Applications for the year 2022 are invited from eligible candidates for INSPIRE Scholarship under Scholarship for Higher Education (SHE) component of the Innovation in Science Pursuit for Inspired Research (INSPIRE) scheme of the Department of Science & Technology.

About INSPIRE

Innovation in Science Pursuit for Inspired Research (INSPIRE) is one of the innovative programs developed by the Department of Science & Technology. The basic objective of “INSPIRE” is to attract talents to the study of science at an early stage and help to build the required critical human resource pool for strengthening and expanding the Science & Technology system and R&D Base.

About SHE

Scholarship for Higher Education (SHE) aims to enhance rates of attachment of talented youth to undertake higher education in science-intensive programs, by providing scholarships and mentorship. The scheme offers 10,000 scholarships every year at Rs 0.80 lakh per year for the talented youth in the age group 17-22 years, for undertaking Bachelor’s and Master’s level education in natural sciences. The main feature of the scheme is the mentorship support provided to every scholar.

Eligibility

This scheme offers a total of 10,000 scholarships every year @ As 80,000/- per year for undertaking Bachelor’s and Masters level education in natural Sciences possessing any one of the following criteria:

  • Students who have consistent performance as evidenced by total marks in the top 1% level at 12th Standards at their respective State and Central Board Examinations and pursuing courses in Natural Sciences at the B.Sc. or Integrated M.Sc. level. Courses are not included other than Natural Sciences in the current scheme, in view of the focus on research in basic sciences. The average aggregate cut-off percentage of marks at the Board Examinations would be derived on the basis of the top 1% criterion of each State Board.
  • Students who have secured ranks in the Joint Entrance Examination of IIT (within 10,000 ranks), AIEEE (top 20,000 ranks), and those clearing CBSE Medical and opt to study natural sciences would be eligible for the scholarship.
  • Students admitted to Indian Institutes of Science Education and Research (IISER), National Institute of Science Education and Research (NISEH), Department of Atomic Energy-Centre for Basic Sciences (DAE CBS) at the University of Mumbai or are KVPY.

Value & Type of Support

Each eligible candidate will receive a scholarship valued at Rs. 80,000/- annually. The cash value payable to the SHE scholarship holder is Rs. 60,000/- per annum along with a summer time attachment fee of Rs. 20,000/- which will be paid only to those candidates who undertake summer time research projects.

Duration of the Support

Selected candidates will be supported for a maximum period of five years starting from the 1st-year course in B.Sc./ B.Sc.(Hons)/ BS and integrated course leading to M.S. or M.Sc. or till the completion of the course, whichever is earlier. Continuation of the scholarship for selected candidates is based on performance in the examinations conducted and certified by the institution imparting education.

Scope of Subjects under INSPIRE Scholarship

The following subjects under Basic and Natural Sciences are within the scope of INSPIRE Scholarship for pursuing B.Sc./BS/Int. MSc/Int. MS course:

  • Physics
  • Chemistry
  • Mathematics
  • Biology
  • Statistics
  • Geology
  • Astrophysics
  • Astronomy
  • Electronics
  • Botany
  • Zoology
  • Bio-chemistry
  • Anthropology
  • Microbiology
  • Geophysics
  • Geochemistry
  • Atmospheric Sciences
  • Oceanic Sciences

How to Apply?

Before filling out the application form, scan and store the following documents as separate files. The same needs to be uploaded as required during the “Online Application” process.

  • Passport size photograph (Mandatory)
  • Community/Caste Certificate (only if the applicant belongs to OBC/SC/ST)
  • Eligibility Note/Advisory Note if provided by the State/Central Board (Not Mandatory)
  • Class XII Mark sheet (Mandatory)
  • Class X Mark sheet or Certificate, for proof of Date of Birth. (Mandatory)
  • Certificate specifying Rank or Award in JEE (Main)/ JEE (Advanced)/ NEET/ KVPY /JBNSTS/ NTSE /International Olympic Medalists [Only if the candidate is eligible under this criteria]
  • Endorsement Form/ Certificate signed by the Principal of the College/Director of the Institute/Registrar of the University. (Mandatory)
  • Any other supporting documents

To apply online, click here.

Application Deadline

October 31, 2022.

Click here to view the official guidelines to fill out the INSPIRE Scholarship for Higher Studies.