INSPIRE Fellowship 2026: Ph.D. Support, ₹20,000 Contingency & Eligibility

At a glance

About the scheme

Implemented by the Department of Science and Technology (DST), Government of India, the INSPIRE Fellowship is designed to strengthen India's scientific research base by attracting high-achieving postgraduates to doctoral research. It supports full-time Ph.D. scholars in basic and applied sciences, including engineering, medicine, pharmacy, agriculture, and veterinary disciplines. Selected researchers enter as Junior Research Fellows (JRF) and can be upgraded to Senior Research Fellows (SRF), gaining financial backing, research internship opportunities, and annual contingency grants.

Benefits

• Fellowship support for up to five years or until the Ph.D. viva-voce examination, whichever is earlier.
• House Rent Allowance (HRA) provided as per Government of India norms based on the host institute's location.
• Annual contingency grant of ₹20,000 per annum governed by host institution rules.
• Option for short-term research internship at recognized national or international laboratories/institutes for up to 18 months.
• Upgradation from Junior Research Fellow (JRF) to Senior Research Fellow (SRF) after two years (or after one year with a first-author paper in an international peer-reviewed journal).
• Direct transfer of fellowship grants through PFMS to the host institute's designated account for monthly disbursement to the fellow.

Who can apply (eligibility)

• 1st Rank holders in any recognized Indian university or academic institution (excluding autonomous colleges) in PG level exams in basic/applied sciences, engineering, pharmacy, agricultural sciences, or veterinary sciences.
• The 1st Rank must be obtained in a basic/applied science course having a minimum batch size of 7 students, with at least 70% aggregate marks (or equivalent CGPA).
• 1st Rank holders at graduate or post-graduate level examinations in medicine conducted by an Indian university or institution.
• INSPIRE Scholars who have secured a minimum of 70% marks (or equivalent CGPA) in aggregate in M.Sc. or integrated M.S./M.Sc.
• Must be pursuing or planning to pursue a full-time Ph.D. programme at a recognized university, institution, or R&D laboratory in India.

Who cannot apply

• 1st Rank holders from autonomous colleges or college-level examinations.
• Candidates who obtained their qualifying degrees via distance education mode.
• 1st Rank holders based solely on a specialization in the second or final year of M.Sc.
• Students receiving multiple concurrent fellowships from other sources.
• Candidates who do not accept the final offer within 30 days of its issue.

Documents required

• Passport size photograph
• Class 10th certificate
• Mark sheets of educational qualifications (Class 12th, undergraduate, and postgraduate programmes)
• First Rank Certificate in the prescribed DST format (for applicants who are not INSPIRE Scholars)
• Appointment letter (if currently employed)
• Ph.D. admission letter, fee receipt, endorsement letter, supervisor CV, and research write-up (if already enrolled in Ph.D.)
• Curriculum vitae of three prospective supervisors (if not yet enrolled in Ph.D.)

How to apply

1. 1Visit the official INSPIRE online portal at https://www.online-inspire.gov.in during the open application call.
2. 2Log in using your registered Email ID and password, or create an account if applying for the first time.
3. 3Navigate to the 'Fellowship' link on the dashboard and click 'Apply for Fellowship'.
4. 4Fill in the required sections including Personal Particulars, Contact Details, Educational Qualifications, Eligibility Criteria, and Ph.D. Enrolment details.
5. 5Upload the mandatory documents in the prescribed formats and sizes.
6. 6Check the declaration, enter the place, date, and captcha code, and click 'Submit' to receive your application reference number.

Frequently asked questions