INSPIRE Scholarship for Higher Education (SHE)
INSPIRE Programme Division, Department of Science and Technology, Ministry of Science and Technology
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About This Scholarship
The INSPIRE Scholarship for Higher Education (SHE) is a component of INSPIRE (Innovation in Science Pursuit for Inspired Research), a flagship programme of the Department of Science and Technology (DST), Ministry of Science and Technology, Government of India. It aims to attract students to basic and natural science subjects at undergraduate and postgraduate level and towards research careers. DST's SHE FAQ states that 12,000 scholarships, each valued at Rs 80,000 a year, are announced annually from the 2017 batch onwards. Awards go to students of B.Sc., B.S., B.Sc. with Research (4 years) or integrated M.Sc./M.S. courses in 18 listed science subjects who either scored in the top 1 percent of their Class XII board or hold a qualifying rank or award in JEE, NEET, KVPY, NTSE, JBNSTS or an International Olympiad. Each scholar receives Rs 5,000 a month plus a Rs 20,000 yearly mentorship grant for summer research, for up to 5 years. Only students who completed Class XII and enrolled in a science degree in the same year can apply. As of 5 October 2026 the INSPIRE portal lists no call for applications for the 2025 or 2026 batch; the latest SHE notices are results of the 2024 batch.
At a glance
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Provider | INSPIRE Programme Division, Department of Science and Technology |
| Level | B.Sc., B.S., B.Sc. (Research) and integrated M.Sc./M.S. in basic and natural sciences, continuing up to M.Sc. |
| Amount | Rs 5,000 a month (Rs 60,000 a year) plus Rs 20,000 a year mentorship grant; Rs 80,000 a year in all |
| Awards | 12,000 a year (SHE FAQ, 2024) |
| Income limit | None stated |
| Applications 2026-27 | Not announced yet |
| Portal | INSPIRE web portal (online-inspire.gov.in) |
Sources: SHE FAQ (DST), SHE post-offer implementation guidelines and INSPIRE portal. Checked on 5 October 2026.
Provider
INSPIRE Programme Division, Department of Science and Technology, Ministry of Science and Technology
Type
Merit-based
Level
Undergraduate
Duration
Up to 5 years, or until the course is completed if earlier
12000
Awards
Up to 5 years, or until the course is completed if earlier
Duration
Scholarship of Rs 5,000 a month (Rs 60,000 a year) plus a mentorship grant of Rs 20,000 a year for a summer research project, valued at Rs 80,000 a year. No tuition fee reimbursement
Coverage
Eligibility Criteria
| Route | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Class XII | Aggregate marks within the top 1 percent of the Class XII examination of any State or Central Board, and enrolled in B.Sc., B.S., B.Sc. with Research (4 years) or integrated M.Sc./M.S. in a listed subject |
| Entrance rank | Rank in JEE (IIT) or AIPMT within the top 10,000 ranks, and enrolled in the same courses |
| Integrated M.S. | Top 1 percent in Class XII and admitted to IISERs, NISER, the DAE Centre for Basic Sciences (University of Mumbai) or Visva-Bharati |
| Talent exams | KVPY selectees, NTSE scholars, JBNSTS scholars and International Olympiad medallists studying natural sciences at Bachelor or Master level |
| Timing | Completed Class XII in the year and enrolled in the degree in the same year |
| Subjects | Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, Biology, Statistics, Geology, Astrophysics, Astronomy, Electronics, Botany, Zoology, Biochemistry, Anthropology, Microbiology, Geophysics, Geochemistry, Atmospheric Sciences, Oceanic Sciences |
- Not supported: engineering, medicine, agriculture, computer science, information technology, biotechnology, economics, B.Sc.-B.Ed, distance education at open universities and other professional courses.
- Incomplete applications are rejected.
Source: SHE FAQ (DST).
Eligible Categories
Scholarship Benefits
Financial Support
INR 60,000 - 80,000
Disbursement: Paid into the scholar's own SBI savings account; the first and second year scholarships are paid together in the second year of the course. The Rs 20,000 mentorship grant is paid every year for the summer research project
What's Covered
| Component | Amount |
|---|---|
| Scholarship | Rs 5,000 a month, Rs 60,000 a year |
| Mentorship grant | Rs 20,000 a year for a summer research project under an active researcher at a recognised research centre in India |
| Total value | Rs 80,000 a year |
| Tenure | Up to 5 years from the first year of the degree, or until the course is completed, whichever is earlier |
Scholars open a new savings account with no transaction limit at a State Bank of India branch, in their own name, and upload the passbook page on the portal. The first and second year scholarships are paid together in the second year of the course. Continuation depends on passing all subjects in the first attempt with at least 60 percent marks, or at least 7.0 CGPA on a 10-point scale, in each annual examination (B.Sc. Hons: in the major subjects), on the recommendation of the head of the institution. A break of one year or more between B.Sc. and M.Sc. ends the scholarship. Scholars submit a project report and a mentor certificate after the summer project.
How to Apply
Application Guide
- Watch the INSPIRE web portal (online-inspire.gov.in), where DST advertises the call for applications; no call is listed for 2026-27 yet.
- When the call is open, click New User Register Here and register with the applicant's own valid email ID, which cannot be changed later. Enter the name as in the Class XII mark sheet, gender and date of birth, choose a password and the eligibility option (for example Completed 12th, Top 1% in 12th), enter the verification code and submit.
- Activate the account through the link sent to the registered email.
- Scan the documents: Class XII and Class X mark sheets, the endorsement certificate and, if applicable, the rank or award certificate.
- Log in, fill in the online SHE application form, upload the documents and submit. Only online applications are accepted.
- If selected, log in to download the provisional offer letter and upload the required documents within the time limit stated in it.
Selection Process
Applications are screened on Class XII results (top 1 percent within each board) or on rank or award in the listed national examinations. For the 2024 batch, DST evaluated applications at two levels, applied a Board Inclusive Model formula at the second level and published a board-wise computation chart of selected, rejected and abeyance cases. Selection takes at least four months from the last date of application. Selected candidates see a Provisional Offer Letter on their portal account, and lists of selected and rejected students are shown on the portal home page. Selected candidates must upload the required documents within the time limit in the offer letter. Incomplete applications are summarily rejected.
Documents Required
Important Dates
Important dates will be announced soon. Check back later for updates.