INSPIRE Fellowship 2025-26 is a program run by the Department of Science & Technology (DST), Government of India, The Inspire Fellowship is started for students enrolled in Ph.D. degrees in Basic & Applied Sciences in specified subjects. The fellowship is designed for students who want to pursue a doctoral degree in various disciplines, including basic and applied sciences, Mathematics, medicine, agriculture, engineering, veterinary, and pharmacy. The selected fellows will receive Inspire fellowship as per Government of India (GoI) norms for a maximum period of five years or completion of the Ph.D. degree (whichever is earlier).
Contents
Inspire Fellowship 2025-26
Its Eligibility criteria, required documents, deadline, and other details
Eligibility Criteria
- The candidate must be in the age group of 22-27 years
- The candidate must be a 1st rank holder at the graduate/postgraduate level examination in Medicine conducted by a recognized university/institution in India
- The candidate must be enrolled in a Ph.D. program in any recognized university/institution/Research and Development (R&D) laboratory in India
- The candidate must be an INSPIRE scholar having secured a minimum of 70% marks (or CGPA equivalent) in aggregate at M.Sc. or Integrated M.S./M.Sc. degree OR
- the candidate must be a 1st rank holder at the university level examination in postgraduate (PG) level examinations in Basic/Applied Sciences including Engineering, Medical, Pharmaceutical, Agricultural, and Veterinary Sciences from any recognized university and academic institution in India.
Required Documents
- 10th Class mark sheet or certificate (for proof of Date of Birth); [in PDF format; size 1 MB]
- Marksheets of educational qualifications (Class 12, UG & PG Program); [in PDF format; size 1 MB]
- First rank certificate for applicants who are not INSPIRE scholars; [in PDF format; size 1 MB]
- Appointment letter (if employed) [PDF format; size 1 MB]
- Endorsement letter; [PDF format; size 1 MB]
- For the applicants already enrolled in PhD. program:
- Admission Letter (issued by University Authorities i.e. Registrar, Dean, Director, etc. Only joining as JRF will not be acceptable, in such case, applicants should submit as a non-Ph.D. scholar); [in PDF format; size 1 MB]
- Fee receipt of Ph.D. admission; [in PDF format; size less than 1 MB]
- Curriculum Vitae (CV) of the Ph. D. Supervisor; [in PDF format; size less than 1 MB]
- Endorsement letter; [in PDF format; size less than 1 MB]
- Research Proposal
- Methodology and work plan (if required) [in PDF format; size less than 2 MB]
- For the applicants already enrolled in PhD. program:
- Three choices of university/institute and supervisors
- Brief tentative write-up of the research proposal
- A passport-size photograph; [in JPEG format; size less than 50KB]
Fellowship Deadline: Will open soon
Contact Details
INSPIRE Program Division,
Department of Science and Technology,
Technology Bhavan, New Mehrauli Road,
New Delhi – 110 016
How to Apply for INSPIRE Fellowship 2025–26 via Sarsa Education – Complete Guide
The INSPIRE Fellowship 2025–26 is one of India’s most prestigious research fellowships, launched by the Department of Science & Technology (DST), Government of India. For many, the application process can be overwhelming due to the number of documents required, strict eligibility criteria, and the importance of a strong research proposal.
This is where Sarsa Education plays a vital role. We guide students step-by-step, ensuring a smooth, error-free application and increasing your chances of success. In this guide, we’ll explain the entire process, provide tips for document preparation, research proposal guidance, and post-selection support.
Why the INSPIRE Fellowship Matters
The INSPIRE Fellowship was established to promote research culture among India’s brightest minds. Every year, students who have excelled academically—such as first rank holders in their university or students scoring top marks in postgraduate exams—can apply. The fellowship covers a wide range of subjects, including:
- Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Mathematics
- Engineering and Technology
- Medicine, Veterinary Sciences, and Pharmacy
- Agriculture and Interdisciplinary Sciences
Key Features of the Fellowship
- Financial Support for Up to 5 Years – Includes monthly stipend, contingency grant, and HRA if applicable.
- Merit-Based Selection – No entrance exam required; selection is based on academic performance and research potential.
- Research Opportunity – Allows students to pursue their Ph.D. at recognized Indian universities and R&D institutions.
- Career Growth – Many INSPIRE Fellows go on to work in premier research labs, government institutions, and international collaborations.
The fellowship not only provides financial stability but also strengthens a student’s academic profile and opens doors to advanced research opportunities.
Why Apply via Sarsa Education?
Many students struggle to navigate the complex application process. With Sarsa Education, you gain a dedicated counselor who helps with:
- Eligibility verification
- Document preparation
- Research proposal guidance
- Online form submission
- Application tracking
- Post-selection support
This ensures your application is complete, professional, and competitive.
Step 1: Contact Sarsa Education
What Happens Next:
- You are assigned a dedicated counselor.
- A free consultation is scheduled to understand your academic background, research interests, and goals.
- Eligibility for INSPIRE Fellowship is confirmed based on your rank, marks, or INSPIRE scholar status.
Step 2: Profile Evaluation & Guidance
After initial contact, our counselors conduct a thorough evaluation of your academic and research profile.
We Review:
- Academic marks (UG, PG) and ranking certificates
- Previous research or projects
- Ph.D. enrollment status
- Eligibility as per DST guidelines
Guidance Provided:
- Suggest the best Ph.D. programs based on your interest
- Identify your strengths and gaps in the application
- Advise on research proposal topics that have higher acceptance chances
This ensures you start the application with a strong foundation.
Step 3: Document Preparation
The INSPIRE Fellowship requires multiple documents in specific formats. A missing or incorrect document can lead to rejection. Sarsa Education helps you prepare all required documents correctly.
Documents Needed:
- 10th & 12th Mark Sheets – Proof of Date of Birth
- UG & PG Degree Mark Sheets – Academic history verification
- First Rank Certificate – For students not already INSPIRE scholars
- Ph.D. Admission Letter – If already enrolled
- Fee Receipt of Ph.D. Admission
- Supervisor’s Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Endorsement Letter
- Research Proposal – Including methodology, objectives, and work plan
- Passport-Size Photograph
Sarsa Education Assistance:
- Ensure all documents are scanned properly and uploaded in the correct PDF/JPEG format
- Verify file size limits and document clarity
- Prepare a checklist to prevent missing documents
- Provide sample formats for endorsement letters and proposals
This proactive approach minimizes errors and increases the likelihood of selection.
Step 4: Research Proposal Guidance
The research proposal is the most critical part of your application. It demonstrates your research potential and aligns your goals with national priorities.
Sarsa Education Helps With:
- Selecting a strong, innovative topic relevant to your field
- Drafting clear objectives and methodology
- Outlining timeline and work plan
- Ensuring proper references and formatting
- Reviewing and refining drafts for clarity and impact
A well-prepared research proposal significantly improves your chances of receiving the fellowship.
Step 5: Online Application Submission
After document preparation and research proposal completion, the next step is the online submission via the official INSPIRE portal.
Our Process:
- Sarsa Education fills the form accurately on your behalf
- Uploads all verified documents in the correct format
- Reviews every section to ensure 100% compliance with DST guidelines
- Confirms submission and shares a copy of the application receipt
This ensures there are no errors or delays in the application process.
Step 6: Application Tracking
Once submitted, tracking the application status is essential.
Sarsa Education Provides:
- Regular updates on your application status
- Guidance on any required corrections or resubmissions
- Notifications about announcements or result dates
- Support in case of queries from the DST team
This ongoing support reduces stress and keeps you informed at all stages.
Step 7: Post-Selection Support
After selection, Sarsa Education continues to assist students with fellowship activation and joining formalities.
Support Includes:
- Guidance on fellowship documents and acceptance letters
- Assistance with Ph.D. program enrollment and verification
- Orientation about stipend disbursal, HRA, and contingency grants
- Networking advice and guidance on collaborating with supervisors and labs
This ensures a smooth transition from applicant to INSPIRE Fellow.
Step 8: Benefits of Applying via Sarsa Education
Choosing Sarsa Education provides a complete support system:
- Expert guidance from start to finish
- 100% accurate document preparation
- Assistance with research proposal writing
- Error-free online submission
- Continuous application tracking
- Post-selection mentorship
With our support, students can focus on research and learning, rather than administrative hurdles.
FAQs
1: What is the INSPIRE Fellowship?
Answer: The INSPIRE Fellowship is a government-funded scheme designed to support students pursuing doctoral (Ph.D.) programs in basic and applied sciences.
2: Who is eligible for the INSPIRE Fellowship?
Answer: Students with a first rank in university at the postgraduate level or those who have secured a minimum percentage in the national-level eligibility tests like GATE, NET, etc., are eligible.
3: What are the fields covered under the INSPIRE Fellowship?
Answer: The fellowship supports research in natural and basic sciences, engineering sciences, applied sciences, and interdisciplinary fields.
4: Is the fellowship limited to Indian students?
Answer: Yes, the INSPIRE Fellowship is intended for Indian nationals.
5: What are the benefits of the INSPIRE Fellowship?
Answer: It provides a monthly stipend, contingency grants, and other allowances to support research.
6: How do I apply for the INSPIRE Fellowship?
Answer: Applications are submitted online through the INSPIRE Fellowship portal.
7: What documents are required for the application?
Answer: Documents include academic certificates, research proposals, supervisor’s consent, and proof of eligibility like GATE/NET scores or first-rank certificates.
8: Is there an application fee?
Answer: No, there is no application fee for the INSPIRE Fellowship.
9: What is the deadline for the application?
Answer: Applications will open soon
10: Can I apply for the fellowship if I am already enrolled in a Ph.D. program?
Answer: Yes, candidates already enrolled in a Ph.D. program may apply, provided they meet the eligibility criteria.
11: What is the selection process for the INSPIRE Fellowship?
Answer: Selection is based on academic performance, research proposal quality, and eligibility criteria.
12: Is there an interview for the fellowship?
Answer: No, the selection is typically based on a merit-based evaluation of the application.
13: How will I be notified about the selection result?
Answer: Results are announced on the official INSPIRE website, and selected candidates are informed via email.
14: What is the duration of the INSPIRE Fellowship?
Answer: The fellowship is granted for a maximum of five years or until the submission of the Ph.D. thesis, whichever is earlier.
15: Can the fellowship be extended beyond five years?
Answer: No, the fellowship cannot be extended beyond five years.
16: Can I switch institutions during the fellowship?
Answer: Switching institutions is allowed, but it requires prior approval from the Department of Science and Technology (DST).
17: What happens if I discontinue my Ph.D. program?
Answer: If the fellowship holder discontinues the program, the fellowship is terminated, and no further benefits are disbursed.
18: Can I take up other funding or part-time work during the fellowship?
Answer: No, the fellowship is exclusive, and recipients are not allowed to take up any other paid work or fellowship.
19: Will the INSPIRE Fellowship provide a certificate upon completion?
Answer: Yes, a completion certificate is provided to fellows after successful completion.
20: Are there any obligations after completing the fellowship?
Answer: There are no formal obligations, but fellows are encouraged to contribute to research and development in India.
Important Links:
- List of Top 100 scholarships for B.Com students
- List of Top 100 scholarships for 9th Class Students
- List of Top 100 scholarships for BSc students.
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