The INSPIRE Scholarship 2026, officially known as the INSPIRE Scholarship for Higher Education (INSPIRE-SHE), is a flagship scholarship scheme launched by the Department of Science and Technology (DST), Government of India. The scholarship aims to encourage talented students to pursue careers in Basic and Natural Sciences by providing financial assistance and research opportunities. Every year, 12,000 scholarships are awarded to meritorious students aged 17–22 years enrolled in eligible science courses.
If you are planning to pursue a B.Sc., B.S., or Integrated M.Sc./M.S. in Basic or Natural Sciences, this guide explains everything you need to know about the INSPIRE Scholarship 2026, including registration, eligibility, scholarship amount, benefits, documents required, application process, renewal, and FAQs.
What is INSPIRE Scholarship 2026?
The Innovation in Science Pursuit for Inspired Research (INSPIRE) programme was introduced by the Department of Science and Technology (DST) to promote scientific research among young students. The Scholarship for Higher Education (SHE) component provides financial support and mentorship to deserving students pursuing undergraduate and integrated postgraduate courses in Basic and Natural Sciences.
INSPIRE Scholarship 2026 Highlights
| Particular | Details |
|---|---|
| Scholarship Name | INSPIRE Scholarship for Higher Education (INSPIRE-SHE) |
| Launched By | Department of Science and Technology (DST) |
| Scholarship Type | Merit-Based |
| Scholarship Amount | ₹80,000 per year |
| Scholarships Awarded | 12,000 per year |
| Eligible Age | 17–22 Years |
| Eligible Courses | B.Sc., B.S., Integrated M.Sc./M.S. in Basic & Natural Sciences |
| Application Mode | Online |
| Official Portal | https://online-inspire.gov.in |
INSPIRE Scholarship Benefits
Selected students receive several benefits under the scheme:
- Annual financial assistance of ₹80,000.
- Mentorship from leading scientists and researchers.
- Opportunity to participate in summer research projects.
- Encouragement to pursue scientific research as a career.
- Direct transfer of scholarship amount to the student’s bank account.
Scholarship Amount
The annual scholarship is ₹80,000, which generally includes:
- ₹60,000 per year as scholarship assistance (paid in installments).
- ₹20,000 per year as Summer Time Mentorship Grant for approved research projects.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants should satisfy the following conditions:
- Must be an Indian citizen.
- Age should be between 17 and 22 years.
- Enrolled in a regular B.Sc., B.S., or Integrated M.Sc./M.S. programme in Basic or Natural Sciences.
- Should qualify through one of the approved merit criteria, such as:
- Being among the top 1% in the Class 12 Board Examination.
- Ranking within the top 10,000 in JEE Main, JEE Advanced, or NEET and joining an eligible Basic/Natural Science programme.
- Admission to institutions such as IISER, NISER, DAE-CBS, or qualifying through other approved national talent routes as specified by DST.
Eligible Courses
The scholarship is available for students pursuing:
- B.Sc.
- B.S.
- Integrated M.Sc.
- Integrated M.S.
Eligible disciplines include:
- Physics
- Chemistry
- Mathematics
- Biology
- Statistics
- Geology
- Botany
- Zoology
- Biochemistry
- Microbiology
- Astronomy
- Electronics
- Other approved Basic and Natural Science subjects
Engineering, Medical, and other professional degree courses are generally not covered under INSPIRE-SHE.
Documents Required
Applicants should keep the following documents ready:
- Passport-size Photograph
- Aadhaar Card
- Class 10 Certificate (Date of Birth proof)
- Class 12 Marksheet
- Admission Proof
- Bonafide Certificate
- Bank Passbook
- PAN Card (if available)
- Category Certificate (if applicable)
- Valid Email ID
- Mobile Number
- Endorsement Form signed by the institution (if required).
How to Register for INSPIRE Scholarship 2026
Follow these steps to apply online:
Step 1
Visit the official INSPIRE Online Portal.
Step 2
Click on New User Registration.
Step 3
Register using your email ID and mobile number.
Step 4
Log in to your account.
Step 5
Complete the online application form by entering:
- Personal Details
- Academic Information
- Institution Details
- Bank Account Details
Step 6
Upload all required documents.
Step 7
Review your application carefully.
Step 8
Submit the application and download the confirmation receipt for future reference.
Selection Process
The scholarship is awarded based on:
- Verification of eligibility.
- Academic merit.
- Document verification.
- Approval by the Department of Science and Technology.
No separate entrance examination is conducted for INSPIRE-SHE.
Renewal Process
Students can renew the scholarship if they:
- Continue in an eligible course.
- Maintain satisfactory academic performance as prescribed by DST.
- Submit renewal documents within the specified timeline through the INSPIRE portal.
Common Reasons for Rejection
Applications may be rejected due to:
- Incomplete application form.
- Incorrect academic details.
- Ineligible course.
- Missing documents.
- Failure to meet the merit criteria.
- Incorrect bank account details.
- Duplicate applications.
Important Tips
Before applying:
- Read the official guidelines carefully.
- Keep scanned documents ready.
- Ensure your bank account details are correct.
- Apply only through the official INSPIRE portal.
- Save a copy of your submitted application.
- Regularly check the portal for updates on application status and notifications.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the INSPIRE Scholarship?
INSPIRE-SHE is a merit-based scholarship offered by the Department of Science and Technology to encourage students to pursue higher education in Basic and Natural Sciences.
How much scholarship amount is provided?
Eligible students receive ₹80,000 per year, including scholarship assistance and a mentorship grant.
Who can apply?
Indian students aged 17–22 years pursuing eligible science courses and meeting the prescribed merit criteria can apply.
Is there an entrance exam?
No. Selection is based on academic merit and eligibility criteria; there is no separate entrance examination.
Where can I apply?
Applications are submitted online through the official INSPIRE portal.
Conclusion
The INSPIRE Scholarship 2026 is one of India’s most prestigious science scholarships for talented students pursuing Basic and Natural Sciences. With ₹80,000 per year, mentorship opportunities, and exposure to research projects, the scheme helps students build a strong foundation for careers in scientific research. Eligible candidates should complete their registration through the official INSPIRE portal and submit all required documents within the prescribed application period.
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