- INSPIRE-SHE was launched in 2008 to encourage students to pursue science education and research.
- Selected students can receive up to ₹80,000 per year under the published guidelines.
- The scholarship includes ₹60,000 in annual scholarship support and a ₹20,000 research mentorship grant.
- Department of Science and Technology (DST), Ministry of Science and Technology, Government of India
- Phone: 011-26590221
- Email: sucheta.mondal@gov.in
- Additional INSPIRE-SHE email: sm.babu@gov.in
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Summary of the Scheme
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|---|---|
| Name of Scheme | INSPIRE Scholarship for Higher Education (SHE) |
| Launch Year | 2008 |
| Benefits | Up to ₹80,000 per year |
| Beneficiary | Eligible students pursuing undergraduate or integrated postgraduate courses in basic and natural sciences |
| Nodal Agency | Department of Science and Technology (DST), Government of India |
| Subscription | Subscribe here to get updates regarding schemes |
| Mode of Apply | Online through the official INSPIRE portal when a new application call is announced |
INSPIRE Scholarship for Higher Education (INSPIRE-SHE)
Talented students who love science often need financial support and research exposure to stay on that path. The INSPIRE Scholarship for Higher Education (SHE) is part of the Innovation in Science Pursuit for Inspired Research (INSPIRE) programme, launched in 2008 by the Department of Science and Technology (DST), Government of India. It supports meritorious students pursuing undergraduate or integrated postgraduate courses in basic and natural sciences.
Latest Update
No new application call is open. As of 22 October 2026, no new INSPIRE-SHE application call for 2025 or 2026 has been verified. The Government stated in August 2026 that the scheme was under redesign, without formally announcing its discontinuation. The portal still shows notices and results for earlier batches, which should not be mistaken for a new application window. Rely on a fresh official notification for dates and updated conditions.
Key Benefits
| Support | Amount |
|---|---|
| Annual scholarship (₹5,000 per month equivalent) | ₹60,000 |
| Research mentorship grant | ₹20,000 |
| Total per year | ₹80,000 |
- Support for up to five years, or until the eligible course is completed, whichever is earlier
- Payment follows the department’s disbursement process, not necessarily as monthly transfers
- The mentorship grant supports a summer research project. You must submit the project report and completion certificate to claim it, and unused grants cannot be carried forward.
Who Could Apply?
Under the published guidelines:
- Generally aged 17 to 22
- Enrolled in an eligible B.Sc., B.S., four-year B.Sc. with Research, Integrated M.Sc., or Integrated M.S. course in basic or natural sciences
- Qualifying through at least one route:
- Top 1% of the Class 12 board examination
- The specified JEE or NEET merit route
- Integrated science courses at IISERs, NISER, the University of Mumbai-DAE Centre for Excellence in Basic Sciences, or Visva-Bharati
- Recognised talent schemes such as KVPY, NTSE, JBNSTS, or International Science Olympiad medals
- Eligible subjects include Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, Biology, Statistics, Geology, Astrophysics, Astronomy, Electronics, Botany, Zoology, Biochemistry, Anthropology, Microbiology, Geophysics, Geochemistry, Atmospheric Sciences, and Oceanic Sciences
- Students cannot hold another scholarship at the same time
Meeting a criterion does not guarantee selection.
Documents Required
- Class 12 marksheet
- Class 10 marksheet or certificate as proof of date of birth
- Endorsement certificate signed by the Principal, Director, or Registrar
- JEE or NEET rank certificate, if applicable
- Talent or award certificate (NTSE, JBNSTS, KVPY, or Olympiad), if applicable
Files must be clear and in the format and size the portal specifies.
How to Apply
Applications are online through the official INSPIRE portal, but only when a new call is announced.
- Check the Scholarship section of the INSPIRE portal for announcements.
- Read the guidelines and confirm you meet the academic and course requirements.
- Register and log in using the link in the notification.
- Fill in the form with personal, academic, and course details.
- Upload documents in the prescribed format.
- Review and submit before the deadline, and save the confirmation.
- Track your status. If provisionally selected, download the offer letter and upload any additional documents by its deadline.
Renewal and Continuation Conditions
- Maintain at least 60% marks or a GPA of 7.0 out of 10, and pass examinations in the first attempt. Falling short can mean losing the scholarship for that year, and it may resume once you meet the criteria again.
- Upload marksheets and a performance report signed by the Head of Institution on time.
- Complete a summer research project under an eligible mentor, generally of 6 to 8 weeks, at an institution other than your own college. Group projects are not accepted.
- Stay in an approved science course. A change of course or institution, or a long gap, can affect the scholarship, so check with DST first.
- Keep your bank account and Aadhaar linkage current, as payment is by DBT.
Since the scheme is under redesign, requirements may change. Read your offer letter and the portal for the rules for your batch.
INSPIRE-SHE vs Other INSPIRE Components
| Component | For whom |
|---|---|
| INSPIRE Internship | School students, through science camps |
| INSPIRE-SHE | Undergraduate and integrated postgraduate science students |
| INSPIRE Fellowship | Ph.D. researchers |
| INSPIRE Faculty Fellowship | Early-career researchers with a Ph.D. |
Contact
Department of Science and Technology (DST)
Phone: 011-26590221
Email: sucheta.mondal@gov.in, sm.babu@gov.in
Address: Technology Bhavan, New Mehrauli Road, New Delhi 110016
Hours: Monday to Friday, 9:00 AM to 5:30 PM, excluding gazetted holidays