Author: Harish Sharma
Category: All India Schemes
Source: See the official portal for details — the link is inside the story.

Photo: Gabriela P., Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 4.0)

After finishing a PhD, the biggest challenge for young researchers is finding a place and money for independent research. The INSPIRE Faculty Fellowship solves exactly this problem. It is part of the INSPIRE programme of the Department of Science and Technology (DST). The special feature of this fellowship is that the researcher does not work under a senior scientist — he or she builds a research team and takes independent decisions on the subject. A selected young researcher gets ₹1,25,000 a month and a ₹7 lakh yearly research grant. The fellowship is for 5 years and cannot be extended. About 100 researchers are selected for this fellowship every year.

How much money is given

The INSPIRE Faculty Fellowship pays the following amounts and benefits.

Fellowship: ₹1,25,000 a month — a consolidated amount, paid directly into the bank account.
Yearly increment: ₹2,000 a year — the fellowship rises by this much every year.
Research grant: ₹7,00,000 a year — for research material, equipment and travel.
Duration: 5 years — this period cannot be extended.
Number: about 100 fellows are selected every year.

The fellowship lets a researcher do independent research at an institute, so that he or she can build a research group. The grant can be used for consumables, minor equipment, travel to conferences and for hiring research staff.

Who can apply

This fellowship is for young PhD holders.

A PhD degree in science, engineering or technology.
Age between 27 and 32 years. Relaxation for reserved categories is given as per the official call.
A good research record — publications and research work are looked at.
A plan to do research at a recognised institute or university in India. Candidates working in private institutions can also apply if the institute is recognised.
The fellowship is for those who want to work as an independent researcher.

How to apply

Applications are made online on the online-inspire.gov.in portal. First register on the portal, then fill the application and upload the PhD certificate, research proposal, list of publications and consent of the host institute. Selection is based on the quality of the research proposal and the research record. The call for this fellowship usually comes between July and September. The 2026 call could not be independently verified as open as of 2 October 2026, so keep checking the portal for the next announcement. Never pay anyone for applying.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: How much money is given under the INSPIRE Faculty Fellowship? A: ₹1,25,000 a month as fellowship and a ₹7 lakh yearly research grant; there is also a ₹2,000 yearly increment. Q2: For how many years is the fellowship given? A: For 5 years; this period cannot be extended. Q3: What is the age limit? A: 27 to 32 years; reserved categories get relaxation as per the official call. Q4: Where do I apply? A: On the online-inspire.gov.in portal; the call usually comes between July and September.