INSPIRE Scholarship (SHE) 2026: Financial Support for Basic & Natural Sciences
Detailed guide on the INSPIRE Scholarship (SHE) 2026 for BSc & MSc students. Check eligibility, scholarship amount, documents required, and application steps.
The Innovation in Science Pursuit for Inspired Research (INSPIRE) is an innovative flagship program under the Department of Science and Technology (DST). The Scholarship for Higher Education (SHE) component aims to attract talent to the study of natural and basic sciences at the undergraduate and postgraduate levels by offering significant financial assistance to meritorious students.
What is this scheme?
The INSPIRE SHE scholarship is a component specifically designed for students aged 17–22. It provides a platform for bright students to pursue careers in basic sciences (like Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, Biology, etc.) by providing scholarships that cover tuition and living expenses, along with a specialized mentorship component for research projects.
Who is eligible?
- Must be between 17 and 22 years of age.
- Student must be among the top 1% meritorious candidates in their Class 12 board examinations (State/Central).
- Must be enrolled in a regular B.Sc., B.S., and M.Sc./M.S. course in Basic & Natural Sciences.
- Students who have secured ranks in JEE (Advanced), JEE (Main), or NEET (Top 10,000 ranks) and are pursuing basic sciences.
- KVPY, NTSE, JBNSTS scholars and International Olympiad medalists pursuing basic science courses.
How much money?
The scholarship is valued at ₹80,000 per annum. This includes a cash payout of ₹60,000 (₹5,000 per month) plus a mentorship grant of ₹20,000 for mandatory summer research projects.
Documents needed
- Recent passport-sized photograph
- Class 10 Marksheet/Certificate (for DOB proof)
- Class 12 Marksheet
- Endorsement Certificate signed by the Principal/Director/Registrar of the College/Institute
- Eligibility Note/Advisory Note (issued by the respective Board, if available)
- Certificate specifying rank or award (JEE, NEET, KVPY, etc.)
- Caste Certificate (if applicable)
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 and creating a login ID.
- Login and fill out the SHE application form with personal, educational, and enrollment details.
- Upload scanned copies of all required documents in the specified format and size.
- Review the application carefully for accuracy and submit the form.
- Download and print the application preview for future reference.
- Monitor the portal regularly for the announcement of the selection list.
Important dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Application Opening Date | As per latest notification, verify on official portal |
| Application Deadline | As per latest notification, verify on official portal |
| Cut-off Announcement | Usually 3-4 months post-application closure |
Conclusion
The INSPIRE Scholarship (SHE) is an excellent opportunity for students passionate about scientific research. By removing financial barriers, the DST ensures that India's brightest minds contribute to the country's scientific evolution. Eligible students should apply within the timeline and maintain the required CGPA to ensure continuity of the scholarship throughout their higher education.
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