The Inspire Scholarship is an initiative of the Department of Science and Technology (DST), Government of India, to inspire and attract talented young minds to pursue a career in science and research. It aims to provide financial support to students who have a passion for science and want to explore their potential in the field. The scholarship program is designed to encourage students to take up scientific research as a career and contribute to the progress of the nation.
Are you a science enthusiast with a thirst for knowledge and a desire to make a difference? If yes, then the Inspire Scholarship is the perfect opportunity for you to fuel your dreams and turn them into reality. In this article, we will discuss everything you need to know about the Inspire Scholarship, including eligibility criteria, benefits, and frequently asked questions.
What is the Inspire Scholarship?
The Inspire Scholarship is a merit-based scholarship program initiated by the DST, Government of India, to promote and support talented young minds to pursue science as a career. The scholarship is available to students studying in classes 11 and 12, as well as undergraduate and postgraduate courses in science, engineering, and mathematics.
The Inspire Scholarship provides financial assistance to students for their tuition fees, as well as a monthly stipend of Rs. 5,000 for a maximum period of five years. The scholarship also covers the cost of attending conferences, workshops, and other scientific events. The scholarship is awarded on the basis of academic excellence, as well as performance in national and international science competitions.
Scheme Component | Target Group | Target Age Group | Target Number | Aim |
INSPIRE Internship | Top 1% of students in Class X Boards | 16-17 years | 50,000 | To expose students to the joys of creative science during 5-day camps through lectures by experts, innovative experiments etc. |
Scholarship For Higher Education (SHE) | Top 1% of students in Class XII Boards + top 10000 performers in IIT-JEE + other national exams | 17-22 years | 12,000 | To encourage meritorious students to study B.Sc. & M.Sc. (basic and natural sciences) by providing scholarship (Rs. 60,000/- p.a.) and mentorship grant (Rs. 20,000/- p.a.) |
INSPIRE Fellowship | INSPIRE-SHE Scholars with 70% marks in M.Sc. + M.Sc. Toppers with min 70% marks | 22-27 years | 1000 | To encourage students to pursue PhD in areas of S&T, Medicine, Agriculture, Pharmacy and Veterinary Sciences |
INSPIRE Faculty Fellowship | PhD. | 27-32 years | 100 | To encourage young researchers to continue research in areas of S&T, Medicine, Agriculture, Pharmacy and Veterinary Sciences. |
The program has several components, each designed to support and promote science education and research among students.
- Scholarship for Higher Education (SHE): This component of INSPIRE provides financial support in the form of a scholarship to students pursuing Bachelor’s and Masters’s degree courses in natural and basic sciences. The scholarship amount is Rs. 80,000 per year and is given to eligible students for a maximum period of five years.
- Scholarship for Early Attraction of Talent (SEATS): SEATS is a component of INSPIRE aimed at identifying and encouraging young students with a talent for science and research. Under this scheme, students in the age group of 10 to 15 years are given a scholarship amount of Rs. 5,000 for their participation and performance in science camps, workshops, and exhibitions.
- Assured Opportunity for Research Careers (AORC): AORC is a component of INSPIRE aimed at providing exposure to research and development to undergraduate and postgraduate students. Under this scheme, eligible students are given an opportunity to work on a research project under the guidance of a scientist for a period of two months during their summer vacation. The students are given a stipend of Rs. 25,000 and travel allowance for the duration of the project.
- Innovation in Science Pursuit for Inspired Research (INSPIRE) Faculty Scheme: This component of INSPIRE is aimed at attracting and retaining talented faculty members in science and research. Under this scheme, eligible faculty members are given financial support for research and travel, as well as incentives for mentoring and guiding young students in science and research.
- INSPIRE Fellowship for Doctoral Research: This component of INSPIRE is aimed at promoting research in science and technology by providing fellowships to eligible candidates for pursuing a PhD program. The fellowship amount is Rs. 31,000 per month for the first two years and Rs. 35,000 per month for the next three years, along with a contingency grant of Rs. 2,00,000.
- INSPIRE Internship: The INSPIRE Internship is a component of the INSPIRE program that provides an opportunity for students to gain hands-on experience in research and development by working with scientists and experts in various research organizations, universities, and industries. The internship is available to students in the age group of 16 to 22 years who are pursuing courses in natural and basic sciences. The duration of the internship is two months, and students are given a stipend of Rs. 5,000 per month along with a travel allowance.
- INSPIRE Awards – MANAK: The INSPIRE Awards – MANAK (Million Minds Augmenting National Aspiration and Knowledge) is a national-level competition for students in the age group of 10 to 15 years. The competition is aimed at promoting creativity and innovation among students in science and technology. The selected students are given financial support of Rs. 10,000 each to develop their projects.
- INSPIRE Camps: The INSPIRE camps are organized by various research organizations, universities, and industries to provide a platform for young students to interact with scientists and experts in various fields of science and technology. The camps are held at various locations across the country and provide an opportunity for students to participate in various activities, workshops, and lectures related to science and technology.
- INSPIRE Awards – Science Exhibitions (IASE): The INSPIRE Awards – Science Exhibitions (IASE) is a national-level competition for students in the age group of 10 to 17 years. The competition is aimed at promoting scientific temper and creativity among students. The selected students are given financial support of Rs. 5,000 each to develop and present their projects at the National Level Exhibition and Project Competition (NLEPC).
The INSPIRE program is a great initiative by the Government of India to promote science education and research among young students. The program provides a comprehensive platform for students to explore their interests in science and technology and develop their skills and knowledge. With its various components and schemes, the INSPIRE program is helping to create a new generation of talented and motivated scientists who can contribute to the progress and development of the country.
Benefits of Inspire Scholarship
The Inspire Scholarship offers several benefits to students who are selected for the program. Some of the key benefits are:
- Financial Assistance: The scholarship provides financial assistance to students for their tuition fees, as well as a monthly stipend of Rs. 5,000 for a maximum period of five years. This helps students to focus on their studies and pursue their dreams without worrying about financial constraints.
- Exposure to Research: The scholarship provides students with opportunities to attend scientific events, workshops, and conferences, which help them to gain exposure to the latest developments in science and research. This helps them to broaden their horizons and explore new avenues in their field of study.
- Networking: The scholarship program provides students with a platform to interact and network with fellow scholars, eminent scientists, and researchers. This helps them to build connections and collaborations that can prove to be valuable in their future careers.
- Recognition: The Inspire Scholarship is a prestigious scholarship program that recognizes and rewards academic excellence and outstanding performance in science and research. Being a recipient of the scholarship can enhance the student’s profile and increase their chances of getting admission to top institutions and research programs.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Inspire Scholarship
What is the amount of the fellowship provided under INSPIRE Fellowship Component (IF)?
The amount of the fellowship provided under INSPIRE Fellowship Component (IF) is Rs. 31,000 per month for the first two years and Rs. 35,000 per month for the remaining three years. In addition, a research grant of Rs. 7 lacks will be provided to the fellow for the entire duration of the fellowship.
What is the duration of the INSPIRE Fellowship Component (IF)?
The duration of the INSPIRE Fellowship Component (IF) is five years, starting from the date of enrollment in the PhD program.
What is the selection process for INSPIRE Fellowship Component (IF)?
The selection process for INSPIRE Fellowship Component (IF) includes shortlisting of candidates based on their academic records and research proposal. Shortlisted candidates will be called for an interview, and the final selection will be based on their performance in the interview.
What are the benefits of INSPIRE Fellowship Component (IF)?
The benefits of INSPIRE Fellowship Component (IF) include:
1. Financial support for pursuing PhD in basic and applied sciences.
2. Research grant to support the research work.
3. Opportunity to work with some of the best research institutions in India.
4. Exposure to the latest research techniques and methodologies.
5. Mentoring and guidance by experts in the field.
The Inspire Scholarship is a golden opportunity for young and talented students in India to pursue their dreams in science and research. The scholarship program provides financial assistance, exposure to research, networking opportunities, and recognition to students who have a passion for science and want to contribute to the progress of the nation.
If you meet the eligibility criteria for the Inspire Scholarship, then don’t miss this opportunity to fuel your dreams and turn them into reality. The application process is online, and the deadline usually falls in November. So, visit the official website of the DST and apply for the scholarship before the deadline.
In conclusion, the Inspire Scholarship is not just a scholarship, but a gateway to a world of opportunities and possibilities. So, if you have a passion for science and want to make a difference, then the Inspire Scholarship is waiting for you. Apply today and take the first step towards a bright and successful future in science and research.