KVPY Scholarship 2026: Fellowship Amount, Eligibility, and Selection Process

The Kishore Vaigyanik Protsahan Yojana (KVPY) is a flagship national fellowship program initiated and funded by the Department of Science and Technology (DST), Government of India. Aimed at encouraging students to take up research careers in the areas of basic sciences, it identifies and nurtures students with high talent and aptitude for research. Note: In recent years, the KVPY exam has been integrated with the INSPIRE program and IAT (IISER Aptitude Test) for selection, making it essential to identify the current admission channel.

What is this scheme?

KVPY is a scholarship program designed to provide financial assistance and mentorship to students from the 11th standard to the first year of undergraduate studies in basic sciences. It serves as a gateway to prestigious institutions like IISc and IISERs. The program aims to ensure the best scientific minds in the country are groomed for research and development, providing them with a generous monthly stipend and annual contingency grant.

Who is eligible?

• Stream SA: Students enrolled in 11th Standard (Science subjects) with a minimum percentage in 10th Board as per latest notification.
• Stream SX: Students enrolled in 12th Standard (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.).
• Must be an Indian Citizen.
• Must maintain a minimum prescribed percentage in science subjects in subsequent academic years to continue the fellowship.

How much money?

Fellows receive a monthly stipend of approximately ₹5,000 to ₹7,000 and an annual contingency grant of ₹20,000 to ₹28,000, depending on whether they are at the graduate or postgraduate level.

Documents needed

1. Recent passport-size photograph
2. Scanned signature
3. Caste/Category certificate (if applicable)
4. Medical certificate (for PWD candidates)
5. Class 10th and 12th marksheet/transcripts
6. Proof of admission in a recognized science course

How to apply (step by step)

1. Visit the official KVPY or integrated INSPIRE/IAT portal.
2. Complete the online registration form with basic personal and academic details.
3. Upload the required scanned documents in the specified format.
4. Pay the application fee through the integrated net banking, credit, or debit card portal.
5. Download the hall ticket for the IAT or relevant entrance assessment.
6. Appear for the aptitude test and clear the cutoff merit list.
7. Participate in the counseling/interview process if mandated by the DST for that academic cycle.

Important dates

Conclusion

The KVPY fellowship remains one of the most prestigious recognitions for science students in India. By providing both financial stability and access to premier libraries and laboratories, it empowers the next generation of Indian scientists. Students are advised to regularly check the official DST and IISc portals for the most recent updates on the transition between KVPY and the INSPIRE fellowship schemes.