INSPIRE Faculty Fellowship
DST (Department of Science & Technology)
Application deadline
Check the official page
Overview
The INSPIRE Faculty Fellowship is run by the Department of Science and Technology (DST), Government of India, under its INSPIRE programme. It is not a student scholarship. It is for people who have already finished a PhD (or submitted their thesis) and want to do independent research in India.
Who it is for: Indian citizens and people of Indian origin with PIO status who hold a PhD in science, mathematics, engineering, pharmacy, medicine or agriculture-related subjects, from any recognised university in the world. You need at least 60% marks (or an equal CGPA) all through your academic record from Class 12 onwards. The upper age limit, as on 1 January of the year of the advertisement, is 32 years for General category candidates, 37 years for SC, ST and women candidates, and 42 years for persons with benchmark disabilities. People who already hold a permanent academic or research position cannot apply.
What you get: a consolidated fellowship of Rs. 1,25,000 per month, with an annual increment of Rs. 2,000, plus a research grant of Rs. 7,00,000 every year. Support runs for a maximum of 5 years and is not renewable. The fellowship amount is taxable.
How to apply: only online, through the INSPIRE portal at online-inspire.gov.in. No other way of applying is allowed. DST's official FAQ says the call for applications is advertised once a year, usually in July or August. Check the portal's notice board for the current last date.
At a glance
| Who can apply | PhD |
|---|---|
| Streams | Science, Mathematics, Engineering, Pharmacy, Medicine, Agriculture |
| Category | All |
| Age | up to 32 years |
| Income limit | — |
| Gender | — |
| States | All India |
| Benefit / amount | Rs. 1,25,000 per month (consolidated, with an annual increment of Rs. 2,000) plus a Research Grant of Rs. 7,00,000 every year, for 5 years |
| Duration | Maximum 5 years (60 months); no extension is given |
| Renewable | No |
| Last date | See official page |
| Opened | — |
Documents you'll need
- After selection — Bank account details of the host institute
- After selection — Joining Report in the prescribed format
- After selection — Undertaking signed by the Faculty Fellow
- After selection — Undertaking signed by the Faculty Fellow and the host institute
- After selection — Budget break-up showing how the Research Grant will be used
- Ph.D. degree certificate (to be submitted within 3 months if the degree was not awarded at the time of applying)
How you're selected
Three-tier selection: evaluation by discipline-based Expert Committees, then recommendations of the Apex Level Committee, then the INSPIRE Faculty Award Council. DST makes the final selection, with assistance from the Indian National Science Academy (INSA), New Delhi.
FAQs
Who can apply? Indian citizens and people of Indian origin with PIO status who have a PhD in science, mathematics, engineering, pharmacy, medicine or agriculture-related subjects from any recognised university in the world. You must have at least 60% marks (or equal CGPA) throughout your academic record from Class 12 onwards. If you have submitted your PhD thesis but the degree is not yet awarded, you can still apply, but the fellowship is confirmed only after the degree is awarded.
What is the age limit? As on 1 January of the year of the advertisement: 32 years for General category. It is 37 years for SC, ST and women candidates, and 42 years for persons with benchmark disabilities (not less than 40 percent of a specified disability).
How much do I get? Rs. 1,25,000 per month as a consolidated fellowship, with an annual increment of Rs. 2,000. You also get a research grant of Rs. 7,00,000 every year for 5 years. The fellowship amount is all-inclusive and taxable under the Indian Income Tax Act.
What is the last date? We could not find a confirmed last date for the current cycle on the official portal. DST's official FAQ says the call for applications is advertised once a year, in July or August. Please check the official notification and the notice board on online-inspire.gov.in before applying.
How do I apply? Only online, through the INSPIRE portal at https://www.online-inspire.gov.in. No other way of submitting the application is allowed. After you submit, take a printout and note your application reference number and IVR number.
Can I renew it after 5 years? No. The official guidelines say the INSPIRE Faculty Fellowship is not renewable after 5 years under any circumstances. Host institutions are expected to consider fellows for permanent positions in due course, but this is not guaranteed. Also note: if you hold a permanent academic or research position you cannot apply, and if you are in a contractual job in India you must resign before taking up the fellowship.