Planning to pursue a Ph.D. in basic or applied sciences? The INSPIRE Fellowship 2025 by the Department of Science & Technology (DST), Government of India, is your golden opportunity. This fellowship is offered under the Innovation in Science Pursuit for Inspired Research (INSPIRE) scheme to support first-rankers and meritorious students for doctoral (Ph.D.) studies in science and technology.
The program is highly prestigious and is aimed at nurturing future researchers and scientists by providing financial assistance for up to 5 years.
About the Program
The INSPIRE Fellowship is the third component of the INSPIRE scheme, specifically designed for students pursuing Ph.D. programs in basic and applied sciences. The fellowship helps talented students conduct cutting-edge research in universities and R&D institutions across India.
The fellowship is offered annually, with a fixed number of 1000 fellowships each year.
Useful Summary
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Fellowship Name | INSPIRE Fellowship 2025 |
| Offered By | Department of Science & Technology (DST), Govt. of India |
| Start Date | April 2025 (Expected) |
| Apply By | May/June 2025 (Tentative) |
| Duration | Up to 5 Years (2+3 format) |
| Stipend | ₹31,000/month (JRF), ₹35,000/month (SRF) |
| Perks | HRA, contingency grant ₹20,000/year |
| Location | Recognized universities and R&D labs across India |
| Mode | Online application only |
Who Can Apply?
Candidates must meet all the below eligibility criteria:
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Nationality: Indian citizen only
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Education:
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First-rank holder at the university level in PG (M.Sc. or Integrated M.S./M.Sc.)
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OR qualified in INSPIRE Scholarship / GATE / NET / JEST and pursuing/completed PG in science
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Subject: Basic and Applied Sciences including Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Mathematics, Earth & Atmospheric Sciences, and Engineering Science
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Age: Not more than 32 years (relaxation for reserved categories)
✅ Candidates must be enrolled or planning to enroll in a recognized Ph.D. program in India.
Terms of Engagement
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The fellowship is awarded initially for 2 years as Junior Research Fellowship (JRF)
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Upon assessment, it can be upgraded to Senior Research Fellowship (SRF) for an additional 3 years
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Monthly stipend + contingency + HRA provided
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Fellows are expected to:
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Work full-time on their research
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Submit progress reports and attend reviews
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Publish research papers in reputed journals
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Number of Openings: 1000 fellowships per year (approx.)
Essential Documents
Applicants must upload the following documents in PDF format:
- Class 10 and 12 mark sheets
- Bachelor’s and Master’s degree certificates and transcripts
- Proof of 1st Rank / INSPIRE SHE certificate (if applicable)
- Research proposal (2–3 pages)
- Letter of Ph.D. admission (if available)
- Supervisor consent letter
- Category certificate (if applicable)
- Aadhaar Card or Government ID
- Recent passport-size photograph
How to Apply (Online Process)
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Visit the official INSPIRE portal:
🔗 https://online-inspire.gov.in -
Register as a new user (if not already registered)
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Log in and select INSPIRE Fellowship
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Fill in all details: personal, academic, research proposal, and referee details
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Upload scanned documents
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Submit and take a printout of the application form
Status Check (If Any)
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You can log in to your account at
🔗 https://online-inspire.gov.in -
Status will reflect as Submitted / Under Review / Shortlisted / Selected
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Selected candidates are also informed via email and official merit list
Important Dates & Links
| Event | Tentative Date |
|---|---|
| Application Start Date | April 2025 |
| Last Date to Apply | May/June 2025 |
| Selection Result | September 2025 |
| Fellowship Start | October/November 2025 |
🔗 Official Portal: https://online-inspire.gov.in
📄 Notification PDF: To be updated
📞 Helpline: 0124-6690020, 0124-6690021
📧 Email Support: [email protected]
FAQs
Q: Is INSPIRE Fellowship only for science students?
Yes, it is for students pursuing Ph.D. in basic and applied sciences, not for management, humanities, or commerce.
Q: What is the amount of INSPIRE Fellowship?
₹31,000/month for JRF and ₹35,000/month for SRF, plus ₹20,000 annual contingency and HRA.
Q: Can I apply without Ph.D. admission?
Yes, but selection will be provisional and subject to securing admission within the given timeframe.
Q: Is there any reservation?
Yes, reservation rules of Government of India apply to SC/ST/OBC/EWS/PwD categories.
Q: Is it necessary to have an INSPIRE SHE Scholarship to apply?
Not necessarily. First-rankers in PG or GATE/NET qualified candidates are also eligible.