All about the Inspire Scholarship scheme

The Department of Science and Technology (DST), Government of India, had launched the Inspire scholarship scheme in 2008 at a total cost of 1979.25 crores. This was to motivate students to pursue careers in science. Through the scheme, various types of financial incentive are provided to students who are pursuing their education in science stream. 

Eligibility criteria for Inspire scholarship  
The following are the eligibility criteria for Inspire:  

• Applicant must be permanent resident of India 
• The age of applicant should be 17 to 22 years 
• Student must be pursuing their education from recognised University 
• All the students with aggregate marks within top 1% of their class 12th examination of state or Central board in India are eligible 
• The student must be pursuing courses in natural and basic sciences at the BSc, BS and integrated MSc/MS Level 
• All the students who have secured rank in JEE of IIT, AIPMT within top 1000 ranks, and are presently pursuing natural basic sciences course in India are eligible to apply 
• Those  students who are scholars of National talent search examination, Jagdish Chandra Bose National Science talent, and international Olympiad medallists, and are pursuing bachelor or masters level courses in natural sciences can also apply 

Details of the scholarship benefits  
INSPIRE works at two levels: school and college. The scheme for early attraction of talent or SEAT is designed to provide Rs 5000 award to students of class 6 to class 10. DST also arranges Summer Camps for Class 11 students to introduce them to innovative ideas.  

The Scholarship for higher education or SHE is a scholarship and mentorship programme provided to 10000 students every year at Rs. 80,000 per year. Students of age group 17 to 22 can take the benefit of this program for undertaking bachelor’s and master’s level education in natural sciences. Through this program, mentorship support is provided to every beneficiary 

Assured opportunity for research career or AORC: This program has been launched in order to retain and nourish talented young scientific human resources in order to strengthen the research and development foundation and base. This program is divided into two sub-components. The first component is to inspire fellowship.