The INSPIRE Fellowship, part of DST’s Innovation in Science Pursuit for Inspired Research scheme, is a fully funded PhD opportunity for first-rankers and merit scholars in basic and applied sciences. It offers up to 5 years of funding, with a monthly stipend and research contingency support—no entrance exams required
Fellowship Highlights
| Key Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Monthly Stipend | JRF: ₹31,000; upgraded to SRF: ₹35,000 after 2 years |
| Contingency Grant | ₹20,000/year for research-related costs |
| Duration | Up to 5 years or until PhD completion, whichever is earlier |
| Uplift Options | JRF → SRF possible after meeting criteria (e.g., publication) |
| Host Institutions | Universities, IITs, IISc, NITs, research labs in India |
Who’s Eligible?
-
First Rankers at MSc (or MBBS/Pharm/Agri) with ≥ 70% marks in regular university exams
-
INSPIRE-SHE scholars scoring ≥70% in MSc/Integrated MSc
-
No entrance exams needed—selection is merit- and proposal-based
Selection Process
-
Open calls in the 3rd–4th quarter of the financial year via INSPIRE portal
-
Tier-1: Eligibility check for rank/marks and documents
-
Tier-2: Expert committee evaluates academic background, research proposal, and host supervisor/institute
-
Final offers issued as “Provisional” (awaiting PhD admission) or “Final” (if already admitted)
Required Documents
-
First-rank certificate in the official INSPIRE format.
-
MSc (or equivalent) mark sheets, degree certificates
-
PhD admission form or institute letter (if already enrolled)
-
Research proposal + supervisor’s consent letter
-
CV and identification proof
How to Apply
-
Register/login on the INSPIRE portal: online-inspire.gov.in
-
Apply when calls are open (typically November–January)
-
Upload documents and research plan
-
Track status through portal
-
Upon selection, move from JRF to SRF after milestone achievements
FAQs at a Glance
• What’s the last date to apply?
Usually between November–January, under DST’s 3rd–4th quarter call.
• Who is eligible?
First rankers or INSPIRE-SHE scholars meeting academic benchmarks.
• How much stipend is offered?
Starts at ₹31,000/month as JRF and rises to ₹35,000/month as SRF after upgrade.
• What is the duration?
Up to 5 years (or until PhD completion), whichever is earlier
• Is an entrance exam required?
No. First-rank merit is enough—no GATE, NET, or other tests needed
The INSPIRE Fellowship from DST is an exceptional path for high-performing MSc or integrated MSc/MBBS/Agriculture scholars to pursue a fully funded PhD in science, without taking competitive exams. With ₹31–35K/month and ₹20K/year contingency, this opportunity supports dedicated research in India’s top academic and science institutions.