The INSPIRE Scholarship 2026 is one of India’s most prestigious government scholarships for students passionate about science and research. Officially known as the INSPIRE Scholarship for Higher Education (SHE), this scheme is run by the Department of Science and Technology (DST), Government of India under the flagship Innovation in Science Pursuit for Inspired Research (INSPIRE) program.
The scholarship aims to attract talented students towards Natural and Basic Sciences by providing strong financial support and research exposure. Every year, 10,000 meritorious students are selected and awarded a scholarship of Rs. 80,000 per annum, along with opportunities for summer research internships at reputed institutions across India.
INSPIRE Scholarship 2026: Overview
The INSPIRE-SHE scholarship supports students from undergraduate to integrated postgraduate levels who show exceptional academic performance and research potential.
INSPIRE Scholarship – Detailed Snapshot
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Scholarship Name | INSPIRE Scholarship for Higher Education (SHE) |
| Launched By | Department of Science & Technology (DST), Government of India |
| Application Mode | Online |
| Level | National |
| Eligible Courses | B.Sc., B.S., Integrated M.Sc./M.S. (Natural & Basic Sciences) |
| Scholarship Amount | Rs. 80,000 per year |
| Number of Scholarships | 10,000 per year |
| Duration | Up to 5 years |
| Selection Basis | Academic Merit |
| Official Website | INSPIRE Online Portal |
INSPIRE Scholarship 2026: Eligibility Criteria
To apply for the INSPIRE Scholarship 2026, candidates must meet any one of the following eligibility conditions:
1. Top 1% in Class 12 Board Exams
Students who secured top 1% marks in Class 12 from any State or Central Board and are pursuing B.Sc., B.S., or Integrated M.Sc./M.S. in Natural or Basic Sciences.
2. JEE/NEET Rank Holders
Students with a top 10,000 rank in JEE (Main/Advanced) or AIPMT/NEET, currently enrolled in Natural or Basic Science courses.
3. Direct Entry at Premier Institutes
Students admitted to IISERs, NISER, DAE-CBS (University of Mumbai), or Visva-Bharati (Shantiniketan) through direct admission channels.
4. KVPY Scholars
Students selected under the Kishore Vaigyanik Protsahan Yojana (KVPY) and pursuing Bachelor’s or Master’s level science courses.
5. Other Recognized Scholars
Students who are NTSE scholars, JBNSTS scholars, or International Olympiad medalists in science subjects.
Age Limit: Applicants must be between 17 and 22 years.
INSPIRE Scholarship 2026: Eligible Subjects
The INSPIRE Scholarship strictly supports Natural and Basic Science disciplines only.
Supported Subjects
Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, Biology, Statistics, Geology, Astrophysics, Astronomy, Electronics, Botany, Zoology, Biochemistry, Anthropology, Microbiology, Geophysics, Geochemistry, Atmospheric Sciences, Oceanic Sciences, Ecology, Marine Biology, Genetics, Biophysics.
Not Supported
Engineering, Medicine, Agriculture, Biotechnology, Computer Science, IT, Bioinformatics, Defence Studies, Military Science, Psychology, Economics, Geography, Education (including B.Sc.-B.Ed.), Home Science, Physical Education, Distance Learning, and all professional/vocational courses.
INSPIRE Scholarship Amount & Benefits
The INSPIRE Scholarship amount is designed to support both education and research activities.
Financial Benefits
| Kishore Vaigyanik Protsahan Yojana Component | Amount |
|---|---|
| Monthly Scholarship | Rs. 5,000 |
| Annual Scholarship | Rs. 60,000 |
| Mentorship Grant | Rs. 20,000 |
| Total Annual Benefit | Rs. 80,000 |
Payment Mode:
The amount is transferred through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) to the scholar’s Aadhaar-linked SBI savings account. Joint accounts or accounts in other banks are not accepted.
INSPIRE Scholarship 2026: Duration & Renewal
The scholarship is awarded for a maximum of 5 years or till course completion, whichever comes earlier.
Renewal Conditions
- Minimum 60% marks OR GPA ≥ 7.0 (on a 10-point scale)
- Performance must be achieved in the first attempt
- Annual submission of performance and academic documents is mandatory
- Failure to meet these conditions may lead to cancellation for that academic year.
INSPIRE Scholarship 2026: Selection Process
The INSPIRE Scholarship selection process is purely merit-based and transparent.
- Application Screening – Verification of eligibility and uploaded documents
- Merit List Preparation – Based on Class 12 marks, JEE/NEET rank, or scholar category
- Provisional Offer Letter – Issued through the INSPIRE portal
- Final Award Confirmation – After document verification
If eligible applications exceed 10,000, selection is done using the Board Inclusive Pro-Rata Model.
How to Apply for INSPIRE Scholarship 2026?
Applications are accepted online only through the official INSPIRE portal.
Step-by-Step Application Process
- Visit the INSPIRE Online Portal
- Click on “New User? Register Here”
- Complete registration and activate via email
- Login and select Scholarship → Apply for Scholarship
- Fill details, upload documents, and submit the form
INSPIRE Scholarship 2026: Documents Required
Applicants must upload scanned documents (PDF/JPEG, ≤ 1 MB):
- Passport size photograph
- Class 10 certificate (DOB proof)
- Class 12 marksheet
- Endorsement Certificate (signed by institution head)
- JEE/NEET/KVPY/NTSE/JBNSTS/Olympiad certificates (if applicable)
- SBI bank passbook first page (signed)
- Caste/community certificate (if applicable)
All document formats are available on the INSPIRE portal.
INSPIRE Scholarship: Summer Research Internship
Every INSPIRE scholar must complete a 6–8 weeks summer research project at a recognized Indian research institution, outside their parent college.
- Mentorship grant: Rs. 20,000
- Individual projects only (no group work)
- Submission of project report and guide certificate is mandatory
INSPIRE Scholarship 2026: Contact Details
INSPIRE Programme Division
Department of Science and Technology
Technology Bhavan, New Mehrauli Road
New Delhi – 110016
Email: inspire.prog-dst@nic.in
Phone: 0124-6690020 / 21
Website: INSPIRE Online Portal
FAQs – INSPIRE Scholarship
Q1. What is INSPIRE Scholarship for Higher Education (SHE)?
It is a DST-funded national scholarship that provides Rs. 80,000 per year to meritorious students pursuing Natural and Basic Sciences.
Q2. Who can apply for INSPIRE Scholarship 2026?
Top 1% Class 12 students, JEE/NEET top rankers, IISER/NISER students, KVPY, NTSE, JBNSTS scholars, and Olympiad medalists aged 17–22 years.
Q3. Which subjects are eligible under INSPIRE-SHE?
Only Natural and Basic Sciences like Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, Biology, Geology, and related disciplines.
Q4. Is Engineering or Medical course eligible?
No, Engineering, Medicine, and other professional courses are not covered.
Q5. How is the scholarship amount paid?
Through DBT to an Aadhaar-linked SBI savings account.
Conclusion
The INSPIRE Scholarship 2026 is an excellent opportunity for students who aspire to build a career in scientific research and innovation. With strong financial support, research mentorship, and national recognition, INSPIRE-SHE plays a crucial role in shaping India’s future scientists. Eligible students should keep an eye on registration dates and apply early through the official portal.
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