INSPIRE‑SHE Scholarship Scheme Meets Targets: Year‑wise Data, Gender & Rural‑Urban Share (2019‑25)
The INSPIRE‑SHE scholarship scheme, overseen by the Ministry of Science & Technology, met its annual targets from 2019‑20 to 2024‑25, awarding over 11,000 scholarships each year with a focus on women in STEM. Gender‑wise and rural‑urban data show rising female participation and expanding urban outreach, while annual fu…
Overview The INSPIRE–SHE programme, administered by the Ministry of Science & Technology , has achieved its annual scholarship targets for the period 2019‑20 to 2024‑25. The scheme awards scholarships to eligible female candidates in both Direct and Institution modes. Data were presented in the Lok Sabha by Minister of State Dr. Jitendra Singh. Key Developments All yearly targets for scholarship awards have been met from 2019‑20 to 2024‑25 . Total applications received over six years: 167,82, 24,467, 20,087, 16,979, 18,443, 21,392 (year‑wise). Scholarships awarded increased from 10,764 in 2019‑20 to a peak of 11,705 in 2023‑24. Funds allocated each year ranged between ₹212.19 cr and ₹238.64 cr , with a projected allocation of ₹232.17 cr for 2025‑26. Gender‑wise distribution shows a steady rise in female beneficiaries, reaching 6,495 in 2024‑25. Rural‑urban split indicates expanding outreach to urban areas, with urban beneficiaries rising to 5,290 in 2024‑25. Important Facts Applications & Selections: The scheme received a total of 167,82 applications in 2019‑20, climbing to 24,467 in 2020‑21, and stabilising around 20,087‑21,392 thereafter. Selections varied by state, with Rajasthan alone accounting for over 2,937 scholarships in 2019‑20. Financial Outlay: Annual allocations were: ₹228.12 cr (2019‑20) , ₹238.64 cr (2020‑21) , ₹220.63 cr (2021‑22) , ₹233.02 cr (2022‑23) , ₹212.19 cr (2023‑24) , and ₹213.86 cr (2024‑25) . The next year’s estimate is ₹232.17 cr . Gender‑wise data: Male beneficiaries fell from 5,885 in 2019‑20 to 4,799 in 2024‑25, while female beneficiaries rose from 4,879 to 6,495 in the same period. This reflects the scheme’s focus on women’s participation in science. Rural‑u
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Key Insight
INSPIRE‑SHE meets targets, accelerating women’s entry into STEM – a model of gender‑focused policy.
Key Facts
- 2019‑20 से 2024‑25: वार्षिक छात्रवृत्ति लक्ष्य पूरी तरह से पूरे किए गए।
- आवेदन 2019‑20 में 1,67,820 से बढ़कर 2024‑25 में लगभग 21,400 हो गए।
- प्रदान की गई छात्रवृत्तियों की संख्या 10,764 (2019‑20) से बढ़कर 11,705 (2023‑24) हो गई।
- वार्षिक निधि आवंटन ₹212.19 cr‑₹238.64 cr के बीच रहा; 2025‑26 का अनुमान ₹232.17 cr है।
- महिला लाभार्थियों की संख्या 4,879 (2019‑20) से बढ़कर 6,495 (2024‑25) हो गई।
- शहरी छात्र 3,364 (2019‑20) से बढ़कर 5,290 (2024‑25) हो गए; ग्रामीण छात्र 7,400 से घटकर 6,004 हो गए।
- योजना Ministry of Science & Technology द्वारा संचालित है; Lok Sabha में MoS Dr Jitendra Singh द्वारा प्रस्तुत की गई।
Background
The scheme aligns with the government’s goal of gender equity in science, a priority under the Constitution’s directive principles of social justice. It also reflects fiscal planning in the Union budget, showing how targeted allocations can drive sector‑specific outcomes.
UPSC Syllabus
- Essay — Science, Technology and Society
- GS3 — Developments in science and technology and their applications
- Essay — Education, Knowledge and Culture
- Prelims_GS — Constitution and Political System
- GS2 — Functions and responsibilities of Union and States
Mains Angle
GS‑2 (Polity) – discuss how central schemes like INSPIRE‑SHE illustrate Union‑State coordination and gender‑focused budgeting; GS‑3 (Science & Technology) – evaluate its impact on women’s participation in STEM.