KVPY Fellowship 2026: Comprehensive Guide to Eligibility, Benefits, and Important Updates
Explore the Kishore Vaigyanik Protsahan Yojana (KVPY) details. Learn about the fellowship amount, eligibility for SA/SX/SB streams, and the transition of the ex
The Kishore Vaigyanik Protsahan Yojana (KVPY) is a flagship national program of fellowship in Basic Sciences, initiated and funded by the Department of Science and Technology, Government of India. The primary objective of the program is to identify students with talent and aptitude for research, encourage them to take up research careers in Basic Sciences, and ensure the growth of the best scientific minds for research and development in the country.
What is this scheme?
KVPY was started in 1999 to encourage students to pursue careers in scientific research. Historically, the program conducted its own aptitude test. However, as per the recent decision by the Department of Science and Technology, the KVPY aptitude test has been subsumed under the INSPIRE She program (Innovation in Science Pursuit for Inspired Research). The scheme provides generous monthly fellowships and annual contingency grants to students from the 11th standard through to their PhD level in basic sciences.
Who is eligible?
- Stream SA: Students enrolled in 11th Standard (Science subjects) with a minimum percentage in 10th Standard as per latest notification.
- Stream SX: Students enrolled in 12th Standard (Science subjects) aspiring to join undergraduate programs in Basic Sciences.
- Stream SB: Students enrolled in the 1st year of an undergraduate program in Basic Sciences (B.Sc./B.S./B.Stat./B.Math./Int. M.Sc./Int. M.S.).
- Candidate must be an Indian Citizen.
- The student must secure the minimum prescribed marks in their board examinations as specified in the official annual advertisement.
How much money?
The fellowship provides 5,000 to 7,000 INR monthly and an annual contingency grant of 20,000 to 28,000 INR depending on the year of study (Subject to current INSPIRE/DST norms).
Documents needed
- 10th and 12th Marks sheets
- Proof of admission in a Basic Science course
- Category certificate (for SC/ST/PwD candidates)
- Identity proof (Aadhaar Card)
- Passport size photographs
- Bank account details for fellowship disbursement
How to apply (step by step)
- Step 1: Visit the official KVPY/INSPIRE portal to check for the latest notification.
- Step 2: Register on the portal using a valid email ID and mobile number.
- Step 3: Fill in the application form with personal, educational, and bank details.
- Step 4: Upload scanned copies of the required documents as per the specified format.
- Step 5: Since the merger, apply via the INSPIRE-SHE portal if the separate KVPY exam is not conducted.
- Step 6: Submit the application and download the confirmation page for future reference.
Important dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Notification Release | As per latest notification, verify on official portal |
| Application Start Date | As per latest notification, verify on official portal |
| Scholarship Disbursement Cycle | Annual/Monthly as per DST guidelines |
Conclusion
The KVPY fellowship remains one of the most prestigious recognitions for science students in India. Whether you are aiming for it via the traditional route or through the integrated INSPIRE program, it offers unparalleled financial support and prestigious networking opportunities in the scientific community. Always ensure to track the official DST portal for the most recent changes in exam patterns or selection criteria.
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