INSPIRE Scholarship for Higher Education (SHE) 2026: Eligibility, Amount & Apply Online

The Innovation in Science Pursuit for Inspired Research (INSPIRE) is an innovative flagship program by the Department of Science and Technology (DST). 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 support.

What is this scheme?

The INSPIRE SHE is a competitive scholarship for students who are in the top 1% of their Class 12 board examinations and are pursuing degrees like BSc, BS, or MS in natural sciences. The scheme bridges the financial gap for bright minds, encouraging them to take up research and development careers to strengthen India's scientific ecosystem.

Who is eligible?

• Meritorious students within the top 1% of their respective Class 12 Board examination results.
• Students must be pursuing a regular course in Natural or Basic Sciences at the BSc, BS, or Integrated MS/MSc level.
• Students who have secured ranks in JEE (Main), JEE (Advanced) within the top 10,000 are also eligible.
• NEET (AIPMT) top 10,000 rankers pursuing basic sciences are eligible.
• KVPY, NTSE, JBNSTS scholars and International Olympiad medalists are eligible.
• Age limit: 17 to 22 years (As per latest notification, verify on official portal).

How much money?

The total scholarship value is ₹80,000 per annum. This includes a monthly stipend of ₹5,000 (Total ₹60,000/year) and a summertime attachment fee of ₹20,000 per annum for mentorship/research projects.

Documents needed

1. Class 12 Marksheet (Mandatory)
2. Class 10 Marksheet/Certificate (for DOB proof)
3. Endorsement Form signed by the Head of the Institution
4. Eligibility Note/Advisory Note provided by the State/Central Board
5. Caste Certificate (if applicable)
6. Passbook copy for Bank Account details
7. Passport size photograph

How to apply (step by step)

1. Visit the official INSPIRE online portal at online-inspire.gov.in.
2. Register as a 'New User' by providing basic details and generating a password.
3. Log in and fill out the SHE application form with academic and personal details.
4. Upload scanned copies of all required documents in the prescribed format (PDF/JPEG).
5. Review the application carefully for any errors before final submission.
6. Submit the form and take a printout of the application for future reference.

Important dates

Conclusion

The INSPIRE Scholarship (SHE) is a transformative opportunity for science students in India. By removing financial barriers, the DST ensures that the nation's best talent stays dedicated to scientific inquiry. If you fall within the top 1% of your board, ensure you apply within the deadline to secure your future in science.