Overview
The Ministry of Science & Technology has confirmed that the flagship INSPIRE‑SHE programme is not being discontinued. Instead, it is undergoing a redesign to strengthen objectives, improve implementation and align with new priorities in science education and research.
Key Developments
- The scheme is being re‑structured; no suspension announced.
- State‑wise data on beneficiaries and total outlay since inception have been released.
- Additional overseas research support continues through DST‑run mentorship grants, the WARI Fellowship, and the National Overseas Scholarship Scheme.
- The information was provided in a written reply by Dr. Jitendra Singh, Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science & Technology, in the Rajya Sabha on 13 August 2026.
Important Facts
Since the inception of INSPIRE‑SHE, a total of 136,298 women students have benefited, receiving a cumulative disbursement of ₹2,784.15 crore. The top‑benefiting states are Uttar Pradesh (60,263 beneficiaries, ₹916.64 cr) and Rajasthan (23,467 beneficiaries, ₹472.57 cr). The scheme also supports overseas exposure: 271 scholars have completed summer research mentorships abroad, and the WARI Fellowship has funded 63 participants (43 interns, 20 fellows). The disability‑focused overseas scholarship has enabled 55 Ph.D. candidates in the last five years.
Exam Relevance
Understanding the INSPIRE‑SHE scheme helps answer GS3 questions on gender equity in education, science policy, and government funding mechanisms. The role of DST illustrates inter‑ministerial coordination, relevant for GS2 (Polity) and GS3 (Science & Technology). Data on state‑wise disbursement can be used for comparative analysis of regional implementation of central schemes, a typical GS2/GS3 analytical angle.
Way Forward
To maximise impact, the redesign should focus on:
- Strengthening monitoring and evaluation mechanisms to track academic outcomes of beneficiaries.
- Increasing outreach in low‑performing states such as Andaman & Nicobar Islands and Sikkim, where beneficiary numbers are minimal.
- Integrating mentorship and overseas exposure components with domestic research institutions to create a seamless pipeline for women scientists.
- Ensuring transparent reporting of fund utilisation to build public trust and facilitate parliamentary oversight.
Continued parliamentary scrutiny, especially in the Rajya Sabha, will be crucial to monitor the scheme’s progress and address any implementation bottlenecks.