How to apply for INSPIRE scholarship?

INSPIRE, an acronym for Innovation in Science Pursuit for Inspired Research, is a scholarship programme by the government to support those students who wish to pursue higher studies in the fields of science and technology. If you are a student from an economically-stunted background,
you no longer need to worry about giving up on your dreams to study science and technology.

The INSPIRE scholarship will provide you with the necessary funds for it. However, you have to stand out in your performance and prove that you are a deserving candidate for the same. The three parts of the scholarship consist of talent recognition, funds for higher education, and
research opportunities.

The scheme was launched back in 2008 with a budget allocation of Rs 1979.25 crore at the time.

Under the scheme, there were three main programs, namely:
● Scheme for Early Attraction of Talents (SEATs)
● Scholarship for Higher Education (SHE)
● Assured Opportunity for Research Careers (AORC)

Since its inception, the INSPIRE scholarship has been encouraging about 10,000 students, by offering funds valued at Rs 80,000 per year to pursue any natural or basic science subjects. The students get the reward amount consistently for five years or throughout the course, whichever is
shorter. This reward amount is divided into two parts:

• Rs 60,000 cash – Paid to selected students for their tuition and research materials
• Rs 20,000 – Paid as a summer-time attachment fee to students working on summer-time research projects.

Note– All students under the INSPIRE program must take summer projects under an active researcher from any recognised research institute in India.

Every year, the INSPIRE scholarship is declared in the middle of October, and the date for online application generally closes by the end of the same month. However, the closing date may be extended at the discretion of DST (Department of Science and Technology). The list of shortlisted students gets released by April or May of the next year.

INSPIRE scholarship: Eligibility

Stringent eligibility criteria need to be met to apply for SHE under the INSPIRE Scholarship.

Scroll on to know if you are eligible for the same:

● The students should be within the age group 17-22.
● Must have passed 12 in the same year and should be pursuing courses in natural sciences at the BSC/BS or Integrated MSC/MS level.
● Must fall in the top 1% of students excelling in their class 12 board exams (calculated
through aggregate marks).
● Top 10,000 rankers in Joint Entrance Examinations of IIT, AIEEE (20,000 rankers), passed CBSE- Medical (AIPMT) and have opted for studying Natural or Basic Science.
● Students selected for the Kishore Vaigyanik Protsahan Yojana (KVPY).
● Students admitted to IISER (Indian Institute of Science Education and Research), NISER (National Institute of Science Education and Research), and Department of Atomic Energy Centre for Basic Sciences and the University of Mumbai for natural/basic science subjects.

INSPIRE scholarship: Subjects covered

Several subjects are covered in the scholarship for which the students will get Rs 80,000 annually for 5 years. These are:

• Physics    
• Chemistry    
• Mathematics        
• Biology       
• Statistics        
• Geology  
• Astrophysics        
• Astronomy        
• Electronics        
• Botany        
• Zoology 
• Biochemistry        
• Microbiology        
• Geophysics      
• Geochemistry    
• Atmospheric Science
• Oceanic Science        
• Marine Biology        
• Ecology        
• Genetics        
• BioPhysics

INSPIRE scholarship: Subjects excluded

• Engineering
• Pharmaceutical Science
• Defence Studies
• Military Science
• Psychology
• Agriculture
• Seed Technology
• Geography
• Economics
• Anthropology
• Home Science
• Education
• Biotechnology
• Computer Science
• Computer Applications
• Information Technology
• Instrumentation
• Bio-Informatics
• Physical Education
• All courses in online or distance mode at open universities

INSPIRE scholarship: Documents required for
scholarship application

If you want to apply for the INSPIRE scholarship, check if you have these documents ready in
hand:

• Scanned passport-sized photograph
• A scanned signature or digital signature
• Aadhaar Card
• Certificate of Caste, if applicable
• Class XII mark sheet for board exams
• Class X mark sheet
• Birth Certificate
• Endorsement Certificate signed by the Principal of the College/Director of the Institute/Registrar of the University
• Attested eligibility note by the State or Central Board
• Certificate mentioning rank in JEE Mains/Advanced NEET / KVPY / JBNSTS  / NTSE / International Olympic Medalist, if applicable
• Scanned copy of the bank passbook of the student

INSPIRE scholarship: Application process

If any application is rejected, the student may lose the opportunity of a lifetime. Hence, it is advised to follow the below-mentioned steps carefully while applying for the scholarship.

Step 1: Visit the online portal of the INSPIRE programme.

Step 2: Register on the portal as a new user. The student must fill in the required details, like name, gender, DOB, etc., for successful registration.

Step 3: Once you click on the register button, you will get the user ID and password on the email address you have provided, along with the activation link needed to activate your account on the portal.

Step 4: Keep the scanned documents ready before sitting down to fill up the application form.

Step 5: Now, login to the portal using the username and password along with the verification captcha.

Step 6: Fill in all the details of education and achievements, as well as personal particulars, uploading the scanned documents as supporting evidence.

Step 7: Review all the details filled in by clicking on “Print Preview” and check the documents carefully before submitting.

Step 8: Click on the “Submit” option.

Step 9: Take a printout of the submitted application for your record.

INSPIRE Scholarship: What is the selection process?

All submitted applications for the INSPIRE scholarship are evaluated based on the eligibility criteria mentioned above. After a thorough evaluation, the list of selected candidates will be published on the online portal, and the selected students need to download their offer letter from there. Some additional documents will be required, and the students need to submit them within the specified timeline. After the verification, the scholarship reward amount will be transferred directly to the candidates’ SBI (State Bank of India) accounts.

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