INSPIRE Scheme Latest News
Research scholars across India have raised concerns over non-receipt of INSPIRE fellowships funded by the Department of Science and Technology (DST) for periods ranging from 8 to 13 months.
About INSPIRE Scheme
- The INSPIRE Scheme (Innovation in Science Pursuit for Inspired Research) is a flagship initiative of the Department of Science and Technology (DST), Ministry of Science and Technology.
- It was launched in 2008 with a vision to build a critical human resource base that can strengthen India’s Science & Technology and R&D ecosystem.
- Unlike competitive scholarship schemes, INSPIRE does not conduct any entrance examinations. It instead relies on merit-based identification through existing academic performance metrics.
What is the INSPIRE Fellowship?
- The INSPIRE Fellowship is a component of the DST’s INSPIRE (Innovation in Science Pursuit for Inspired Research) scheme, launched in 2008 to promote research careers in basic sciences.
- The scheme aims to nurture talent and attract top-performing students to scientific research rather than more lucrative careers in engineering, IT, or finance.
- Annually, about 1,000 scholars are selected for the fellowship based on academic merit and the quality of their research proposals.
Eligibility for INSPIRE Fellowship
- Must be a first-rank holder in postgraduate courses in science, applied sciences, or engineering, OR
- An INSPIRE scholar with at least 70% aggregate marks through UG and PG and previously in the top 1% of Class XII board exams or top performers in national level exams like IIT-JEE.
- A screening committee evaluates the research proposal before awarding the fellowship.
Key Features of the INSPIRE Scheme
- Implemented by DST with a total outlay of ₹1,979 crore in the 11th Plan and ₹2,200 crore in the 12th Plan.
- Aims to build a human resource base in basic and natural sciences.
- Comprises three components:
- SEATS (Scheme for Early Attraction of Talent) – For school students to foster interest in science.
- SHE (Scholarship for Higher Education) – For undergraduate and postgraduate science students.
- AORC (Assured Opportunity for Research Careers) – Includes INSPIRE Fellowships and Faculty Awards.
INSPIRE Scheme FAQs
Q1: What does INSPIRE stand for?
Ans: INSPIRE stands for “Innovation in Science Pursuit for Inspired Research”, a flagship scheme by the Department of Science & Technology (DST), Government of India.
Q2: What is the objective of the INSPIRE Scheme?
Ans: The scheme aims to attract talented students to science from an early age and nurture future scientific manpower for research and innovation.
Q3: What are the major components of the INSPIRE Scheme?
Ans: The scheme has three components: (1) INSPIRE Award (for school students), (2) Scholarship for Higher Education (SHE), and (3) INSPIRE Fellowship (for doctoral studies).
Source: TH
Last updated on July, 2025
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