Of course, Sahil! Here’s a detailed blog-ready section for the INSPIRE Scholarship (SHE) that explains everything a student or parent needs to know.
If you’re a science-loving student who dreams of becoming a researcher, innovator, or scientist — then the INSPIRE Scholarship for Higher Education (SHE) is one of the most prestigious scholarships you should consider. Funded by the Department of Science and Technology (DST), Government of India, this scholarship aims to nurture talent in natural and basic sciences and promote research careers at an early age. Let’s explore everything you need to know about the INSPIRE Scholarship — from eligibility to benefits to application steps — in this detailed guide.
Dates may change every year; always check the official INSPIRE portal for updates.
If you’re a science-loving student who dreams of becoming a researcher, innovator, or scientist — then the INSPIRE Scholarship for Higher Education (SHE) is one of the most prestigious scholarships you should consider. Funded by the Department of Science and Technology (DST), Government of India, this scholarship aims to nurture talent in natural and basic sciences and promote research careers at an early age. Let’s explore everything you need to know about the INSPIRE Scholarship — from eligibility to benefits to application steps — in this detailed guide.
🔍 What is INSPIRE Scholarship?
INSPIRE stands for Innovation in Science Pursuit for Inspired Research. The Scholarship for Higher Education (SHE) is one of the components of the INSPIRE program. It’s designed specifically to encourage students to pursue bachelor’s and master’s level education in science and technology fields. Unlike many scholarships that are based on competitive exams, INSPIRE SHE is purely merit-based, selecting students who are top performers in their Class 12 board exams or national-level entrance tests like JEE and NEET.👥 Who is Eligible?
To apply for the INSPIRE Scholarship for Higher Education, students must meet the following criteria:✅ Educational Qualification:
- Should have passed Class 12 in science stream in the current academic year.
- Must be among the top 1% scorers in Class 12 board exams OR among top 10,000 rank holders in JEE Main, JEE Advanced, or NEET (UG).
✅ Course Enrollment:
- Must be enrolled in 3-year B.Sc. / 4-year B.S. / 5-year Integrated M.Sc./M.S. courses in basic and natural sciences.
✅ Age Limit:
- The applicant must be between 17 to 22 years of age.
🎯 Eligible Courses in Basic Sciences:
- Physics
- Chemistry
- Mathematics
- Biology
- Statistics
- Geology
- Astronomy
- Botany
- Zoology
- Electronics
- Microbiology
- Anthropology
Note: Professional courses such as engineering, medicine, and technical diplomas are not eligible under INSPIRE.
💰 Scholarship Benefits
Each selected student receives a total of ₹80,000 per year, divided as follows:- Annual scholarship amount: ₹60,000 (₹5,000 per month)
- Additional summer research project incentive: ₹20,000 (for working under a recognized research mentor)
📝 How to Apply?
INSPIRE applications are accepted online through the official portal: 👉 https://online-inspire.gov.inStep-by-Step Application Process:
- Register on the portal using a valid email and mobile number.
- Fill in personal, academic, and course details accurately.
- Upload scanned copies of required documents:
- Passport-sized photo
- Class 10 and 12 mark sheets
- Rank certificate (JEE/NEET if applicable)
- Proof of admission (bonafide certificate from college)
- Income certificate (optional, not mandatory)
- Identity proof (Aadhaar or any government-issued ID)
- Review and submit the form.
- Take a printout of the application for your records.
📄 Documents Checklist
Before applying, make sure you have the following:- Recent passport-size photo
- Scanned mark sheets of Class 10 and Class 12
- Certificate/proof of enrollment in eligible UG course
- Caste certificate (if applicable)
- Rank certificate (JEE/NEET – if applying through rank route)
- Bank account details in the student’s name
🔄 Renewal and Continuation
To continue receiving the INSPIRE scholarship in the next academic years:- Students must maintain a minimum of 60% marks or equivalent CGPA in every year/semester.
- Must remain enrolled in the approved science course.
- Must submit annual progress reports and renewal forms online.
📅 Important Timeline
| Event | Tentative Date |
|---|---|
| Application Opening | November – December |
| Last Date to Apply | January (next year) |
| Screening & Selection | February – March |
| Disbursement of Scholarship | May – June |
🌟 Why Choose INSPIRE SHE?
- It’s a prestigious national-level scholarship supported by the Government of India.
- Offers direct encouragement to pursue science and research at a young age.
- Provides hands-on research opportunities with top scientists through the ₹20,000 summer research grant.
- Opens doors for future opportunities like Ph.D. fellowships, international collaborations, and research internships.