Are you a Class 12 student interested in pursuing a career in Science? The INSPIRE Scholarship (Innovation in Science Pursuit for Inspired Research) is a Government of India initiative that supports talented students who wish to pursue higher education in basic and natural sciences.
Through the INSPIRE Scholarship for Higher Education (SHE), eligible students can receive financial assistance of up to ₹80,000 per year while pursuing approved undergraduate and postgraduate science programmes.
Let’s understand the scholarship, eligibility criteria, benefits and application process.
What is the INSPIRE Scholarship?
INSPIRE is an initiative of the Department of Science and Technology (DST), Government of India.
Its objective is to encourage talented students to pursue careers in scientific research and strengthen India’s science and technology ecosystem.
The Scholarship for Higher Education (SHE) component provides financial support to students pursuing eligible science courses at the undergraduate and postgraduate levels.
Official website: INSPIRE Scholarship Portal
Scholarship Amount and Benefits
Annual scholarship
₹60,000
Monthly equivalent
₹5,000
Research mentorship support
₹20,000
Scholarship duration
Up to 5 years
Important: The revised 2025 call changes the mentorship grant structure. The ₹20,000 grant is associated with research projects in the third and fourth years, subject to the applicable guidelines.
The scholarship offers:
- Financial support for higher education in basic and natural sciences.
- Opportunities to undertake summer research projects.
- Mentorship under experienced researchers.
- Exposure to scientific research and academic development.
The scholarship is subject to academic performance and the scheme’s continuation requirements.
Who Can Apply? – Eligibility Criteria
Students must fulfil the prescribed eligibility conditions.
Basic requirements:
- Age group: 17–22 years.
- Class 12 passing year: 2025 for the currently announced SHE-2025 application cycle.
- Must have secured admission to an eligible BSc, BS, Integrated MSc or Integrated MS programme.
- Must be studying an eligible basic or natural science subject.
- Must meet one of the prescribed academic merit or competitive examination criteria.
Students may qualify through:
- Securing a position within the top 1% of their respective Class 12 board examination.
- Achieving an eligible rank in JEE Main, JEE Advanced or NEET.
- Qualifying through recognised talent-search or science talent examinations.
- Winning medals in recognised International Olympiads.
Selection is subject to the current official guidelines and available scholarships.
Which Courses Are Eligible?
INSPIRE-SHE supports selected undergraduate and integrated postgraduate programmes in basic and natural sciences.
Examples of eligible subjects include:
- Physics
- Chemistry
- Mathematics
- Biology
- Statistics
- Geology
- Astronomy
- Astrophysics
- Botany
- Zoology
- Microbiology
- Biochemistry
- Geophysics
- Atmospheric Sciences
- Oceanic Sciences
Important: Not every course with a science-related name is eligible. Engineering, Medicine, Computer Science, Information Technology and several professional programmes are excluded under the earlier published subject list. Always check the updated 2025 guidelines for the expanded subject list before applying.
How to Apply for the INSPIRE Scholarship?
Applications are accepted online through the official INSPIRE portal.
Application procedure:
- Visit the official website: https://online-inspire.gov.in/
- Register or log in to your account.
- Select the INSPIRE-SHE application option.
- Enter your personal and academic details.
- Upload the required documents.
- Check the information carefully.
- Submit the application and save the acknowledgement.
Documents Required
Keep the following documents ready:
- Class 10 marksheet or certificate.
- Class 12 marksheet.
- Recent passport-size photograph.
- Prescribed endorsement certificate signed by the head of the institution.
- Relevant examination rank or achievement certificate, if applicable.
Check the latest application instructions for the exact document requirements and formats.
Important Dates – INSPIRE-SHE 2025 Application Cycle
Application status
Applications Open
| Event | Date |
| Application opening | 7 November 2026 |
| Last date to apply | 7 December 2026 |
The official portal labels this application cycle as SHE-2025. It is intended for the specified eligible student batch, not automatically for students who passed Class 12 in 2026.
Source: Official INSPIRE portal.
Important Things Students Should Know
- INSPIRE-SHE does not conduct a separate entrance examination.
- Only students meeting the prescribed eligibility criteria can apply.
- Students must pursue an approved science course.
- Scholarship continuation depends on academic performance.
- Students cannot simultaneously receive another scholarship for the same purpose under the scheme’s non-concurrent scholarship rule.
Where to Apply?
SHE Scholarship 2026, Scholarship for Higher Education (SHE) 2026
Department of Science and Technology (DST)
Government of India
Official application portal
- Website: INSPIRE Official Portal
- Scheme: INSPIRE – Scholarship for Higher Education (SHE)
- Funding agency: Department of Science and Technology, Government of India.
Conclusion
The INSPIRE Scholarship is an excellent opportunity for academically talented students who wish to pursue higher education in basic and natural sciences.
Financial assistance, research exposure and mentorship can help students build a strong foundation for careers in scientific research and innovation.
Students should carefully check the eligibility requirements, approved courses and latest application guidelines before applying.
At DrawMyCareer, we encourage students to explore scholarship opportunities and make informed decisions about their higher education and career pathways.
