About INSPIRE Scheme
- The INSPIRE Scheme (Innovation in Science Pursuit for Inspired Research) is a flagship initiative of the Department of Science and Technology (DST), Ministry of Science and Technology.
- It was launched in 2008 with a vision to build a critical human resource base that can strengthen India’s Science & Technology and R&D ecosystem.
- Unlike competitive scholarship schemes, INSPIRE does not conduct any entrance examinations. It instead relies on merit-based identification through existing academic performance metrics.
What is the INSPIRE Fellowship?
- The INSPIRE Fellowship is a component of the DST’s INSPIRE (Innovation in Science Pursuit for Inspired Research) scheme, launched in 2008 to promote research careers in basic sciences.
- The scheme aims to nurture talent and attract top-performing students to scientific research rather than more lucrative careers in engineering, IT or finance.
- Annually, about 1,000 scholars are selected for the fellowship based on academic merit and the quality of their research proposals.
Eligibility for INSPIRE Fellowship
- Must be a first-rank holder in postgraduate courses in science, applied sciences, or engineering, OR
- An INSPIRE scholar with at least 70% aggregate marks through UG and PG and previously in the top 1% of Class XII board exams or top performers in national level exams like IIT-JEE.
- A screening committee evaluates the research proposal before awarding the fellowship.
Key Features of the INSPIRE Scheme
- Implemented by DST with a total outlay of ₹1,979 crore in the 11th Plan and ₹2,200 crore in the 12th Plan.
- Aims to build a human resource base in basic and natural sciences.
- Comprises three components:
- SEATS (Scheme for Early Attraction of Talent) – For school students to foster interest in science.
- SHE (Scholarship for Higher Education) – For undergraduate and postgraduate science students.
- AORC (Assured Opportunity for Research Careers) – Includes INSPIRE Fellowships and Faculty Awards.
