The INSPIRE Fellowship is a prestigious initiative under the INSPIRE (Innovation in Science Pursuit for Inspired Research) Scheme, implemented by the Department of Science and Technology (DST), Government of India. This program aims to strengthen the Science and Technology (S&T) base of the country by attracting talented students to pursue doctoral (Ph.D.) degrees in basic and applied sciences, including fields like engineering, medicine, agriculture, veterinary, and pharmacy.
The fellowship is available for students who have completed:
- A Master’s degree in Science/Engineering
- A Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Medicine
Benefits
Duration: The fellowship is tenable for up to five years from the INSPIRE Fellowship “Effective Date” or until the completion of the Ph.D. program (successful Ph.D. viva-voce), whichever is earlier.
House Rent Allowance (HRA): HRA shall be applicable as per Government of India norms, depending on the location of the host institute.
Contingency Expenditure
- ₹20,000 per annum for research-related expenses, governed by host institution norms.
- Any unspent balance will be adjusted to the following year, with a maximum limit of ₹20,000 per year.
Research Internship
- INSPIRE Fellows may undertake short-term research internships in national/international labs/universities for up to 18 months (either in one or multiple slots) during the five-year tenure.
Upgradation from JRF to SRF
- After two years as Junior Research Fellow (JRF), the fellow is eligible for Senior Research Fellow (SRF) status.
- If an INSPIRE Fellow publishes a research paper as the first author in an international peer-reviewed journal, the upgradation can be considered after one year.
Fellowship Payment Mode
- The fellowship grant is transferred via PFMS (Public Financial Management System) to the host institute’s bank account at the Bank of Maharashtra, following the Central Nodal Agency (CNA) Model.
- The host institute disburses the monthly fellowship amount to the fellow.
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for the INSPIRE Fellowship, applicants must meet one of the following conditions:
- First Rank Holders in a recognized Indian university in a Postgraduate (PG) examination in:
- Basic/Applied Sciences
- Engineering
- Pharmacy
- Agricultural Sciences
- Veterinary Sciences
- First Rank Holders at the Graduate/Postgraduate Level in Medicine (conducted by a recognized University/Institution).
- The candidate must have obtained 1st Rank in a subject/course with a minimum batch size of 7 students and a minimum aggregate of 70% marks (or equivalent CGPA).
- INSPIRE Scholars who secured a minimum of 70% aggregate marks in M.Sc./Integrated M.S./M.Sc. programs.
Post-Selection Criteria for Continuation of Fellowship
- Regular research progress reports must be submitted to DST.
- The fellow cannot take up any other job or financial assistance during the fellowship.
- The fellow must complete the research work within five years.
- The support from DST must be acknowledged in all research publications, patents, and the Ph.D. thesis.
- A soft copy of the Ph.D. thesis, research papers, and patents (if any) must be submitted to DST’s INSPIRE Program Division via speed post.
- The fellow must inform DST of any disciplinary action taken by the university.
Exclusions
The following students are NOT eligible:
- First Rank Holders from colleges/autonomous colleges (must be from universities).
- Students who obtained degrees via Distance Education Mode.
- First Rank Holders in specialized subjects of M.Sc. 2nd year/last year.
- Students receiving multiple fellowships from different sources.
Termination or Discontinuation of INSPIRE Fellowship
The fellowship may be terminated in the following cases:
- Failure to accept the final offer within 30 days.
- Completion of Ph.D. or 5 years, whichever is earlier.
- Resignation from the fellowship.
- Change of host institution without prior DST approval.
- Submission of false/inaccurate information in the application.
- Violation of ethical guidelines, leading to a refund of the entire fellowship amount.
Application Process
Online Application
- Call for applications is announced in the 3rd/4th quarter of every financial year.
- Applications must be submitted online via INSPIRE Web Portal.
Steps to Apply
- Login to the INSPIRE Portal with registered Email ID.
- Click on “Fellowship” → “Apply for Fellowship”.
- Fill in the following details:
- Personal Information
- Educational Qualifications
- Ph.D. Enrollment Details
- Employment Details (if applicable)
- Agree to the Declaration, enter Place, Date, and CAPTCHA.
- Click “Submit” to generate a Reference Number for tracking.
Note:
- No modifications can be made after submission.
- Check “Print Preview” before final submission.
Application Status
- Applicants can check their application status using the Application Reference Number on the INSPIRE portal.
- Selected candidates receive email notifications.
Selection Process
- Screening by Internal Committee.
- Final selection by Expert Committee, completed within 6 months of the application deadline.
- Results are uploaded on the INSPIRE web portal.
Documents Required
For Application Submission
- Passport-size photograph
- Class 10th certificate
- Marksheets for Class 12, UG, PG
- First Rank Certificate (if applicable)
- Appointment letter (if employed)
If Already Enrolled in Ph.D.
- CV of the Supervisor
- Ph.D. Admission Letter
- Fee Receipt
- Endorsement Letter
- Research Proposal
For Host Institution Change
- No Objection Certificates (NOCs)
- Research Progress Report
- Financial Expenditure Report
- CV of the new Research Supervisor
For Research Internship
- Internship Report
- Joining Report
For Fellowship Renewal
- Financial Statement of Expenditure
- Utilization Certificate
For Completion of Fellowship
- Ph.D. Degree Certificate
- Completion/Discontinuation Report
- Final Expenditure Report
- Unspent Balance Receipt (if applicable)
Note: A soft copy of the Ph.D. thesis and published research papers must be submitted to DST via speed post.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- What is the INSPIRE Fellowship?
It is a fully-funded doctoral fellowship by DST, Government of India, for students in science and applied fields. - When can we apply for INSPIRE Fellowship?
Applications are accepted annually in the 3rd/4th quarter. - Is it mandatory to provide a Rank Certificate?
Yes, the First Rank Certificate is required for non-INSPIRE Scholars. - What is the amount of Fellowship?
The fellowship includes HRA and ₹20,000 per annum as contingency. - How do I upgrade from JRF to SRF?
Publish one international research paper as the first author within 1-2 years.