INSPIRE Scholarship (SHE) 2026: Eligibility, Benefits, and Application Process
Complete guide to the INSPIRE SHE scholarship for BSc and MSc students. Learn about the INR 80,000 annual grant, eligibility criteria, and how to apply online.
The Innovation in Science Pursuit for Inspired Research (INSPIRE) scheme is a flagship program by the Department of Science and Technology (DST), Government of India. The Scholarship for Higher Education (SHE) component aims to attract meritorious students to study basic and natural sciences at the undergraduate and postgraduate levels by providing substantial financial assistance.
What is this scheme?
INSPIRE-SHE is a scholarship program designed to support students pursuing Bachelor's and Master's courses (B.Sc., B.S., and Int. M.Sc./M.S.) in Natural and Basic Sciences. The scheme focuses on the top 1% of meritorious students from various school boards and students who have secured ranks in national-level competitive exams like JEE and NEET, provided they choose to study core sciences.
Who is eligible?
- Must be an Indian citizen.
- Student must be within the age group of 17-22 years.
- Must be among the top 1% of successful candidates in the Class 12 board examinations (State or Central).
- Students who have secured ranks in JEE (Main/Advanced) or NEET (AIPMT) within the top 10,000 ranks and are pursuing Natural/Basic Sciences.
- Kishore Vaigyanik Protsahan Yojana (KVPY), NTSE, and JBNSTS scholars are also eligible.
- Must be enrolled in a regular B.Sc., B.S., or Integrated M.Sc./M.S. course in subjects like Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, Biology, Statistics, Geology, etc.
How much money?
INR 80,000 per annum (INR 60,000 as cash scholarship plus INR 20,000 as a mentorship grant for summer research projects).
Documents needed
- Class 10 Marksheet/Certificate (for proof of date of birth).
- Class 12 Marksheet.
- Endorsement Certificate signed by the Principal of the College/Director of the Institute.
- Eligibility Note/Advisory Note (if provided by the State/Central Board).
- Certificate specifying rank or award in JEE/NEET/KVPY/NTSE (if applicable).
- Aadhaar Card copy.
- Active Bank Passbook copy (linked with Aadhaar).
How to apply (step by step)
- Visit the official INSPIRE online portal (online-inspire.gov.in).
- Register as a new user by providing basic details like name, email, and mobile number.
- Log in with the credentials sent to your registered email.
- Fill out the SHE application form with academic and personal details.
- Upload all required scanned documents in the specified format and size.
- Review the application and submit the form.
- Print a copy of the submitted application for future reference.
Important dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Application Opening Date | Usually between September and November (As per latest notification, verify on official portal) |
| Application Deadline | Usually late December or January (As per latest notification, verify on official portal) |
| Rank List/Selection Release | As per latest notification, verify on official portal |
Conclusion
The INSPIRE SHE scholarship is a prestigious opportunity for science enthusiasts to pursue their academic goals without financial constraints. By supporting students from the undergraduate level through to their Master's, the DST ensures a steady flow of talent into the research and development sector of India. Interested students should ensure their course choice aligns with the DST-approved subjects to remain eligible for this grant.
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