INSPIRE Scheme

Research scholars from various parts of India have expressed concern over the prolonged delay—ranging from 8 to 13 months—in receiving fellowships under the INSPIRE program, which is administered by the Department of Science and Technology (DST).

Overview of the INSPIRE Scheme

The Innovation in Science Pursuit for Inspired Research (INSPIRE) scheme is a prominent initiative of the Department of Science and Technology (DST), operating under the Ministry of Science and Technology. Launched in 2008, the program is aimed at cultivating a strong pool of human resources to bolster the country’s science, technology, and research infrastructure.

In contrast to competitive exams, INSPIRE identifies eligible candidates based on their academic excellence, eliminating the need for a separate entrance test.

What is the INSPIRE Fellowship?

The INSPIRE Fellowship is one of the key components of the broader INSPIRE initiative. Designed to motivate students to pursue careers in fundamental scientific research, it seeks to divert top academic talent away from traditionally high-paying fields such as engineering, IT, and finance.

Each year, around 1,000 candidates are awarded the fellowship based on their academic achievements and the strength of their proposed research work.

Eligibility Criteria for the INSPIRE Fellowship

• Candidates must have secured the first rank in their postgraduate program in science, applied science, or engineering, OR
• Be an existing INSPIRE scholar with a minimum of 70% marks in both undergraduate and postgraduate studies, and must have previously ranked in the top 1% in Class XII board exams or excelled in national-level exams such as IIT-JEE.

A screening panel assesses the submitted research proposal before granting the fellowship.

Key Elements of the INSPIRE Program

• Managed by DST with a funding allocation of ₹1,979 crore during the 11th Five-Year Plan and ₹2,200 crore during the 12th Plan.
• Seeks to develop skilled manpower in the basic and natural sciences domains.
• Consists of three major components:
  • SEATS (Scheme for Early Attraction of Talent): Encourages school-level students to take an interest in science.
  • SHE (Scholarship for Higher Education): Supports science students at the undergraduate and postgraduate levels.
  • AORC (Assured Opportunity for Research Careers): Encompasses INSPIRE Fellowships and Faculty Awards to promote academic careers in research.