How to Get INSPIRE Scholarship in India in 2026?

The INSPIRE Scholarship is a prestigious Indian government initiative that supports over 10,000 meritorious students annually pursuing Natural and Basic Sciences at undergraduate and postgraduate levels. Offering ₹80,000 per year, it covers tuition and research-related expenses, helping young science talent focus on academics and innovation without financial worries. 

Particulars	Details
Full Name	Innovation in Science Pursuit for Inspired Research (INSPIRE)
Conducted By	Department of Science and Technology (DST), Government of India
Type	Merit-Based Scholarship
Eligible Courses and Criteria	BSc, BS, MSc, MS in Natural and Basic Sciences and Open only to Indian citizens aged 17-22 years
Annual Scholarship Value	₹80,000 per student
Total Students and Awards per Year	10,000+

This article will guide you through the INSPIRE Scholarship’s benefits, eligibility criteria, application process, important dates, courses covered, selection process, and tips to maximize your chances of success. 

Benefits

The INSPIRE Scholarship provides financial assistance and academic encouragement for science students in India, enabling them to pursue high-quality education and research opportunities. 

• Annual Scholarship Amount: ₹80,000 per year 
• Tuition Fee Coverage: Supports full tuition fees for eligible science courses 
• Contingency Grant: ₹20,000 annually for research materials, books, or projects 
• Academic Support: Access to research opportunities, internships, and mentorship in premier institutions 
• Recognition: Prestigious government award enhancing academic profile 
• No requirement for competitive exams; selection based on academic merit 
• Encourages focus on innovation and advanced scientific studies 

Check out: Top Fully Funded Scholarships for Indian Students: Best Study Abroad Scholarships  

Eligibility Criteria 

The scholarship targets academically bright Indian students committed to Natural and Basic Sciences, with strict merit and age requirements. 

Criteria	Details
Nationality	Indian citizens only
Age Limit	17–22 years at time of application
Academic Requirements	Top 1% in Class 12 board exams in Science stream
Alternative Eligibility	High rank in JEE (Top 10,000 AIR), NEET, KVPY, Olympiads
Eligible Courses	BSc, MSc, BS-MS, or equivalent Natural and Basic Sciences
Eligible Institutions	IISER, NISER, IITs, and recognized Indian universities

 Check out: Study Abroad for Free in 2026: Top Scholarships & Universities 

INSPIRE Scholarship Application Process 

Applying for the Inspire Scholarship is a straightforward process, but accuracy and timeliness are key. The scholarship is fully online, ensuring students from across India can apply without visiting offices in person. 

Step-by-Step Process:  

1. Visit the Official Portal 

• Go to https://online-inspire.gov.in and create a new account using a valid email ID. 

2. Register Your Details 

• Enter personal information, including name, date of birth, and contact details. 

• Set up a secure password for your account. 

3. Fill Academic Information 

• Enter Class 12 marks, national-level exam ranks (JEE, NEET, KVPY), and details of your current course. 

• Ensure all entries match your official documents. 

4. Upload Required Documents 

• Upload mark sheets, rank certificates, admission proof, Aadhaar, and bank passbook in the required format. 

• Maximum file size: 1 MB per document. 

5. Review and Submit 

• Check all entries and documents for accuracy. 

• Submit the application and save a copy of the acknowledgment receipt. 

6. Track Application Status 

• Log in to the portal anytime to monitor your application’s progress. 

Documents Required to apply:

Document Type	Description	Format/Size
Class 10 & 12 Marksheet	Proof of academic record	PDF, ≤1MB
Rank Certificate	JEE/NEET/KVPY/Olympiads	PDF
Admission Proof	Current college/university	PDF
Aadhaar & Bank Passbook	Identity & payment verification	JPEG/PDF

Dates and Deadlines 

Event	Typical Date Range	Notes
Application Start Date	July–August	Exact dates vary annually
Application Deadline	September	Strict final deadline, no extensions
Result Announcement	October–November	Published on official INSPIRE portal
Program Start Date	Academic calendar-dependent	Usually aligned with university sessions

Courses Covered Under the INSPIRE Scholarship 

The scholarship supports foundational and advanced degree programs in Natural and Basic Sciences across India’s top science institutions. 

Level of Study	Courses / Fields Covered
Undergraduate	BSc, BS-MS degrees in Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Mathematics, and related fields
Postgraduate	MSc, MS, or equivalent advanced programs in Natural and Basic Sciences

Eligible courses focus on building a strong scientific knowledge base and fostering research capabilities in disciplines critical to India’s scientific progress. 

INSPIRE Scholarship Selection Process 

The selection process is designed to transparently identify India’s most talented science students based on merit and documentation authenticity. 

Selection Stages 

• Application Screening: Initial verification of submitted applications and documents by DST officials. 
• Shortlisting: Candidates are shortlisted based on their Class 12 board rank (top 1%) or national exam performance (JEE, NEET, KVPY, Olympiads). 
• Document Verification: Original documents, including mark sheets and rank certificates, are checked for authenticity. 
• Final Approval: The DST announces selected candidates on the official INSPIRE portal. 
• Scholarship Disbursal: Selected students receive notifications regarding fund disbursal and renewal procedures. 

Tips for Scholarship Selection 

Maximize your chances of winning the INSPIRE Scholarship by following these effective tips. 

Tip	Details
Start Preparing Early	Begin gathering all academic records and certificates well before deadlines to avoid last-minute stress.
Ensure Accuracy	Double-check all application details and documents to prevent errors that can cause rejection.
Complete Documents	Upload all required certificates, rank proofs, and ID documents in correct formats as specified.
Highlight Academic Merit	Clearly emphasize your board rank, national exam results, and any awards or distinctions earned.
Follow Portal Guidelines	Read and adhere to official instructions carefully to avoid technical errors in submission.
Maintain Academic Performance	Achieve at least 60% or 7.0 CGPA annually to renew your scholarship each year.
Apply Early	Submit your application well before the deadline to avoid any last-minute technical issues.

Conclusion 

The INSPIRE Scholarship represents a golden opportunity for science students across India to gain financial assistance, academic exposure, and encouragement in their journey toward becoming future scientists and innovators. By fulfilling the inspire scholarship eligibility criteria and submitting a well-prepared application, students can unlock this transformative opportunity, backed by government support and a strong research ecosystem. 

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