Kishore Vaigyanik Protsahan Yojana (KVPY): A Complete Guide to India's Premier Science Fellowship
Explore the KVPY fellowship details including eligibility, scholarship amounts, and application process. Note: KVPY is now subsumed into INSPIRE by DST.
The Kishore Vaigyanik Protsahan Yojana (KVPY) was a national-level fellowship program initiated and funded by the Department of Science and Technology (DST), Government of India. Designed to identify and encourage students with a talent for research, it aimed to build a strong foundation for India's scientific and technological research sector. Note that as per the latest administrative changes, this program has been merged with the INSPIRE fellowship program.
What is this scheme?
KVPY was an ongoing National Program of Fellowship in Basic Sciences, initiated to provide financial support and mentorship to students who want to pursue a career in scientific research. After clearing a competitive aptitude test, students were awarded monthly stipends and annual contingency grants to support their undergraduate to pre-Ph.D. education.
Who is eligible?
- Indian Nationals pursuing Basic Science courses (B.Sc., B.S., B.Stat., B.Math., Integrated M.Sc., Integrated M.S.)
- Stream SA: Students enrolled in 11th Standard (Science Subjects)
- Stream SX: Students enrolled in 12th Standard (Science Subjects)
- Stream SB: Students enrolled in the 1st year of an undergraduate program in Basic Sciences
- Minimum percentage requirements in Science and Mathematics as per latest notification, verify on official portal
How much money?
Monthly stipend ranging from ₹5,000 to ₹7,000 plus an annual contingency grant of ₹20,000 to ₹28,000 depending on the level of study.
Documents needed
- Scanned photograph and signature
- Caste certificate (if applicable)
- Medical certificate (for PwD candidates)
- Academic transcripts/Marksheets
- Valid ID Proof
How to apply (step by step)
- Check official KVPY/INSPIRE portal for active application cycles
- Complete the online registration on the official website
- Fill in personal and academic details
- Upload the required scanned documents
- Pay the application fee via online payment gateway
- Download the admit card for the aptitude test (if applicable under current INSPIRE-KVPY guidelines)
- Appear for the selection process and check final results
Important dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Application Opening | As per latest notification, verify on official portal |
| Aptitude Test Date | As per latest notification, verify on official portal |
| Result Declaration | As per latest notification, verify on official portal |
Conclusion
The KVPY fellowship has long been the gold standard for aspiring scientists in India. While the operational structure has transitioned into the INSPIRE fellowship scheme, the goal remains the same: fostering a research mindset in young students. Prospective applicants should regularly monitor the DST and INSPIRE portals for the latest integration updates and application deadlines.

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