If you love science and have performed well in Class 12, the INSPIRE Scholarship for Higher Education (SHE) could fund your entire undergraduate and postgraduate journey in the sciences. Run by the Department of Science and Technology (DST), INSPIRE-SHE aims to attract India’s brightest young minds into research and science careers.
What is INSPIRE-SHE?
SHE is one component of the larger Innovation in Science Pursuit for Inspired Research (INSPIRE) programme. It offers scholarships to students pursuing Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in the natural and basic sciences, such as Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, Biology, Statistics and Geology.
Eligibility criteria
To qualify, a student generally needs to meet one of these conditions:
- Be within the top 1% in their Class 12 board examination, and pursue a science degree; or
- Secure a top rank in recognised national exams like JEE, NEET or be a KVPY/Olympiad awardee; or
- Be among top rankers in various national and state-level competitive exams while studying basic sciences.
The student must enrol in a B.Sc., B.S., Int. M.Sc. or M.S. programme in natural or basic sciences at a recognised institution.
Scholarship benefits
Selected scholars receive ₹80,000 per year — made up of ₹60,000 as the scholarship and up to ₹20,000 as a summer research grant for a mentored project. This support continues for up to five years, covering both undergraduate and integrated postgraduate study, subject to maintaining good academic performance.
How to apply
- Register on the official INSPIRE / DST online portal (e-Management of Scholarship).
- Fill in your academic details and eligibility basis (board rank or exam rank).
- Upload your Class 12 marksheet, admission proof and eligibility certificate.
- Have your college endorse and forward the application.
- Track your application status online until confirmation.
Renewal and continuation
To keep the scholarship, scholars must maintain the minimum aggregate marks each year and complete the mandatory summer research project under an approved mentor. This research exposure is one of the biggest advantages of INSPIRE — it introduces students to real laboratories early in their careers.
Confirm current eligibility ranks, amounts and deadlines on the official INSPIRE DST portal before applying.