INSPIRE Scholarship 2026: ₹80,000/Year – Check Full Details

If you’re passionate about science and want to build a career in research, the INSPIRE Scholarship (SHE – Scholarship for Higher Education) is one of the best opportunities in India.

The INSPIRE-SHE Scholarship is a flagship scheme by the Department of Science and Technology (DST), Government of India. This scheme help students who are in the top 1% of Class 12 board exams or have high ranks in national-level exams to pursue basic and natural sciences.

On this page we have shared the information about the eligibility, benefits, subjects, application instructions and post-selection rules based on government documents.

INSPIRE Scholarship 2026 – Overview

Scholarship Name	INSPIRE – Scholarship for Higher Education (SHE)
Provided By	Department of Science & Technology (DST), Govt. of India
Amount	₹80,000 per year
Duration	Up to 5 years (UG + PG)
Mentorship Grant	₹20,000/year for research projects
Eligibility	Top 1% in Class 12th OR JEE/NEET/KVPY ranks
Eligible Courses	BSc, BS, Integrated MSc/MS (Basic Sciences)

Benefits of INSPIRE Scholarship

• 💰 ₹80,000 per year
• 📅 Duration: Up to 5 years (UG + PG)
• 🔬 ₹20,000/year Mentorship Grant for research projects
• 🎓 Supports education from BSc to MSc level

👉 The scholarship also encourages students to take up research internships every year (6–8 weeks).

Course Requirements

• Enrolled in BSc, BS or Integrated MSc/MS courses
• Studying Natural or Basic Sciences like:
  • Physics
  • Chemistry
  • Biology
  • Mathematics

Who is Eligible for INSPIRE Scholarship?

• Students must be in the top 1% of Class 12 board examinations OR have a valid rank in national-level exams like JEE (Main/Advanced), NEET, KVPY, NTSE, etc.
• Applicants should be enrolled in BSc, BS, or Integrated MSc/MS courses in Basic and Natural Sciences at a recognized college or university
• The scholarship is strictly for science stream students, not for engineering or medical degree programs
• Candidates are generally required to be in the age group of 17 to 22 years at the time of application
• Students must continue in approved science subjects throughout their course to remain eligible for the scholarship
• Admission must be taken in a recognized institution in India offering eligible science programs

Important Conditions After Selection (Very Important)

Many students don’t know this part 👇

1. Scholarship is Initially Provisional

• You will first receive a Provisional Offer Letter
• Final confirmation depends on:
  • Your course
  • Your performance in 1st year

2. Minimum Marks Required Every Year

To continue get the benefit of this scholarship:

• At least 60% marks OR 7.0 CGPA
• Must pass all subjects in first attempt, otherwise payment may stop.

3. No Gap Allowed Between BSc & MSc

• A gap of 1 year or more → scholarship will be discontinued

4. Limited Flexibility to Change College/Subject

• Allowed only in 1st year, and only within approved subjects

5. Bank Account Requirement

• Must open an SBI account in your own name
• Must upload details within 6 months, or scholarship may be cancelled

How to Apply Online Application for INSPIRE Scholarship 2026?

Step 1: Register Online

• Visit: www.online-inspire.gov.in
• Use your own email ID (cannot be changed later)

Step 2: Upload Required Documents

You must upload scanned copies:

• Passport-size photo (JPEG, max 50KB)
• Class 10 certificate (DOB proof)
• Class 12 marksheet
• Endorsement form (MANDATORY)
• Rank certificate (if applicable)
• Caste certificate (if applicable)

Step 3: Fill Application Form

You need to enter:

• Personal details
• Course & college details
• Subject selection
• Class 12 performance
• Competitive exam details (if applicable)

👉 Important:

• Select correct subject(s) carefully
• For BSc General → enter all major subjects

Step 4: Final Submit of Application

• You cannot edit after submission
• Take printout for records
• Do NOT send documents by post

Documents Checklist (Updated)

• Class 10 & 12 Marksheet
• Endorsement Form (compulsory)
• College admission proof
• Rank certificate (if any)
• Bank details (after selection)

Scholarship Payment & Continuation

• 1st & 2nd year payments are often released together in 2nd year
• Every year, you must submit:
  • Marksheet
  • Performance report

👉 If you don’t submit documents for 2 consecutive years → scholarship cancelled

Mentorship Grant (Research Opportunity)

• INSPIRE provides a ₹20,000 per year mentorship grant to support students in carrying out research projects
• Students are expected to complete a summer research project of 6–8 weeks under a qualified research mentor
• The research can be conducted at recognized universities, institutes, or laboratories in India or abroad
• After completing the project, students must submit a project report and completion certificate to receive the grant
• The mentorship grant is provided once per academic year and cannot be carried forward if not used (for India-based projects)
• Group projects are not allowed, and each student must complete an individual research project

INSPIRE Scholarship 2026 Important Dates

Notification Release	Updated Soon
Online Application Start	Updated Soon
Last Date to Apply	Updated Soon
Merit List / Selection	Updated Soon

Important Links

Official Guidlines	View Inspire Scholarship Guidelines
New Guidelines w.e.f April 2026	View Fellowship Guidelines
FAQ’s	View Inspire FAQ’s
Endorsement Form	B.Sc Attested Form
Enrolment Form	M.Sc Enrolment Form
Performance Report	Download Performance Report Form
Project Completion Certificate	Format for Project Completion Certificate
Official Website	online-inspire.gov.in