DST INSPIRE Fellowship 2026
About this scholarship
DST INSPIRE Fellowship supports eligible high-achieving students in India to pursue PhD research, typically with JRF/SRF-equivalent funding and research grant support.
The DST INSPIRE Fellowship is a doctoral research fellowship offered by the Department of Science and Technology (DST), Government of India under the INSPIRE initiative. It is designed to encourage academically outstanding students to pursue PhD research in science-related areas at recognized host institutions in India.
Based on the referenced posting, the fellowship provides support equivalent to JRF/SRF as per Government of India norms, along with research grant support. The fellowship tenure is typically up to 5 years or until completion of the PhD, subject to programme rules and satisfactory progress.
The scheme is aimed at meritorious candidates who meet DST INSPIRE eligibility routes. The referenced eligibility highlights include first-rank holders in undergraduate or postgraduate study in fields such as science, engineering, or medicine, as well as INSPIRE Scholars meeting stated academic thresholds. Selection also considers the quality of the research proposal, the credentials of the proposed supervisor, and the suitability of the host institution.
This fellowship is generally taken up at institutions in India where the applicant has secured or is seeking PhD admission under an eligible supervisor. Applicants should be prepared to submit academic records, proof of rank or relevant INSPIRE status, a research proposal, and supervisor/institutional details. Because calls and procedures may vary, candidates should check the current DST INSPIRE fellowship guidance and the requirements of their chosen host institution before applying.
- Supports PhD-level research
- Usually includes JRF/SRF-equivalent fellowship support
- May include research grant support
- Hosted at eligible institutions in India
Eligibility
Who can apply for this scholarship
Applicants must be eligible under the DST INSPIRE Fellowship rules. The referenced posting highlights eligibility routes such as first-rank holders in undergraduate or postgraduate programmes in science, engineering, medicine, and related areas, as well as INSPIRE Scholars with at least 70% in postgraduate study or 75% in undergraduate study. The posting also mentions an age range of 22–27 years and notes that academic merit, research proposal quality, supervisor credentials, and host institution suitability are considered.
Requirements
Documents typically needed to apply
