INSPIRE Scholarship for Higher Education (SHE)
Applications open after class 12 results, typically May–October. Verify on the INSPIRE portal.
- Amount
- ₹80,000 per year for up to 3 years
- Who can apply
- Students ranked in the top 1% of their class 12 board exams (state/national boards) who pursue BSc/BS or integrated MSc in natural/basic sciences.
- Income limit
- No income limit — purely merit-based
- Study level
- College / UG
- Apply through
- INSPIRE portal
- Notes
- One of the few science scholarships with no income ceiling.
About this scholarship
The INSPIRE Scholarship for Higher Education (SHE) is a prestigious scheme by the Department of Science and Technology, aimed at attracting brilliant young minds to study basic and natural sciences. It targets students who perform exceptionally well in their Class 12 board exams and choose to pursue undergraduate and postgraduate degrees in specified science subjects like Physics, Mathematics, Chemistry, or Biology. Selection is highly competitive: students must rank in the top 1% of their respective Class 12 board, or have secured a high rank in national exams like JEE or NEET. It provides a substantial annual financial package, which includes a stipend and a mentorship grant for summer research projects. The scholarship can be availed for up to five years, covering BSc and MSc degrees. To renew it annually, scholars must secure a minimum aggregate marks or CGPA in their university examinations and undertake mandatory research projects.
Documents you need
- Class 12 marksheet
- Endorsement certificate signed by the college principal
- Proof of admission in a basic/natural science course
- Aadhaar card
- Bank passbook
- Passport-size photograph
How to apply
- Receive an eligibility note from your school board confirming you are in the top 1%.
- Register on the official online INSPIRE web portal (online-inspire.gov.in) when the call for applications opens.
- Complete the application, uploading the endorsement certificate from your college confirming your enrolment in an eligible science course.
- Submit the application online before the deadline; this scheme is managed on its own portal, not on NSP.
Why applications get rejected
- Applying while enrolled in engineering, medicine, or applied sciences; INSPIRE SHE is strictly for basic and natural sciences.
- Failing to submit the annual performance report and marksheet on time, which freezes the release of the next instalment.
- Not completing the mandatory summer research project, which means you forfeit the mentorship grant portion of the scholarship.
Common questions
What courses are eligible for INSPIRE SHE?
It covers basic and natural sciences like BSc, BS, Integrated MSc, and Integrated MS in subjects such as Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Biology, and Astrophysics.
Can I get INSPIRE if I am studying B.Tech or MBBS?
No, professional and applied science courses are strictly excluded.
What marks do I need to renew it each year?
You must maintain a minimum of 60% marks or a 7.0 CGPA on a 10-point scale in your university exams to ensure continuous funding.
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