Innovation in Science Pursuit for Inspired Research (INSPIRE) - Fellowship

Department of Science and Technology (DST) is giving INSPIRE Fellowship 2026 to bright students who want to do a Ph.D. in basic and applied sciences. Around 1,000 fellowships are offered every year to students in the age group of 22 to 27 years, with a monthly stipend of ₹37,000 as JRF and ₹42,000 as SRF.

INSPIRE stands for Innovation in Science Pursuit for Inspired Research. This scheme supports first rank holders and meritorious students for full-time doctoral research in universities and research labs across India. There is no competitive exam for selection, which makes it different from most other research fellowships.

Innovation in Science Pursuit for Inspired Research (INSPIRE) - Fellowship - Introduction

Innovation in Science Pursuit for Inspired Research (INSPIRE) Fellowship is a very important scheme implemented by the Department of Science and Technology (DST), Government of India. It encourages young minds to take up research careers by pursuing doctoral degrees in basic and applied sciences, including engineering, medicine, agriculture, veterinary, and pharmacy. The scheme is open to those who hold a master's degree in science or engineering, or a bachelor's or master's degree in medicine.

DST has released new guidelines for the INSPIRE Fellowship, which are applicable from April 2026 onwards. Under the new rules, first rank holders at the bachelor's level with at least 75% marks are also eligible to apply, apart from the earlier master's level entry. Applications are accepted only online during the call window, and the whole process runs through the official INSPIRE portal.

Key Information

Benefits

Stipend

Selected students get ₹37,000 per month as Junior Research Fellowship (JRF) for the first two years. After upgradation to Senior Research Fellowship (SRF), the stipend becomes ₹42,000 per month for the remaining period. This is as per the government stipend revision that has been in force since January 2023.

Duration

You can get this fellowship for a maximum period of five years from the effective date or until the completion of your Ph.D. program (up to the date of your successful Ph.D. viva-voce), whichever is earlier.

HRA

House Rent Allowance (HRA) is applicable as per government norms based on the location of your host institute.

Contingency Grant

You receive a contingency grant of ₹20,000 per annum, managed according to host institution norms. If you do not spend the full amount, you can carry it forward to the next year, up to a maximum limit of ₹20,000.

Internship

You may take part in a short-term research internship at a national or international laboratory, university, or institute for up to 18 months during your five-year fellowship tenure. Prior permission from DST-INSPIRE is required, and if the overseas institute gives full financial support, the fellowship is not paid for that period.

Upgradation from JRF to SRF

Usually, you can upgrade from Junior Research Fellowship (JRF) to Senior Research Fellowship (SRF) after two years. However, if your first research paper is accepted in an international peer-reviewed journal within your first year of research, you may become eligible for early upgradation.

Payment Cycle

The grant is transferred directly to your host institute's Zero-balance Subsidiary Account (ZBSA) at Union Bank of India, mapped with the Public Financial Management System (PFMS). Your host institute will then credit the monthly stipend to your account.

Eligibility

To apply for this opportunity, you should meet one of the following criteria:

• You are a 1st rank holder in a recognized Indian university for a postgraduate level exam in basic/applied sciences, including engineering, pharmacy, agriculture, or veterinary sciences.
• You are a 1st rank holder at the bachelor's level (B.Sc., B.Sc. Hons., B.E., B.Tech., B.V.Sc.) in basic/applied sciences with at least 75% marks in a batch of minimum 7 students.
• You are a 1st rank holder at the graduate or postgraduate level in medicine.
• You are an existing INSPIRE Scholar who has secured at least 70% aggregate marks in your M.Sc. or integrated M.S. course, or at least 75% in a 4-year B.Sc. (Hons.) or B.Sc. with research.

Note: Meeting the eligibility criteria does not guarantee a selection. A Subject Expert Committee (SEC) recommends candidates based on merit, your research proposal, and your host institution's credentials.

Exclusions

You are not eligible if:

• You secured your 1st rank in an autonomous college.
• Your degree was obtained through distance education.
• You are a 1st rank holder specifically in the 2nd year of an M.Sc. course.
• You are already receiving multiple fellowships concurrently.

Termination: Your fellowship may be discontinued if you fail to accept the offer within 30 days, change your host institute without permission, provide incorrect information, or engage in unethical research practices. In case of termination on unethical grounds, you have to refund the complete released grant along with interest.

Application Process

Applications are accepted only online at the official INSPIRE portal during the call window. Calls usually open in the 3rd or 4th quarter of the financial year, and the next call is expected around October to December 2026. Keep checking the portal for the exact dates.

Online Application Process

STEP 1 - Go to the official INSPIRE portal at online-inspire.gov.in and register or log in with your email ID.

STEP 2 - Select the 'Fellowship' link and click on 'Apply for Fellowship'.

STEP 3 - Fill in all mandatory personal, contact, and academic details, including your Ph.D. enrollment status.

STEP 4 - Upload the required documents and your research proposal in the specified format.

STEP 5 - Review your application using the 'Print Preview' option, then click 'Submit'. Note the reference number for future communication.

Once you click the submit button, you cannot modify your application, so please check everything carefully. If you are not yet admitted to a Ph.D. program, you may get a provisional offer and two slots of one month each to upload your Ph.D. admission documents within one year.

Selection Process

Selection under the INSPIRE Fellowship is done in two stages. In the first stage, an Internal Committee screens the applications for eligibility. In the second stage, a Subject Expert Committee evaluates the academic merit, research proposal, and host institution credentials. The whole process is expected to be completed within 4 to 6 months from the last date of submission, and the result is communicated through the applicant's portal account only.

Documents

You should keep digital copies of the following ready before applying:

• Passport size photograph and Xth class certificate.
• Mark sheets from 12th standard, UG, and PG programs.
• 1st Rank Certificate (if you are not an INSPIRE Scholar).
• Appointment letter (if employed).
• If enrolled in a Ph.D.: Supervisor CV, Admission Letter, Fee Receipt, and research proposal.
• If not yet enrolled: CVs of three potential supervisors.

References

View Official Guidelines (applicable from April 2026) | Read Frequently Asked Questions | JRF to SRF Upgradation Guidelines | Support Contact

FAQ's

What is the primary scope of INSPIRE Fellowship?

This fellowship supports talented students in pursuing full-time Ph.D. programs in basic and applied sciences at recognized Indian universities or institutions.

How much stipend is given under INSPIRE Fellowship?

Selected fellows get ₹37,000 per month as JRF for the first two years and ₹42,000 per month as SRF after upgradation, along with HRA and a contingency grant of ₹20,000 per year.

When is the application window open?

The call for applications usually occurs in the 3rd or 4th quarter of each financial year through the official online portal. The next call is expected around October to December 2026.

Are bachelor's degree holders eligible?

Yes, from April 2026 onwards. First rank holders at the bachelor's level in basic/applied sciences with at least 75% marks in a batch of minimum 7 students can apply under the new guidelines.

Can I use a provisional rank certificate?

No, you must submit a rank certificate in the specific format required by the fellowship guidelines. Provisional certificates or mark sheets are not accepted.

What happens if I hold another fellowship?

You cannot hold multiple fellowships simultaneously. If you are selected, you should resign from your previous fellowship and update your status in the joining report.

Can I change my host institute during the fellowship?

Change of host institute is allowed only in extraordinary circumstances like marriage (for female candidates), demise of the research supervisor, or a proven case of sexual harassment, and that too only once in 5 years with prior permission from DST-INSPIRE.

Are there similar research fellowships?

Yes. Students can check the Prime Minister Research Fellowship (PMRF) for Ph.D. support at IITs, IISc and IISERs. School students can check the INSPIRE Awards MANAK scheme for science project awards.

Is it mandatory for the host institute to be registered with PFMS?

Yes, your host institute must have a Zero-balance Subsidiary Account (ZBSA) mapped with PFMS to receive grant transfers for your fellowship.