Innovation In Science Pursuit For Inspired Research (INSPIRE) - Faculty Fellowship
₹1.25 lakh/month + ₹7 lakh/year research grant · PhD holders aged 27–32 · INSPIRE Faculty Fellowship
The INSPIRE Faculty Fellowship is a prestigious 5-year research fellowship from the Department of Science & Technology for outstanding young researchers aged 27–32 who hold a Ph.D. in science, engineering, medicine, agriculture, or pharmacy. Fellows receive ₹1.25 lakh/month plus a ₹7 lakh annual research grant to carry out independent research at Indian universities and academic institutions. Apply online at online-inspire.gov.in — 100 fellowships are awarded each year.
About This Scheme
The INSPIRE Faculty Fellowship is a prestigious 5-year research fellowship from the Department of Science & Technology for outstanding young researchers aged 27–32 who hold a Ph.D. in science, engineering, medicine, agriculture, or pharmacy. Fellows receive ₹1.25 lakh/month plus a ₹7 lakh annual research grant to carry out independent research at Indian universities and academic institutions. Apply online at online-inspire.gov.in — 100 fellowships are awarded each year.
Full official description
The "INSPIRE FACULTY FELLOWSHIP" component provides opportunities to 100 persons every year with Ph.D. qualifications in the age group of 27-32 years for 5 years to carry out research in both basic and applied science areas including engineering, medicine, agriculture, and veterinary sciences for establishing themselves as independent researchers. It grants an attractive fellowship for a duration of 5 years. The objective of the scheme is to encourage young researchers to continue research in areas of S&T, Medicine, Agriculture, Pharmacy, and Veterinary Sciences.
Purpose
- To provide attractive opportunities for young achievers for developing independent scientific profiles and launch them toward fulfilling long-term careers.
- To augment high-quality scientific manpower in scientific and educational institutions, especially the Central and State universities.
- While vertical migration from the other INSPIRE components would be encouraged, the faculty fellowship component also provides the opportunity to meritorious candidates for lateral entry into INSPIRE scheme.
- INSPIRE Faculty Fellowship provides an opportunity to post-doctoral fellows for carrying out independent research however does not guarantee a regular position after 5 years.
Benefits
- ₹1,25,000 per month fellowship (all-inclusive, taxable), with an annual increment of ₹2,000
- ₹7,00,000 per year research grant for 5 years (unused balance carries forward)
- 100 fellowships awarded per year
- Duration: maximum 5 years
💡 Why Startups Should Care
If your deep-tech startup has a co-founder who is a recent PhD holder (27–32 years), this fellowship provides ₹1.25 lakh/month and ₹7 lakh/year for research — a viable way to keep a brilliant scientist in applied research while building the startup in parallel, hosted at a research institution.
Who Can Apply (Eligibility)
- Indian citizen or Person of Indian Origin (PIO) with a Ph.D. in science, maths, engineering, pharmacy, medicine, or agriculture
- Minimum 60% marks (or equivalent CGPA) from Class 12 onwards throughout academic career
- Age limit: 32 years for General category; 37 years for SC/ST/Women; 42 years for Divyangjan with ≥40% disability
- Must have publications in reputed peer-reviewed journals demonstrating research potential
- If currently employed, must resign (no lien or deputation accepted) before taking up fellowship
- Ph.D. thesis submitted but awaiting degree award is acceptable — selection confirmed only after degree is awarded
Exclusions
- No Fellow may hold two fellowships concurrently during the tenure of this fellowship
How to Apply
- Apply online only at online-inspire.gov.in — no other mode is accepted.
- After submitting, print and retain the application for your records.
- Selection is a three-tier process: discipline-based Expert Committees → Apex Level Committee → INSPIRE Faculty Award Council.
- The Indian National Science Academy (INSA) implements the selection process in coordination with DST.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Many Candidates Are Awarded The Fellowship Every Year?
Every year, 100 candidates are awarded the fellowship.
What Is The Duration Of The Fellowship?
The duration of the fellowship is 5 years.
Which Are The Eligible Research Domains For The Fellowship?
Research in both basic and applied science areas including engineering, medicine, agriculture, and veterinary sciences.
What Are The Objectives Of This Fellowship?
The objective of the scheme is to encourage young researchers to continue research in areas of S&T, Medicine, Agriculture, Pharmacy, and Veterinary Sciences.
What Additional Documents Are Required By The Applicants Who Are Not INSPIRE Scholars?
First Rank Certificate is required in the case of applicants who are not INSPIRE Scholars.
What Is The Full Form Of NTRP?
The full-form of NTRP is "Non-Tax Receipt Portal".
Does This Fellowship Provide Lateral Entry Options?
While vertical migration from the other INSPIRE components would be encouraged, the faculty fellowship component also provides the opportunity to meritorious candidates for lateral entry into INSPIRE scheme.
What Documents Are Required To Be Submitted Upon Selection For The Fellowship?
The following documents are required to be submitted upon selection for the fellowship - Duly signed "Undertaking from INSPIRE Faculty Fellow" Undertaking duly signed by both the competent authority from the chosen Host institution and the INSPIRE Faculty Fellow. Every Faculty Fellow needs to provide budget estimates with year-wise detailed break-up under various Heads such as manpower cost, consumables including chemicals, travel, contingency, overhead costs, etc. and non-recurring cost such as equipment for utilization of the Research Grant to the DST-INSPIRE Programme Division along with joining documents.
Does This Fellowship Offers A Regular/Permanent Position?
INSPIRE Faculty Fellowship provides an opportunity to post-doctoral fellows for carrying out independent research however does not guarantee a regular position after 5 years.
What Additional Documents Are Required To Be Submitted By The Fellow On The Case Of Transfer Or Change Of Host Institution?
The Faculty Fellow needs to inform the DST-INSPIRE Programme Division immediately with the following documents to effect the change and smooth facilitation of the transfer of funds etc: Appointment Letter of permanent employment or justification for a change of Host Institution. NOC from the present Host Institute and Acceptance Letter from the new Host Institute. Joining Letter from the new Host Institute due to transfer or permanent employment (either the same or a different Host Institution), Fresh signed copy of the Undertaking (not required in case of permanent employment in the same Host Institution), Up-to-date financial documents from the present Host Institute (also in case of permanent employment in the same Host Institute).
How Do I Submit The Online Application?
To apply ONLINE, please visit the website: https://online-inspire.gov.in and follow the process described therein. After the successful submission of the application online, the candidate may obtain a printout of the application and keep it for his/her personal reference.
Ready to apply?
Visit the official government portal to apply for this scheme.
Apply on myScheme.gov.inDocuments Required
- Passport-size photograph
- Class X marksheet (for date of birth proof)
- Academic qualification certificates from 12th onwards
- Caste certificate (SC/ST only)
- Appointment letter (if employed)
- First Rank Certificate (if not an INSPIRE Scholar)
- Details of awards, fellowships, and research experience