INSPIRE Scholarship: Over 10,000 Students Awarded – Check Eligibility & Benefits

As of March 27, 2025, thousands of students across various states and Union Territories have benefited from the scheme. The largest number of SHE scholarships were awarded to students in Uttar Pradesh (5,374), Rajasthan (2,879), and Madhya Pradesh (573).

The Innovation in Science Pursuit for Inspired Research (INSPIRE) scheme, implemented by the Department of Science and Technology (DST), continues to play a vital role in nurturing young scientific talent in India.

According to a recent Parliament response, thousands of students across the country have been awarded scholarships under the scheme in the 2024-25 academic year, promoting careers in fundamental and applied sciences, engineering, medicine, agriculture, and veterinary fields.

Encouraging Scientific Talent from School to Research

The INSPIRE scheme aims to attract and retain bright young minds in scientific fields, expanding the country’s research and development base. The initiative is implemented nationwide through four key components:

INSPIRE Internship – This component introduces the top 1% of Class X students to science through specialized camps, fostering early interest in research.

Scholarship for Higher Education (SHE) – Providing 12,000 scholarships annually, this component supports talented students pursuing bachelor’s and master’s degrees in basic and natural sciences, offering ₹80,000 per year.

INSPIRE Fellowship – This supports top M.Sc. rank holders and INSPIRE Scholars pursuing Ph.D. programs, with a financial package extending up to ₹42,000 per month.

INSPIRE Faculty Fellowship – Designed for post-doctoral researchers, this program grants up to 150 fellowships annually, offering ₹1.25 lakh per month with additional research funding.

Widespread Impact Across India

As of March 27, 2025, thousands of students across various states and Union Territories have benefited from the scheme. The largest number of SHE scholarships were awarded to students in Uttar Pradesh (5,374), Rajasthan (2,879), and Madhya Pradesh (573). INSPIRE Fellowships have been granted to over 1,000 Ph.D. scholars nationwide, with states like Delhi (53), West Bengal (52), and Tamil Nadu (59) seeing significant participation.

The INSPIRE Faculty Fellowship has also been instrumental in supporting high-quality research, with notable allocations in Karnataka (16), Maharashtra (8), and Delhi (8).

Boosting India’s Scientific Future

The scheme has been pivotal in encouraging bright students to pursue science careers, ensuring strong mentorship and financial aid at different academic levels. The government’s continued investment in the program is expected to further strengthen India's scientific workforce, fostering innovations in crucial fields.

Minister of Science and Technology Dr. Jitendra Singh, in a written reply to the Lok Sabha, reiterated the government’s commitment to nurturing scientific excellence among young Indians. The INSPIRE scheme remains a cornerstone in India’s mission to create a globally competitive research ecosystem.

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