INSPIRE (Innovation in Science Pursuit for Inspired Research) program

The INSPIRE (Innovation in Science Pursuit for Inspired Research) program is a flagship initiative by the Department of Science & Technology (DST), Government of India. The main goal of INSPIRE is to attract and retain talented young people in the field of science, helping to build a strong scientific workforce for the country’s future. It operates on the principle of merit, without conducting a separate competitive exam for talent identification. Instead, it leverages the existing academic and national examination results to find bright, promising students.

The Three Main Components of INSPIRE

The INSPIRE program is structured into three main schemes that target students at different stages of their academic journey, from school to PhD.

• 1. Scheme for Early Attraction of Talent (SEATS) This component is designed to ignite a passion for science among school students. It has two parts:
  • INSPIRE Awards – MANAK: This scheme targets students in classes 6 to 12. It encourages them to come up with original and innovative ideas related to science and societal problems. Schools nominate up to five of their best ideas online. The best ideas are then awarded a grant of ₹10,000 to create a working model or prototype. These projects are showcased at district, state, and national-level exhibitions, giving young innovators a platform to shine.
  • INSPIRE Internship: This is for top-performing students in Class 10 who are now in Class 11 (science stream). The program provides these students with an opportunity to attend a science camp. At these camps, students can interact with and learn from renowned scientists from India and abroad, including Nobel Laureates, giving them a glimpse into the exciting world of scientific research.
• 2. Scholarship for Higher Education (SHE) This is one of the most well-known components of INSPIRE. It provides scholarships to encourage meritorious students to pursue undergraduate and postgraduate degrees in basic and natural sciences.
  • Eligibility: To be eligible, you must be in the age group of 17–22 years and be enrolled in an undergraduate course in an eligible science subject. You must meet one of the following criteria:
    • Be among the top 1% of scorers in your Class 12 board examination from any state or central board.
    • Be a student with a top rank (within the top 10,000) in national-level entrance exams like JEE (Main/Advanced) or NEET, and be pursuing a course in an eligible science subject.
    • Be a Kishore Vaigyanik Protsahan Yojana (KVPY) scholar, National Talent Search Examination (NTSE) scholar, or an International Olympiad medalist.
  • Benefits: The scholarship provides a total of ₹80,000 per year for a maximum of five years. This includes a monthly scholarship of ₹5,000 (₹60,000 per year) and an annual mentorship grant of ₹20,000 to cover the costs of summer research projects.
  • Continuation: The scholarship is not a one-time thing. To continue receiving it each year, you must maintain good academic performance (generally a minimum of 60% marks or a GPA of 7.0 on a 10-point scale) and be recommended by your institution.
• 3. Assured Opportunity for Research Careers (AORC) This component is designed to support and retain young scientists in research careers. It has two parts for advanced-level students and researchers:
  • INSPIRE Fellowship: This fellowship is offered to students pursuing a PhD in basic and applied sciences. It provides financial support to enable them to focus on their doctoral research.
  • INSPIRE Faculty Fellowship: This fellowship is for post-doctoral researchers who want to establish themselves as independent researchers. It provides them with an opportunity to conduct research for five years.

How to Apply for the INSPIRE Scholarship (SHE)

The application process for the INSPIRE Scholarship is completely online and takes place on the official INSPIRE portal.

1. Check Eligibility: Ensure you meet the criteria as mentioned above.
2. Gather Documents: You’ll need to have scanned copies of several documents ready, including:
   • Class 10 and 12 mark sheets.
   • Proof of age.
   • A certificate from your college confirming your enrollment in an eligible course.
   • Your national-level competitive exam rank certificate (if applicable).
   • Your bank account details (the account must be in your name and preferably with SBI for direct benefit transfer).
3. Online Application: Visit the official INSPIRE portal, register as a new user, and fill out the online application form with all the required details. You will need to upload the scanned documents.
4. Wait for Selection: The selection is based purely on merit. The DST will verify your application and eligibility. If you are provisionally selected, you will receive a provisional offer letter. The list of selected candidates is also displayed on the INSPIRE website.

Government of India Website: https://dst.gov.in/inspire-scheme-innovation-science-pursuit-inspired-research

Official INSPIRE Website: https://online-inspire.gov.in/