INSPIRE Fellowship 2025
Dreaming of pursuing a Ph.D. with financial support and national recognition? The INSPIRE Fellowship 2025 by the Department of Science & Technology (DST) offers a prestigious opportunity for food science graduates and life science aspirants to build a strong research career. Under the Innovation in Science Pursuit for Inspired Research (INSPIRE) Scheme, this fellowship empowers talented students to contribute to cutting-edge research in India.
About Department of Science & Technology (DST)
The Department of Science & Technology (DST) is a central government body that promotes science and technology development in India. Through initiatives like the Innovation in Science Pursuit for Inspired Research (INSPIRE) Scheme, DST nurtures young talent and provides world-class opportunities such as the INSPIRE Fellowship for research and innovation across multiple scientific domains.
INSPIRE Fellowship 2025
- Program: Innovation in Science Pursuit for Inspired Research (INSPIRE)
- Organization: Department of Science and Technology (DST) India
- Application Mode: Online
- Application Window: April 24, 2026 – May 23, 2026
- Fellowship Type: Doctoral (Ph.D.) Research Fellowship
- Location: Recognized Universities/Institutes across India
About the Fellowship
The INSPIRE Fellowship is a flagship initiative under the INSPIRE program aimed at attracting talented students to pursue doctoral research in basic and applied sciences. The fellowship supports candidates in fields such as science, engineering, medicine, agriculture, veterinary sciences, and pharmacy. The program enables eligible candidates to undertake Ph.D. research at recognized institutions in India, with fellowship benefits equivalent to national-level research fellowships.
Program Overview
- Supports Ph.D. research in basic and applied sciences
- Available after completion of Bachelor’s (minimum 4 years) or Master’s degree
- Up to 1000 fellowships offered under the 2025 cycle
- Fellowship duration: Up to 5 years or until Ph.D. completion (whichever is earlier)
Eligibility Criteria
Candidates must be Indian citizens and fall within the preferred age group of 22–27 years.
Applicants must meet any one of the following:
| Category | Criteria |
|---|---|
| 1st Rank Holders
(PG Level) |
In Basic/Applied Sciences, Engineering, Medicine, Agriculture, Veterinary, Pharmacy Minimum 70% aggregate marks Minimum batch size: 7 students |
| INSPIRE Scholars
(PG Level) |
Minimum 70% aggregate marks in M.Sc. or Integrated M.S./M.Sc. |
| 1st Rank Holders
(UG Level) |
Degrees such as B.Sc., B.Tech, B.E., MBBS, B.V.Sc., etc. Minimum 75% aggregate marks Minimum batch size: 7 students |
| INSPIRE Scholars
(UG Level) |
Minimum 75% marks in 4-year B.Sc. (Hons.) or B.Sc. with Research |
Important Exclusions
- Rank holders from colleges (including autonomous colleges) are not eligible
- Candidates with distance education degrees are not eligible
- Rank in specialization only (not full degree) is not valid
- Candidates already holding SRF or higher positions are not eligible
Fellowship Benefits
- Fellowship as per Government of India norms (JRF/SRF equivalent)
- Additional research grant support
- Funding tenure up to 5 years
Selection Process
The selection process is conducted in two stages:
Level I (Screening)
- Evaluation based on eligibility and submitted documents
Level II (Final Selection)
- Based on:
- Academic merit
- Research proposal quality
- Supervisor credentials
- Host institution
- Final selection by Subject Expert Committee (SEC)
Offer Types
- Final Offer: For candidates already enrolled in Ph.D.
- Provisional Offer: For candidates not yet enrolled (must secure admission within given timeframe)
Application Process
- Applications must be submitted online only via the INSPIRE portal
- Candidates must register and upload required documents
Required Documents
- Photograph and proof of date of birth
- Academic mark sheets (Class 12, UG, PG)
- First Rank Certificate (if applicable)
- Ph.D. admission documents (if enrolled)
- Supervisor CV and endorsement letter
- Research proposal and methodology
- Additional documents (if employed)
Important Instructions
- Only one application per candidate is allowed
- Incomplete or incorrect applications will be rejected
- Plagiarism in research proposals may lead to disqualification
- All updates will be communicated through the online portal
Key Dates
- Application Start: April 24, 2026
- Last Date to Apply: May 23, 2026
Contact Information
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 0124-6690020 / 0124-6690021
CLICK HERE FOR OFFICAL NOTIFICATION
