INSPIRE Scheme

About

INSPIRE (Innovation in Science Pursuit for Inspired Research) is a flagship programme of the Department of Science & Technology (DST), Ministry of Science & Technology, aimed at attracting talented young students towards Science and Research and developing a strong scientific human-resource base for India. It was introduced in 2008 to encourage students to pursue basic and natural sciences as a career.

Major Components: The INSPIRE programme broadly covers:

• INSPIRE Awards–MANAK – promotes innovation and scientific creativity among students aged 10-17 years (Classes VI-XII) by encouraging them to develop and showcase original ideas and innovations.
• INSPIRE Internship – provides exposure to science and research to meritorious school students.
• INSPIRE Scholarship for Higher Education (SHE) – supports meritorious students aged 17-22 years pursuing undergraduate and postgraduate studies in natural and basic sciences.
• INSPIRE Fellowship – supports students pursuing Ph.D. research in basic and applied sciences.
• INSPIRE Faculty Fellowship – supports young researchers in establishing independent research careers.

What is INSPIRE Fellowship?

·       The INSPIRE Fellowship is a component of the INSPIRE programme that provides financial support to talented students for pursuing full-time Ph.D. programmes in basic and applied sciences.

·       It covers areas such as basic sciences, engineering, medicine, agriculture, veterinary sciences and pharmacy, subject to the applicable guidelines.

·       The fellowship can be provided for a maximum period of five years or until completion of the Ph.D. viva-voce, whichever is earlier.

Eligibility

INSPIRE-SHE Scholars: An INSPIRE-SHE scholar who has secured at least 70% marks or equivalent CGPA in M.Sc. or Integrated M.S./M.Sc. may be eligible for the INSPIRE Fellowship, subject to the prescribed selection conditions.

University Rank Holders: University-level first-rank holders in Basic and Applied Sciences, Engineering, Medicine, Pharmacy, Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Sciences may also apply, subject to the prescribed eligibility conditions.  The candidate generally needs to have:

• At least 70% marks or equivalent CGPA, and
• Secured the first rank at the university level, rather than merely at the college level.
• The relevant examination should have a minimum batch size of 10 students.

INSPIRE is distinctive because it does not rely on a separate competitive examination for identifying scientific talent; instead, it uses existing educational systems and merit-based identification.

Key Features

·   Promotes Scientific Careers: INSPIRE aims to attract talented students towards science and research careers, particularly in basic and natural sciences.

·   Merit-Based Identification: The programme identifies talent through existing academic achievements and recognised merit channels rather than creating an entirely separate entrance examination.

·   Research Support: The INSPIRE Fellowship provides financial support to eligible scholars pursuing Ph.D.-level research.

·   Covers Multiple Scientific Areas: The Fellowship extends beyond pure basic sciences to include engineering, medicine, agriculture, veterinary sciences and pharmacy, subject to the scheme guidelines.

·   Human Resource Development: INSPIRE contributes to building India’s scientific and technological human-resource base by supporting students at different stages of their academic journey.

·   Continuity of Scientific Talent: The programme creates a pathway from school-level scientific interest → higher education → doctoral research → scientific career.

·   Implementing Institution: The programme is implemented by the Department of Science & Technology (DST), Ministry of Science & Technology.

FAQs

1. What does INSPIRE stand for?
Ans: INSPIRE stands for Innovation in Science Pursuit for Inspired Research.

2. Which ministry implements the INSPIRE Scheme?
Ans: The scheme is implemented by the Department of Science & Technology (DST), Ministry of Science & Technology.

3. What is the INSPIRE Fellowship?
Ans: It is a fellowship that supports eligible students pursuing full-time Ph.D. programmes in basic and applied sciences.

4. Who can be eligible for the INSPIRE Fellowship?
Ans: Eligible INSPIRE-SHE scholars and university-level first-rank holders who satisfy the prescribed academic and other conditions can apply.

5. Does INSPIRE conduct a separate examination to identify scientific talent?
Ans: No. INSPIRE primarily relies on existing educational systems and merit-based identification rather than conducting a separate competitive examination.