INSPIRE Scholarship 2026: Eligibility, ₹80,000 Benefits, Courses & Application Updates

INSPIRE Scholarship 2026: Eligibility, ₹80,000 Benefits and Application Updates

The INSPIRE Scholarship for Higher Education (INSPIRE-SHE) is a Government of India initiative managed by the Department of Science and Technology (DST). It encourages academically talented students to pursue basic and natural sciences and explore careers in scientific research.

Under the published scheme, selected students may receive support worth ₹80,000 per year, comprising ₹60,000 as a scholarship and ₹20,000 as a research mentorship grant. Support can continue for up to five years, subject to course duration and academic conditions.

Important 2026 update: The Department of Science and Technology confirmed on 13 August 2026 that INSPIRE-SHE has not been discontinued and is undergoing redesign. As of 20 October 2026, a fresh application schedule for the 2026 batch has not been confirmed on the official scholarship portal.

CHECK APPLICATION ANNOUNCEMENTS — OFFICIAL INSPIRE PORTAL

READ THE OFFICIAL 2026 GOVERNMENT UPDATE

INSPIRE Scholarship: At a Glance

• Full name: Innovation in Science Pursuit for Inspired Research — Scholarship for Higher Education
• Responsible department: Department of Science and Technology, Government of India
• Published annual support: ₹80,000
• Scholarship component: ₹60,000 per year
• Research mentorship component: ₹20,000 per year
• Published age range: 17–22 years
• Eligible studies: B.Sc., B.S., B.Sc. with Research (4 years), Integrated M.Sc./M.S. in designated basic and natural sciences
• Maximum duration: Five years or completion of the supported course, whichever is earlier
• Separate INSPIRE entrance examination: No
• 2026 fresh application schedule: Not announced in the official sources checked
• Official portal: www.online-inspire.gov.in

Source: DST INSPIRE Scheme Details. Figures and eligibility described here reflect published scheme rules and may be updated through the redesign.

What Is the INSPIRE Scholarship?

INSPIRE-SHE is designed for students who show strong academic potential and choose higher education in fundamental science subjects. It provides financial support as well as an opportunity to gain experience in scientific research.

The programme is particularly relevant to students interested in subjects such as Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, Biology, Astronomy, Statistics and other designated natural sciences.

INSPIRE-SHE is different from a general scholarship for all courses. A student may have excellent Class 12 marks but still be ineligible if their higher-education programme is outside the supported subject list.

It is also different from INSPIRE-MANAK, a school-level innovation programme, and INSPIRE Fellowship, which supports eligible researchers at a later academic stage.

Who Is Eligible for INSPIRE Scholarship?

The published scheme provides multiple academic-merit routes. Candidates must also satisfy the course, age, admission-year and other applicable conditions.

Route 1: Top 1% in Class 12 Board Examination

Students whose aggregate Class 12 performance falls within the top 1% of their respective recognised State or Central Education Board may qualify under the board-merit route.

Important: Top 1% does not mean a fixed percentage such as 90% or 95% for every board. The actual qualifying level depends on the board and the relevant examination year.

A student must also enrol in an eligible basic or natural science degree programme. Board merit alone is not sufficient.

Route 2: Eligible National Examination Ranks

Published rules also recognise specified high-ranking candidates in examinations such as JEE and NEET/AIPMT. The scheme documentation describes qualifying ranks within the top 10,000 for the stated examination categories.

Important: A qualifying JEE or medical entrance examination rank does not make a B.Tech or MBBS programme eligible for INSPIRE-SHE. The student must pursue a supported basic or natural science programme.

The precise examinations, rank conditions and proof accepted for a new batch must be checked in its official notification.

Route 3: Other Recognised Merit Achievements

The published guidelines include recognised NTSE and JBNSTS scholars, International Olympiad medallists and certain earlier KVPY awardees, subject to studying eligible science courses.

KVPY no longer operates as a separate examination. Students should not look for a new KVPY exam registration to become eligible for INSPIRE-SHE.

Source: Official INSPIRE-SHE Eligibility FAQs.

Age and Admission-Year Requirements

The published INSPIRE-SHE age group is 17 to 22 years.

The established fresh-application rules require students to complete Class 12 and join the first year of an eligible science degree programme in the same academic year.

For example, a student applying under a new Class 12 batch should not assume that a gap of one or more years is permitted. The year of qualification, age cut-off and any exceptions must match the applicable batch notice.

Which Courses Are Eligible?

INSPIRE-SHE supports designated basic and natural science subjects studied through approved degree programmes such as B.Sc., B.S., four-year B.Sc. with Research and integrated M.Sc./M.S.

The published list of 18 subjects includes:

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

Course eligibility matters: A degree title, major, combination of subjects or interdisciplinary programme must be assessed against the official supported-subject rules. Do not assume that every degree containing the word "Science" qualifies.

Courses Generally Not Supported

The published INSPIRE-SHE guidance excludes several professional and applied programmes, including:

• Engineering, including B.E. and B.Tech
• Medicine, including MBBS
• Agriculture
• Biotechnology and Bioinformatics
• Computer Science, Computer Applications and Information Technology
• Economics, Geography and Psychology
• Education programmes, including B.Sc.–B.Ed. dual degrees
• Distance-education programmes
• Other professional courses outside the supported subject list

Example: A student with a qualifying JEE rank who enrols in B.Sc. Physics may meet the course requirement. A student with the same qualifying rank who enrols in B.Tech does not meet the published INSPIRE-SHE course requirement.

Official course list: Read INSPIRE-SHE Frequently Asked Questions (PDF).

How Much Money Does INSPIRE Scholarship Provide?

1. Annual Scholarship — ₹60,000

The scholarship component is ₹60,000 per academic year, described in the published scheme as ₹5,000 per month for calculating the annual amount.

This does not mean that the government necessarily credits ₹5,000 to the student's account every calendar month. Payments are linked to approval, required documents and the scheme's disbursement process.

2. Research Mentorship Grant — ₹20,000

An additional component within the annual ₹80,000 package is the ₹20,000 mentorship grant for approved summer research activity.

Scholars are expected to work on a research project under an active researcher at a recognised research institution and submit the prescribed project report and mentor certificate.

Total published annual value: ₹60,000 + ₹20,000 = ₹80,000.

The ₹20,000 grant is included in the ₹80,000 figure. It is not another ₹20,000 on top of ₹80,000.

Maximum Scholarship Duration

The published maximum period is five years, or until the supported course is completed, whichever occurs earlier.

At the published annual value, five fully supported years would represent up to ₹4,00,000 in combined scholarship and mentorship assistance. This is a potential maximum, not a guaranteed lump-sum payment.

The actual amount depends on eligibility, performance, supported years, approved research activity and the conditions applicable to the scholar's batch.

Source: DST Scholarship and Mentorship Details.

INSPIRE Scholarship Application Dates 2026

Current position as of 20 October 2026: DST has officially stated that INSPIRE-SHE is undergoing redesign. The official INSPIRE portal does not provide a confirmed fresh 2026 application opening and closing date in the scholarship announcements checked.

Students should not rely on unofficial websites predicting a particular month or deadline.

Existing scholars may still have batch-specific activities, including result announcements, provisional-offer formalities, document uploads and continued scholarship payments. Those activities do not mean that fresh applications for 2026 are open.

CHECK OFFICIAL SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATION STATUS AND NOTICES

How to Apply Online When Registration Opens

Applications under the published INSPIRE-SHE process are submitted through the official INSPIRE portal. The following explains the established process; applicants must follow any updated instructions issued for the new batch.

1. Visit the official INSPIRE website.
2. Check the Scholarship section for the fresh application announcement and detailed eligibility conditions.
3. Open the INSPIRE-SHE application form for the applicable batch.
4. Register using the student's correct name, date of birth and active email address.
5. Activate the account and sign in according to the instructions.
6. Enter Class 10 and 12 information, academic-merit category and current science-course admission details.
7. Upload the specified documents in the accepted format.
8. Review the application carefully, especially the board, year of passing, institution and course.
9. Submit the application and save the generated application or reference details.
10. Check the portal for evaluation results, a provisional offer and further document-upload instructions.

Safety reminder: Use the official government portal. Do not pay unofficial agents claiming they can secure selection or speed up scholarship release.

Documents Required for INSPIRE-SHE

The published application guidance identifies these documents:

• Class 12 marksheet: For the academic merit and qualifying year
• Class 10 marksheet or certificate: For proof of date of birth
• Institution endorsement certificate: Signed by the competent Principal, Director or Registrar in the prescribed format
• Board eligibility or advisory note: Where supplied by the concerned education board
• Rank or award certificate: For applicants using a recognised examination-rank, scholarship or Olympiad achievement route

Selected candidates may subsequently need to provide bank details, annual academic performance reports, mark sheets and mentorship documents.

Practical checklist: Ensure that the student's name and date of birth agree across certificates, and that the college has correctly certified the approved science course.

Official source: INSPIRE-SHE Application and Document FAQs.

How Are Students Selected?

INSPIRE-SHE does not conduct a separate competitive scholarship examination. The published selection process considers the eligible academic-merit routes and verifies the application against the scheme's criteria.

1. Students submit applications through the official portal during the notified period.
2. DST examines qualifying academic results, applicable examination ranks and course eligibility.
3. Eligible applications are assessed under the approved merit and allocation framework.
4. Provisionally selected students receive an offer through their INSPIRE portal account.
5. Students complete the specified document-upload and verification requirements.
6. Scholarship support is confirmed and released according to academic-performance and scheme conditions.

Important: Meeting one eligibility route does not guarantee final selection. A provisional offer is also not the same as an unconditional award.

Applicants should check their portal dashboard regularly instead of assuming that every update will arrive separately by post.

How Is the Scholarship Paid?

The published INSPIRE-SHE guidance provides for scholarship transfers directly to the scholar's State Bank of India savings account through the Direct Benefit Transfer system.

For existing batches, DST's official FAQ specifies an individual SBI savings account in the scholar's name, linked to Aadhaar. Joint accounts and non-SBI accounts are not accepted under those published instructions.

The scheme may release scholarship instalments after verifying academic-performance reports and other requirements. Students should not assume that funds will necessarily arrive immediately after receiving a provisional offer.

New applicants should read the current batch's banking requirements before submitting their details, since the scheme is undergoing redesign.

How to Continue INSPIRE Scholarship Every Year

INSPIRE-SHE support is tied to satisfactory academic progress. Under the published continuation conditions, students must secure:

• At least 60% marks in the relevant university or college examinations, or
• GPA of 7.0 or above on a 10-point scale,
• with the required performance achieved in the first attempt.

The student must submit the prescribed annual performance report and relevant semester or annual marksheets. The college or university authority must provide the required recommendation.

Failure in a subject or performance below the prescribed threshold can cause forfeiture of scholarship support for that academic year. Support may resume in a subsequent eligible year if the published recovery conditions are satisfied.

Discontinuing an eligible course or making an unauthorised course change can result in loss of the scholarship. Students proceeding from B.Sc. to M.Sc. should check the supported subjects, enrolment evidence and continuity requirements.

Official guidance: INSPIRE-SHE Post-Offer Implementation Guidelines.

Can INSPIRE Scholarship Be Combined with Another Scholarship?

Under the published rules, INSPIRE-SHE cannot be received concurrently with another scholarship. If a selected student already holds financial support from another scholarship scheme, they must follow DST's instructions concerning surrender of the other award and provide the required evidence.

Receiving duplicate scholarship support in violation of the conditions can result in withdrawal of the INSPIRE award and recovery of payments.

Source: INSPIRE-SHE Official FAQs.

Common Mistakes Students Should Avoid

• Assuming that every student with more than 90% in Class 12 is automatically in the board's top 1%.
• Choosing B.Tech, MBBS or another excluded professional course and expecting INSPIRE-SHE eligibility.
• Confusing the ₹20,000 mentorship component with money payable in addition to the ₹80,000 annual total.
• Trusting unofficial 2026 application dates without checking DST's announcements.
• Applying under an incorrect Class 12 year or course category.
• Uploading an endorsement certificate signed by an unauthorised person.
• Ignoring portal messages after receiving a provisional offer.
• Failing to submit annual performance documents or mentorship reports on time.
• Drawing another scholarship simultaneously without meeting the published rules.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is INSPIRE Scholarship available in 2026?

The Government confirmed in August 2026 that INSPIRE-SHE has not been discontinued but is undergoing redesign. A fresh 2026 application window was not confirmed on the official portal as of 20 October 2026.

How much money does INSPIRE-SHE provide?

The published annual support is ₹80,000, made up of ₹60,000 scholarship assistance and ₹20,000 research mentorship support, subject to applicable conditions.

Is the ₹20,000 research grant separate from ₹80,000?

No. It is included in the published ₹80,000 annual total.

Can a student with 95% in Class 12 apply?

The percentage alone does not prove eligibility. Under the board-merit route, the student's aggregate performance must fall within the applicable board's top 1%, and the student must pursue an eligible course.

Are B.Tech students eligible?

No. Engineering programmes such as B.Tech are excluded from the published INSPIRE-SHE course list, even if the student has a high JEE rank.

Can B.Sc. with Research students apply?

Yes. Four-year B.Sc. with Research is included in the published updated guidance, provided the subject and other eligibility conditions are met.

Is there an INSPIRE scholarship entrance examination?

No separate entrance examination is conducted specifically for INSPIRE-SHE. Academic merit and specified existing examination or award routes form the basis of eligibility.

Can students from any Indian state apply?

The published scheme covers eligible students across India, including those studying in Rajasthan. State or Central board merit and the chosen course are more relevant than the student's state alone.

Can two scholarships be received at the same time?

The published rules do not permit concurrent scholarship support from another source. Selected students must comply with DST's surrender and disclosure conditions.

Where can I check my selection result?

Use your account on the official INSPIRE portal. DST also publishes scholarship-related announcements and selected-applicant information through the portal.

Official Application, Guidelines and Help

OFFICIAL INSPIRE PORTAL — APPLICATIONS, RESULTS AND NOTICES

READ DST INSPIRE SCHEME DETAILS

READ GOVERNMENT'S 2026 INSPIRE-SHE REDESIGN UPDATE

DOWNLOAD INSPIRE-SHE GUIDELINES AND FAQ (PDF)

CONTACT OFFICIAL INSPIRE-SHE SUPPORT

Information checked: 20 October 2026 (India). The 2026 fresh application dates and any revised terms will depend on the next official DST announcement. The eligibility, benefits and continuation rules described above are the published scheme provisions available at the time of this check.