The INSPIRE Fellowship 2025 is an initiative under the Innovation in Science Pursuit for Inspired Research (INSPIRE) scheme by the Department of Science and Technology (DST), Government of India. This fellowship aims to attract talented students for doctoral research (Ph.D.) in basic and applied sciences by offering financial assistance and recognition.
The fellowship is highly competitive and supports students pursuing research in top Indian academic and research institutions.
Short Summary
• Fellowship Name: Inspire Fellowship for Ph.D. 2025
• Launched by: Department of Science and Technology (DST), Govt. of India
• Target Group: First-rank holders, PG in science, and INSPIRE Scholars pursuing Ph.D.
• Application Mode: Online
• Fellowship Amount: ₹31,000–₹35,000/month + HRA + Contingency grant
• Total Fellowships Offered: ~1000 per year
• Last Date to Apply: 30 September 2025 (Tentative)
• Official Portal: https://online-inspire.gov.in
Benefits
• Monthly Fellowship:
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₹31,000/month for the first 2 years (JRF level)
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₹35,000/month from 3rd year onwards (SRF level)
• HRA as per Govt. norms (if hostel not provided)
• Annual Contingency Grant of ₹20,000
• Tenure: Up to 5 years
• Research exposure in premier Indian universities and institutions
• Recognition by DST for Ph.D. level research
Eligibility Criteria
• Candidate must be a First Rank Holder at PG level in any science stream (universities/institutes must be UGC-recognized)
• OR be a former INSPIRE Scholar who has completed PG in Basic & Applied Sciences
• Must have obtained minimum 70% marks in Class 12 (or equivalent)
• Must be currently enrolled in a Ph.D. program or have admission offer from a recognized university/research institute
• Age should be less than 32 years as of the last date of application
Documents Required
• Recent passport-size photograph
• Valid photo ID (Aadhaar/PAN/Passport)
• PG Degree mark sheet (with First Rank proof)
• Proof of Ph.D. admission or offer letter
• Endorsement Certificate from Guide/Supervisor
• Research Proposal (up to 1500 words)
• Certificate for INSPIRE Scholar (if applicable)
• Category certificate (SC/ST/OBC/EWS), if applicable
Important Dates
| Online Application Starts | 01 August 2025 |
| Last Date to Apply Online | 30 September 2025 |
| Screening & Shortlisting Begins | October 2025 |
| Final Selection List Announcement | November 2025 |
| Fellowship Commencement | From January 2026 |
Application Process
Online Registration
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Visit the official INSPIRE portal: https://online-inspire.gov.in
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Click on “New User – Register Here” and create your login ID
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Fill out the online application form with personal, academic, and research details
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Upload all the required scanned documents
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Submit the application and download the acknowledgment PDF for future reference
Note: Incomplete or incorrectly filled applications are liable to be rejected.
How to Check Status
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Visit the INSPIRE online portal
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Log in using your User ID and Password
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Click on “Track Application Status”
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View current status – Under Review / Shortlisted / Approved / Rejected
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Selected candidates will be notified via email and dashboard
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: How much amount can I receive for the INSPIRE Fellowship?
You may receive ₹31,000/month as JRF and ₹35,000/month as SRF, along with HRA and ₹20,000/year as contingency.
Q: What criteria should be met to be eligible?
You must be a first-rank holder in PG Science or an INSPIRE Scholar with valid Ph.D. admission and academic excellence.
Q: How can I check my fellowship status?
Login to online-inspire.gov.in, go to “Track Application Status,” and view updates in real-time.
Q: What are my chances of gaining the fellowship?
Selection is merit-based. Strong academic records, research proposals, and supervisor endorsements improve your chances.
Q: How do I know if I am eligible to apply?
Review the eligibility section for PG first-rank holders or INSPIRE Scholars already admitted to Ph.D. programs.
Q: What should I submit with my application?
You must upload PG mark sheets, rank proof, Ph.D. admission letter, photo ID, research proposal, and endorsement certificate.
Q: What is the online application and login process?
Register at https://online-inspire.gov.in, fill in all required details, upload documents, and submit online.
Q: What is the official website for the INSPIRE Fellowship?
https://online-inspire.gov.in
Q: How to check application or payment status?
Log in to your account on the portal and navigate to the “Status” or “Fellowship Disbursement” section.
Q: What is the last date for application submission in 2025?
The tentative last date is 30 September 2025.
Contact Information (Sources & References)
• Official Website: https://online-inspire.gov.in
• Email Support: [email protected]
• Helpdesk Number: 0120-4728951
• Department: Department of Science and Technology (DST), Govt. of India