KVPY Fellowship 2026: Eligibility, Scholarship Amount & Application Details
Explore the Kishore Vaigyanik Protsahan Yojana (KVPY) fellowship. Learn about eligibility criteria, fellowship amounts for basic sciences, and how to apply.
The Kishore Vaigyanik Protsahan Yojana (KVPY) is a prestigious national-level fellowship program funded by the Department of Science and Technology (DST), Government of India. It aims to identify students with talent and aptitude for research and encourage them to take up research careers in Basic Sciences. Managed by the Indian Institute of Science (IISC) Bangalore, this program acts as a bridge for students to enter some of the most premier research institutes in the country.
What is this scheme?
KVPY is a flagship scholarship program initiated in 1999. It provides fellowship and contingency grants to students from Class 11 to the first year of any undergraduate program in Basic Sciences. Note: There have been updates regarding the merger of KVPY with the INSPIRE fellowship; candidates are advised to check the official portal for the most recent structural changes in the exam format.
Who is eligible?
- Indian Nationals intending to pursue research in Basic Sciences.
- Stream SA: Students enrolled in Class XI (Science subjects) with a minimum percentage in Maths and Science in Class X as per latest notification.
- Stream SX: Students enrolled in Class XII (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.).
- Minimum marks in previous qualifying examinations as specified by the DST/IISC guidelines.
How much money?
The fellowship offers monthly stipends of approximately ₹5,000 to ₹7,000, plus an annual contingency grant ranging from ₹20,000 to ₹28,000 depending on the level of study (B.Sc./M.Sc.).
Documents needed
- Scanned photograph and signature
- Class X and XII academic transcripts/marksheets
- Caste/Category certificate (if applicable)
- Medical certificate (for PwD candidates)
- Identity Proof (Aadhar Card/Student ID)
How to apply (step by step)
- Visit the official KVPY/DST Inspire online portal.
- Complete the registration process to obtain a User ID and Password.
- Fill in the personal and academic details in the application form.
- Upload the required scanned documents and certificates.
- Pay the application fee through the integrated online payment gateway.
- Submit the application and download the confirmation page for future reference.
Important dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Release of Notification | As per latest notification, verify on official portal |
| Application Commencement | As per latest notification, verify on official portal |
| Aptitude Test / Selection Date | As per latest notification, verify on official portal |
Conclusion
The KVPY fellowship remains a gold standard for aspiring scientists in India. While the selection process is rigorous, the financial support and the prestige associated with being a KVPY Fellow open doors to world-class research opportunities and direct admission to institutes like IISER and IISc.
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