Innovation In Science Pursuit For Inspired Research (INSPIRE) - Fellowship 2026

The INSPIRE Fellowship, part of a DST initiative, aims to boost India's science and technology by supporting Read More... students pursuing doctoral degrees in science and related fields. Read less

Details

Are you passionate about scientific research and aiming for a PhD? The Department of Science and Technology (DST), Government of India, offers the INSPIRE Fellowship to nurture young talent and strengthen our nation's science and technology capabilities.

What Is the INSPIRE Fellowship?

This fellowship is a key component of the INSPIRE (Innovation in Science Pursuit for Inspired Research) scheme. Its main goal is to encourage bright minds to pursue doctoral (PhD) degrees in various fields. This includes basic and applied sciences, engineering, medicine, agriculture, veterinary sciences, and pharmacy. It's for those who have completed a Master's degree in science or engineering, or a Bachelor's/Master's degree in Medicine.

Who Can Benefit From This Fellowship?

The fellowship is designed for exceptional students who have demonstrated outstanding academic performance. Specifically, it targets top rank holders from recognized universities and academic institutions across India.

Why Is This Fellowship Important?

By supporting doctoral research, the INSPIRE Fellowship plays a crucial role in fostering innovation and building a strong foundation for scientific advancement in India. It provides financial assistance and a conducive environment for promising researchers to contribute to cutting-edge discoveries and technological developments.

Objective

The INSPIRE Fellowship, part of a DST initiative, aims to boost India's science and technology by supporting students pursuing doctoral degrees in science and related fields.

Benefits

Duration

The fellowship shall be tenable for a maximum period of five years from INSPIRE Fellowship “Effective Date” or completion of the Ph.D. program (i.e. up to the date of successful Ph.D. viva-voce), whichever is earlier.

HRA

HRA to the Fellows shall also be applicable as per GoI norms depending upon the location of the Host Institute.

Contingency Expenditure

Expenditure of contingency grant would be governed as per host institution norms. The limit of the contingency grant is ₹20,000/annum. The unspent balance of the contingency grant at the end of a year shall be adjusted to the next year with a maximum ceiling of ₹ 20,000.

Internship

INSPIRE Fellow shall be allowed for availing of a short-term Research Internship at any national or international Laboratory/ University/ Institute up to a maximum period of 18 months either in one or multiple slots during 5 years tenure of Fellowship.

Upgradation of Fellowship from JRF to SRF

The up-gradation of Fellowship from Junior Research Fellowship (JRF) to Senior Research Fellowship (SRF) would normally be considered after the completion of two (2) years of INSPIRE Fellowship. However, it can be considered after completion of one year as JRF if INSPIRE Fellow has an acceptance of at least one research paper (as a 1st Author) in any international peer-reviewed journal from the Ph.D. work carried out at the respective Host Institute.

Mode and Cycle of Payment

The fellowship grant shall be transferred through PFMS to the student’s host institute’s ZBSA Bank Account in the Bank of Maharashtra following CNA (Central Nodal Agency) Model. Host the institute shall transfer monthly fellowship to students’ bank accounts following the host institute norms.

Sources and references

Guidelines

Eligibility Criteria

To be considered for the INSPIRE Fellowship, you must meet the following criteria:

Be a 1st rank holder in postgraduate (PG) level examinations in Basic/Applied Sciences, Engineering, Pharmacy, Agricultural Sciences, or Veterinary Sciences from any recognized Indian university or academic institution (excluding autonomous colleges).
Be a 1st rank holder at the graduate/postgraduate level examination in Medicine from any Indian university or institution.
The 1st rank must be achieved in a university course/program with a minimum batch size of 07 students and an aggregate of at least 70% marks (or equivalent CGPA) for the entire course.

Be an INSPIRE Scholar who has secured a minimum of 70% marks (or equivalent CGPA) in aggregate in M.Sc., integrated M.S., or M.Sc. programs.

Important Notes:

Simply meeting these criteria does not guarantee the fellowship.
The Subject Expert Committee (SEC) will make the final selection based on academic merit, research proposal, supervisor's credentials, and host institution, among other factors, on a competitive basis.
This fellowship is exclusively for pursuing a full-time PhD program in a recognized Indian university, institution, or R&D laboratory.

Post-Selection Eligibility for Fellowship Continuation

Keep the Department of Science and Technology (DST) updated on your research progress.
You should not take up any paid or unpaid assignment outside your approved research program. However, assisting your host institute with academic activities, as per PhD guidelines, is allowed if it doesn't hamper your research progress.
Complete your research work within the 5-year fellowship tenure to achieve the approved objectives.
You must acknowledge DST's support in all publications, patents, and your PhD thesis.
Submit soft copies of your PhD thesis, published research papers, and patent details (if any) to the DST's INSPIRE Programme Division via speed post on a USB storage device.
Inform DST about any disciplinary action taken against you by the university.

How To Apply

Applications for the INSPIRE Fellowship are typically invited once a year, usually in the third or fourth quarter of the financial year. The application process is entirely online.

Visit the official INSPIRE web portal: https://www.online-inspire.gov.in.
Follow the guidelines provided on the portal to register and fill out the application form.
Upload all the required documents as specified.
Submit your application before the deadline.

Documents Required

Here's a list of documents you'll likely need. Ensure you have scanned copies ready for online submission:

For All Applicants:

Passport size photograph
Xth Class certificate
Mark sheets for Class 12th (12th Std.), Graduation (UG Program), and Post-Graduation (PG Program)
First Rank Certificate (if you are not an existing INSPIRE Scholar)
Appointment letter (if currently employed)

If Already Enrolled in PhD:

Curriculum Vitae (CV) of your supervisor
PhD Admission Letter confirming your admission by the Host Institute
Fee Receipt
Endorsement Letter from your institution
Detailed Write-up of the research to be conducted

If Not Yet Enrolled in a PhD:

Curriculum Vitae (CV) of three potential supervisors.

For Change of Host Institution:

No Objection Certificates (NOCs) from both the current and new Host Institutes and Research Supervisors.
Detailed justification for the change/transfer of Host Institute.
Your PhD research area with an up-to-date Technical Progress Report.
CV of the Research Supervisor at the new Host Institute.
An up-to-date Financial Statement of Expenditure from your initial Host Institute (if fellowship grants were released to it).

After Undertaking Research Internship:

Internship Report.
Joining Report.

For Fellowship Release in Subsequent Years:

Financial year-wise Statement of Expenditure.
Utilization Certificate.

Upon Completion of Fellowship Tenure or Award of PhD Degree:

A copy of your PhD degree certificate.
PhD completion/discontinuation report.
Statement of Expenditure (SE) and Utilization Certificate (UC) for the entire fellowship duration.
Receipt for any unspent balance (which, along with other earnings against the grant, must be remitted to the Consolidated Fund of India via Bharatkosh).

Note: Soft copies of your PhD thesis, published research papers, and patent details (if any) must be submitted on a USB storage device to the INSPIRE Programme Division of DST by speed post.

Official Sources

For the most accurate and up-to-date information, always refer to the official INSPIRE website and related documents.

FAQ’s

What is the duration for which I can receive the INSPIRE Fellowship?

The INSPIRE Fellowship can be availed for a maximum period of five years. This duration is counted from the fellowship's 'Effective Date' or up to the date of your successful PhD viva-voce, whichever is earlier. The host university or institute's administrative norms and guidelines will also apply.

If I'm already receiving another fellowship, can I switch to the INSPIRE Fellowship?

Yes, you can switch. Once you receive the final offer for the INSPIRE Fellowship, you should resign from your previous fellowship. Please mention this in your Joining-cum-Acceptance letter. It's important not to resign from your current fellowship until you have received the final offer for the INSPIRE Fellowship.

What is the monthly fellowship amount and other financial support?

The fellowship amount is governed by various Office Memorandums issued by the Ministry. Additionally, you will receive House Rent Allowance (HRA) as per Government of India norms, depending on where your host institute is located. A contingency grant of ₹20,000 per annum is also provided, with unspent balances adjustable for the next year up to ₹20,000.

How do I apply for the INSPIRE Fellowship?

Applications for the INSPIRE Fellowship are accepted only online when a call for applications is announced. You need to visit the official INSPIRE web portal at https://www.online-inspire.gov.in and follow the detailed instructions there to submit your application.

What is PFMS, and is it mandatory for my host institute to be registered under it?

PFMS stands for Public Financial Management System. It's an online system for fund management and payment for Government of India schemes, managed by the Office of Controller General of Accounts. Yes, it is mandatory for your host institute to be registered under PFMS to receive the fellowship grant. Fellowship fund transfers cannot be processed otherwise.

What is the designation of a selected candidate under the INSPIRE Fellowship?

When selected for the INSPIRE Fellowship, your initial designation will be Junior Research Fellow (JRF). There is no direct entry as a Senior Research Fellow (SRF). Both JRF and SRF under this scheme will be referred to as an 'INSPIRE Fellow'.

What if I cannot upload my Joining-cum-Acceptance (JCA) documents within the one-month validity period after receiving the final offer?

If you fail to upload your JCA documents within one month from the date the final offer letter was issued, the offer will automatically be withdrawn. It's crucial to submit these documents within the stipulated time.

Can I attend an international conference and will the fellowship cover my travel costs?

No, the INSPIRE Fellowship does not cover the to-and-fro journey fare charges for attending international conferences.

How do I get the next installment of my fellowship?

To receive the next installment, you need to upload a Utilization Certificate (UC), Statement of Expenditure (SE), Claim Bill (if any), and your Annual Progress Report in the prescribed formats. These documents should be uploaded on the INSPIRE web portal at the end of every year of your fellowship completion. The formats are available on the INSPIRE web portal.

What is the tenure of the INSPIRE Fellowship?

The fellowship is tenable for a maximum of five years. This period starts from the 'Effective Date' of the INSPIRE Fellowship or concludes upon the successful completion of your PhD program (i.e., up to the date of your final viva-voce), whichever happens earlier.

Is it compulsory to use the specific INSPIRE Fellowship format for the Rank Certificate?

Yes, it is mandatory. You must submit a Rank certificate in the prescribed INSPIRE Fellowship Format, which is available on the official portal (https://www.online-inspire.gov.in). Provisional rank certificates or mark sheets alone will not be accepted.

What happens if I join a government job while holding the INSPIRE Fellowship?

If you join any job, whether full-time or part-time, there is no provision to hold the INSPIRE Fellowship and rejoin later. Your fellowship will be discontinued from the date you join the job.

How long does it typically take to process my fellowship grant after uploading SE, UC, and claim bills?

Generally, the fellowship grant is released within 2 months from the date you upload the required documents.

What is the maximum amount for the contingency grant each year?

The limit for the contingency grant is ₹20,000 per annum. Any unspent balance from a given year can be adjusted to the next year, but the total ceiling remains ₹20,000 for that year.

What should I do if my provisional offer validity expires before I can upload my PhD admission documents?

The online portal process is automated. If you do not upload your PhD admission documents within the specified validity period, the portal will automatically close, and you will not be able to submit them. In such a case, your provisional offer will stand withdrawn.

Can I do a research internship during my fellowship, and for how long?

Yes, an INSPIRE Fellow is allowed to undertake a short-term research internship. This can be done at any national or international laboratory, university, or institute for a maximum period of 18 months. This time can be taken in one or multiple slots within your 5-year fellowship tenure.

How will I know if my bank details for the fellowship have been approved?

After you submit your host institute's bank details, approval usually takes about a week. You should regularly check your INSPIRE web portal account for updates on the approval status.

What if my bank details are not yet approved, and I need to submit my Joining-cum-Acceptance documents?

The INSPIRE Web-portal already has approved bank details for various institutions. If you select the correct bank details from the provided list, you won't need to wait for their approval. You can then proceed to upload your joining-cum-acceptance report directly.

What are the conditions for upgrading my fellowship from JRF to SRF?

Normally, your fellowship is upgraded from Junior Research Fellowship (JRF) to Senior Research Fellowship (SRF) after you complete two years. However, an upgrade can be considered after just one year as JRF if you have had at least one research paper accepted as the first author in an international peer-reviewed journal based on your PhD work at the host institute.

What is the INSPIRE Fellowship?

The INSPIRE Fellowship is part of the INSPIRE scheme by the Department of Science and Technology (DST), Government of India. It aims to strengthen the country's science and technology base by supporting students who want to pursue doctoral degrees in basic and applied sciences, engineering, medicine, agriculture, veterinary sciences, and pharmacy, after completing their Master's in science/engineering or Bachelor's/Master's in Medicine.