The Department of Science and Technology (DST), Government of India, has reopened the application process for the INSPIRE-SHE Scholarship on November 11, 2026. This move comes after the scheme was on hold for approximately two years. The scholarship aims to encourage students to pursue higher education in natural and basic sciences and to take up careers in scientific research.

Key points

• Financial Aid: Selected students receive Rs 5,000 per month (Rs 60,000 annually).
• Beneficiaries: A total of 12,000 students will be selected across India.
• Deadline: Applications must be submitted by December 7, 2026.
• Platform: Applications are accepted only online via the official DST portal.

Details

Eligible candidates must be between 17 and 22 years of age and must have passed their Class 12 examination in 2025. Applicants must be enrolled in recognized institutions pursuing undergraduate or integrated postgraduate courses in natural and basic sciences. Eligible programs include BSc, BS, Integrated MSc, and Integrated MS degrees.

The revised guidelines introduce stricter academic requirements for continuing the scholarship. Students must secure at least 60% marks or a 7 CGPA in their first year. If a student fails to meet this criterion, or fails an examination in subsequent years, the scholarship will be discontinued immediately, and the student will lose the right to receive future payments. Additionally, the mentorship grant, previously available annually, is now limited to the third and fourth years of study only. The maximum total financial assistance over five years, including both scholarship and mentorship grants, is capped at Rs 3.40 lakh.

The allocation formula for scholarships has also changed. Instead of being distributed based on the number of valid applications, seats are now allocated based on the number of students who appeared for the Class 12 exam for each board. This change has raised concerns among educators and students about unequal opportunities, with reports indicating a significant reduction in seats for certain state boards.

What it means for students

Students who passed Class 12 in 2025 and are currently enrolled in science courses should check their eligibility immediately. Given the stricter continuation rules, it is crucial to maintain the required academic performance to avoid losing funding mid-course. To apply, visit the official website at online-inspire.gov.in, register or log in, fill out the form, upload required documents, and submit before the December 7, 2026 deadline. Save a copy of your submitted application for future reference.

Source: The Times of India. Written for students by the Isolated Study News Desk from public reports. Always check the official website for final dates and details.