INSPIRE SHE Scholarship 2026: Eligibility, Reward Steps, and Online Application Guide
Learn how to apply for the INSPIRE Scholarship for Higher Education (SHE). Get ₹80,000 annually for BSc and MSc science courses. Check eligibility and dates her
The Innovation in Science Pursuit for Inspired Research (INSPIRE) is a flagship scheme by the Department of Science and Technology (DST). The SHE component specifically aims to attract meritorious students to choose natural and basic sciences as a career path by providing significant financial support during their undergraduate and postgraduate studies.
What is this scheme?
The INSPIRE Scholarship for Higher Education (SHE) is an Indian government initiative designed to support 10,000 talented students annually. It offers scholarships to students pursuing Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.), Bachelor of Statistics (B.Stat.), Bachelor of Mathematics (B.Math.), and integrated Master of Science (M.Sc./M.S.) degrees in basic and natural sciences. The scheme bridges the financial gap for bright minds, ensuring they can focus on research and innovation.
Who is eligible?
- Must be between 17 to 22 years of age.
- Must have secured a position in the top 1% of the respective Class 12th Board examinations.
- Must be enrolled in a regular B.Sc., B.S., or Integrated M.Sc./M.S. course in natural/basic sciences.
- Students who have secured top ranks in JEE (Main), JEE (Advanced), or NEET (Top 10,000 ranks) are also eligible.
- KVPY, NTSE, JBNSTS scholars and International Olympiad medalists are eligible.
How much money?
A total of ₹80,000 per annum. This includes a monthly scholarship of ₹5,000 (totaling ₹60,000 per year) and a summer mentorship grant of ₹20,000 for research projects.
Documents needed
- Passport size photograph
- Class 10th Marksheet/Certificate (for DOB proof)
- Class 12th Marksheet
- Endorsement Form signed by the Head of the Institution (Principal/Director/Registrar)
- Eligibility Note/Advisory Note issued by the State/Central Board
- Certificate of Rank/Award (for JEE/NEET/KVPY/Olympiad applicants)
- Active Bank Passbook (linked with Aadhaar)
How to apply (step by step)
- Visit the official INSPIRE-DST online portal.
- Click on 'New User? Register here' to create a profile with a valid email ID.
- Log in using the credentials sent to your email.
- Fill out the application form with personal, educational, and enrollment details.
- Upload the required documents in the specified PDF/JPEG format.
- Submit the application and download the acknowledgement for future reference.
- Wait for the selection list to be published on the portal.
Important dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Call for Applications Opens | As per latest notification, verify on official portal |
| Last Date to Apply | As per latest notification, verify on official portal |
| Announcement of Selection List | As per latest notification, verify on official portal |
Conclusion
The INSPIRE SHE scholarship is a prestigious opportunity for science students in India. Not only does it provide financial relief, but it also opens doors to research mentorship, encouraging the next generation of scientists. Interested students should ensure their Class 12 results fall within the top 1% cut-off of their respective boards and keep their documents ready for the upcoming cycle.
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