INSPIRE SHE scholarship resumes after 2 years, with several changes introduced...
The Department of Science and Technology under the Central Government has relaunched the INSPIRE SHE scholarship scheme after a two-year hiatus. Online applications for the scheme can be submitted until December 7, 2026. However, several changes have been made to the scheme's guidelines; specifically, the scholarship amount and the provisions for mentorship grants have been revised. Furthermore, the criteria regarding academic performance have been tightened. Students who fail to meet the eligibility requirements will not receive financial assistance.
The objective of the INSPIRE SHE (Scholarship for Higher Education) scheme is to encourage students to pursue higher education and research in scientific disciplines. Under this initiative, 12,000 meritorious students from across the country will be selected. To apply, candidates must be between 17 and 22 years of age and must have passed their Class 12 examinations in 2025. Interested students may submit their applications via the official website: www.onlineinspire.gov.in.
Total support of Rs 3.40 lakh over five years
Selected students will receive a scholarship of Rs 5,000 per month—amounting to Rs 60,000 annually—for a duration of five years. Additionally, students will receive a mentorship grant of Rs 20,000 each in their third and fourth years to support research activities. Consequently, a student can receive a maximum total of Rs 3.40 lakh. While the mentorship grant was previously provided annually, it is now limited to a period of two years.
Priority for specific students
Students enrolled in basic and natural science courses—such as B.Sc., B.S., and integrated M.Sc. programs—at recognized institutions are eligible for this scheme. Candidates who rank in the top one percent of their Class 12 board examinations, secure a rank within the top 10,000 in JEE or NEET, qualify for NTSE or JBNSTS, or win a medal in an international Olympiad are eligible to apply. Priority will be given to students who rank in the top one percent and are admitted to Integrated MSc or BS-MS programs.
**Scholarship to be terminated upon failure**
The new regulations impose stricter requirements regarding academic performance. If a student fails in the first year, scores less than 60 percent, or achieves a CGPA below 7, they will become ineligible for the scholarship for its entire duration. Furthermore, failing in any subsequent year will also result in the immediate termination of the scholarship. Previously, there was an option to regain the scholarship in the following year, provided certain conditions were met.
**Changes to the seat allocation formula**
The scholarship quota for different boards will now be determined based on the number of students from each board who appeared for the Class 12 examinations. Previously, the allocation was proportional to the number of valid applications received. Experts have expressed concern regarding this change, noting that it may favor students from more populous states, while there is a risk that seats allocated to other boards may remain unfilled.
Additionally, the list of eligible science subjects has been expanded—from 18 to 28 at the undergraduate level, and from 30 to 35 at the master's level. To apply, students must upload a passport-sized photograph, their Class 10 and 12 mark sheets, and an endorsement form signed by the principal or director of their college.
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