INSPIRE Programme Expansion: New Data on Scholarships & Fellowships (2021‑26) – Ministry of Science & Technology
The Ministry of Science & Technology's <span class="key-term" data-definition="Innovation in Science Pursuit for Inspired Research — a flagship scheme of the Ministry of Science & Technology aimed at nurturing scientific talent at school, undergraduate and research levels (GS3: Science & Technology)">INSPIRE Programme</span> reported rising numbers of scholarship and fellowship beneficiaries from 2021‑22 to 2025‑26, with special outreach to rural and remote districts. The data highlight the government's strategy to build scientific temper and expand the research talent pool, a key topic for UPSC GS3.
Overview The INSPIRE Programme has recorded its performance for the last five financial years (2021‑22 to 2025‑26). It targets students aged 10‑22 and early‑career researchers through four components: INSPIRE‑MANAK , INSPIRE‑SHE , INSPIRE Fellowship and INSPIRE Faculty Fellowship . The data were disclosed by Dr. Jitendra Singh , Minister of State (Independent Charge), Ministry of Science & Technology, in a Lok Sabha reply. Key Developments (2021‑26) All four components have shown a steady rise in beneficiary numbers, reflecting expanded outreach. Special focus on rural and remote districts through state‑level dissemination, webinars and mentorship. Collaboration with premier institutions such as IITs, NITs and IISERs to mentor selected students. Organisation of District, State and National Level Exhibition and Project Competitions to identify innovative ideas. Important Facts INSPIRE‑MANAK : Beneficiaries grew from 52,720 (2021‑22) to 49,805 (2025‑26). INSPIRE‑SHE : Scholarships increased from 18,039 (2021‑22) to 24,276 (2025‑26). INSPIRE Fellowship : Fellows rose from 2,768 (2021‑22) to 3,364 (2025‑26). INSPIRE Faculty Fellowship : Fellows fell to 225 (2024‑25) but rebounded to 477 (2025‑26). Each INSPIRE‑SHE scholarship is worth ₹80,000 per year ; Ph.D. fellows receive ₹37,000‑₹42,000 per month plus HRA and a contingency grant of ₹20,000 annually . Faculty fellows receive ₹1,25,000 per month with an annual increment of <
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Key Insight
INSPIRE scholarships surge, strengthening India’s scientific talent pipeline for future growth.
Key Facts
- INSPIRE‑MANAK लाभार्थियों की संख्या 52,720 (2021‑22) से 49,805 (2025‑26) तक थोड़ा घट गई।
- INSPIRE‑SHE छात्रवृत्तियों की संख्या 18,039 (2021‑22) से 24,276 (2025‑26) तक बढ़ी।
- INSPIRE Fellowship धारकों की संख्या 2,768 (2021‑22) से 3,364 (2025‑26) तक बढ़ी।
- INSPIRE Faculty Fellowship की संख्या 225 (2024‑25) तक गिर गई, फिर 477 (2025‑26) तक बढ़ी।
- प्रत्येक INSPIRE‑SHE छात्रवृत्ति स्नातक/स्नातकोत्तर छात्रों को ₹80,000 प्रति वर्ष प्रदान करती है।
- Ph.D. फेलो को ₹37,000‑₹42,000 मासिक, साथ ही HRA और ₹20,000 वार्षिक आकस्मिक अनुदान मिलता है।
- Faculty फेलो को ₹1,25,000 प्रति माह, ₹2,000 वार्षिक वृद्धि, और पाँच वर्षों में कुल ₹35 लाख का शोध अनुदान मिलता है।
Background
The INSPIRE scheme is a flagship initiative of the Ministry of Science & Technology to nurture scientific temper among students aged 10‑22 and early‑career researchers. It aligns with the UPSC syllabus on science and technology policy, federal‑state partnership, and equitable development of human resources.
UPSC Syllabus
- Essay — Education, Knowledge and Culture
- Essay — Science, Technology and Society
- GS3 — Developments in science and technology and their applications
- Essay — Economy, Development and Inequality
- Prelims_GS — Constitution and Political System
- GS1 — Poverty and Developmental Issues
- Prelims_CSAT — Analytical Ability
- GS4 — Role of family, society and educational institutions in inculcating values
Mains Angle
In GS‑2, discuss how financial incentive programmes like INSPIRE can bridge regional disparities and boost India’s innovation capacity. In GS‑3, evaluate the impact of such scholarships on scientific research and employment.