KVPY Fellowship Guide: Eligibility, Stipend, and Exam Details

The Kishore Vaigyanik Protsahan Yojana (KVPY) is a flagship national fellowship program funded by the Department of Science and Technology (DST), Government of India. It aims to identify and encourage students with a high aptitude for research to pursue careers in basic sciences. Note: As per the latest notification, the KVPY exam has been subsumed under INSPIRE; verify current status on the official portal.

What is this scheme?

KVPY was initiated in 1999 to provide financial assistance and mentoring to talented students from Class XI up to the pre-Ph.D. level. The program focuses on promoting original scientific thinking and research in subjects like Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, and Biology.

Who is eligible?

• Must be an Indian Citizen.
• Students enrolled in XI Standard (Science subjects) with a minimum percentage as per latest notification.
• Students enrolled in XII Standard/LPU (Science subjects) intending to pursue a BSc/BS/BStat/BMath/Int. MSc/MS.
• Students in their first year of an undergraduate program in Basic Sciences.
• Minimum aggregate marks in Class X and XII Board exams as specified in the annual notification.

How much money?

Monthly stipend of ₹5,000 to ₹7,000 plus an annual contingency grant of ₹20,000 to ₹28,000, depending on the stage of study.

Documents needed

1. Scanned copy of recent passport-size photograph
2. Scanned signature
3. Caste Certificate (for SC/ST/OBC-NCL candidates)
4. Medical Certificate (for PWD candidates)
5. Academic transcripts/Marksheets of Class X and XII

How to apply (step by step)

1. Visit the official KVPY/DST portal for the latest registration link.
2. Complete the online registration to generate a User ID and Password.
3. Fill in personal and academic details in the application form.
4. Upload the required scanned documents and certificates.
5. Pay the application fee through the integrated online payment gateway.
6. Download and print the final application confirmation for future reference.

Important dates

Conclusion

The KVPY fellowship remains one of India's most prestigious recognitions for science students. While the selection process is rigorous, the financial support and access to premier national laboratories make it a career-defining opportunity for aspiring scientists.