Kishore Vaigyanik Protsahan Yojana (KVPY) 2026: Fellowship Details and Transition Update

The Kishore Vaigyanik Protsahan Yojana (KVPY) was initiated by the Department of Science and Technology (DST), Government of India, to encourage students to pursue research careers in basic sciences. While the standalone KVPY exam has undergone transition, the fellowship remains a prestigious benchmark for aspiring scientists in India.

What is this scheme?

KVPY is a national-level fellowship program aimed at identifying and motivating students with a talent for research. It provides monthly stipends and annual contingency grants to students from XI standard to the first year of undergraduate studies in Basic Sciences (B.Sc./B.S./B.Stat./B.Math./Int. M.Sc./M.S.). As of recent policy changes, DST has integrated KVPY with the INSPIRE fellowship to streamline support for scientific talent.

Who is eligible?

• Must be an Indian Citizen.
• Students enrolled in XI Standard (Science subjects) with a minimum percentage as per latest notification.
• Students in XII Standard/thirteenth year planning to pursue undergraduate programs in Basic Sciences.
• Students currently in the 1st year of B.Sc./B.S./B.Stat./B.Math./Int. M.Sc./M.S.
• Must have secured minimum aggregate marks in Mathematics and Science subjects in previous board exams as specified by the competent authority.

How much money?

Monthly stipend of ₹5,000 to ₹7,000 depending on the level of study (UG/PG), plus an annual contingency grant ranging from ₹20,000 to ₹28,000.

Documents needed

1. Proof of Identity (Aadhaar Card)
2. Academic Transcripts and Marksheets (10th and 12th)
3. Caste/Category Certificate (if applicable)
4. Medical Certificate for PwD candidates
5. Enrollment Certificate from the current educational institution

How to apply (step by step)

1. Visit the official KVPY/INSPIRE portal to check for active fellowship calls.
2. Register using a valid email ID and mobile number.
3. Fill out the application form with personal and academic details.
4. Upload scanned copies of required documents in the prescribed format.
5. Submit the application and download the confirmation page.
6. Monitor the portal for selection lists based on competitive exam scores (like KVPY, JEE, or NEET) as per current guidelines.

Important dates

Conclusion

The KVPY fellowship continues to be a cornerstone for scientific research in India. Though the selection methodology has evolved to include broader entrance examinations, the core objective of supporting young scientific minds remains unchanged. Students are advised to regularly check the DST and INSPIRE portals for the most current application cycles.