Is KVPY being replaced by the INSPIRE scholarship?

As per recent government directives, the KVPY exam has been subsumed under the INSPIRE fellowship program. Candidates are now often selected based on competitive exams like the IISER Aptitude Test IAT. Always check the official website for the current year's selection criteria.

What subjects are covered under Basic Sciences for KVPY?

The fellowship covers B.Sc./B.S./B.Stat./B.Math./Int. M.Sc./M.S. in Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics, Biology, Statistics, Geology, Marine Biology, Genetics, and other core science subjects. Professional courses like MBBS or B.Tech are not eligible.

Can students from private schools apply?

Yes, any student studying in a recognized school or college in India, whether government or private, is eligible to apply provided they meet the academic and age criteria specified in the notification.

What is the duration of the KVPY fellowship?

The fellowship is valid until the completion of the pre-PhD level or 5 years, whichever is earlier, provided the fellow maintains a consistent academic record usually 60% marks or equivalent each year.

Is there a reservation policy for KVPY?

Yes, seats are reserved for SC/ST candidates and Persons with Disabilities PwD as per the Government of India norms. Applicants must provide valid category certificates to avail of these benefits.

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KVPY Fellowship 2026: Apply Online, Eligibility & Benefits

📅: Published 15 September 2026
🔄: Last updated Updated 22 hours ago
⏱: 5 min read
🏛: students
👁: 0 views

Explore the KVPY fellowship details. Learn about the application process, stipend amounts, and eligibility for Indian students pursuing basic sciences.

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The Kishore Vaigyanik Protsahan Yojana (KVPY) is a flagship national-level fellowship program funded by the Department of Science and Technology, Government of India. It is designed to identify and encourage students with a high talent for research in basic sciences.

This prestigious program provides a significant monthly stipend and an annual contingency grant to selected fellows. By supporting students from the undergraduate level up to the PhD level, it ensures a steady flow of research talent to the nation's scientific infrastructure.

Info

This scheme is administered by Department of Science and Technology (DST). Applications are accepted only through the official portal.

What is this scheme?

KVPY was initiated in 1999 to bridge the gap between classroom learning and scientific research. It targets students currently enrolled in XI, XII, and the first year of undergraduate programs in Basic Sciences. Selection is typically based on an aptitude test and academic performance, although the specific exam format may be integrated with other national exams like INSPIRE or IAT as per recent reforms.

The program is managed by the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bangalore. It aims to provide a secure financial and academic environment so that the brightest minds in the country can focus on pure science rather than shifting to professional courses like Engineering or Medicine due to financial constraints.

Objective

The primary objective is to identify students with talent and aptitude for research and encourage them to take up research careers in Basic Sciences. It aims to ensure the growth of the best scientific minds for research and development in India.

Key features

Generous monthly stipend for the entire duration of the course
Annual contingency grant to cover research-related expenses
Access to prestigious national laboratories and universities
Identity card providing access to library facilities in IISc and other labs
Summer camps organized at various research centers in India

Financial benefits

Selected fellows receive a monthly stipend of ₹5,000 to ₹7,000 depending on their level of study. Additionally, an annual contingency grant between ₹20,000 and ₹28,000 is provided to cover academic costs.

Benefit	Amount
Monthly Stipend (UG)	₹5,000
Annual Contingency Grant (UG)	₹20,000
Monthly Stipend (PG)	₹7,000
Annual Contingency Grant (PG)	₹28,000

Who is eligible?

Must be an Indian Citizen
Students enrolled in XI Standard (Science Subjects)
Students enrolled in XII Standard (Science Subjects)
Students in the 1st year of B.Sc./B.S./B.Stat./B.Math./Int. M.Sc./M.S.
Minimum percentage in 10th and 12th as per latest notification
Must be pursuing Basic Sciences such as Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, or Biology

Required documents

☑ Aadhaar Card
☑ Recent passport size photograph
☑ Signature of the applicant
☑ 10th Class Marksheet
☑ 12th Class Marksheet
☑ Category Certificate (if applicable)
☑ Medical Certificate for PwD (if applicable)

Tip

Keep scanned copies (PDF/JPG, under 200 KB each) ready before you start the online form.

How to apply — step by step

Visit the official KVPY/DST portal for the latest notification
Click on the registration link to create a user ID and password
Login and fill in the personal and academic details in the application form
Upload scanned copies of required documents and photographs
Pay the application fee through the integrated online payment gateway
Select your preferred examination city if an aptitude test is scheduled
Submit the form and take a printout of the confirmation page for future reference

Important dates

Event	Date
Application Start Date	As per latest notification, verify on official portal
Last Date to Apply	As per latest notification, verify on official portal
Aptitude Test / Selection Date	As per latest notification, verify on official portal

Important

Deadline: applications close on As per latest notification, verify on official portal. Apply well before the last date — portals get slow on the final day.

Important links

Resource	Link
Official KVPY Portal	Official KVPY Portal
Department of Science and Technology	Department of Science and Technology
Helpline	080-22932975
Email	applications.kvpy@iisc.ac.in

Conclusion

The KVPY fellowship remains one of the most prestigious honors for science students in India. It not only provides financial stability but also opens doors to the nation's premier research institutions. If you have a passion for discovery and a strong academic background, this scheme is your gateway to a successful research career. For more updates on such scholarships and government schemes, make sure to sign up on YojanaRadar today and never miss a deadline.

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