Applications are invited for INSPIRE (Innovation in Science Pursuit for Inspired Research) Fellowship from young scientists around the country. The online application for the Fellowship sponsored and managed by the Department of Science and Technology can be submitted until October 4 on the website: http://online-inspire.gov.in.
Applicants should keep the printed copy of the application for future reference.
Benefits
A single candidate would receive up to Rs 1.1 crore as scholarship for 5 years. This would amount to Rs 1.4 lakh per month and an annual allowance of Rs 7 lakh as research grant.
Qualification
PhD in subjects related to science, mathematics, engineering, pharmacy, medicine or agriculture streams. Candidates should have scored at least 60% or equal grade in Class 12 and also for all the qualifying exams. Applicants who have submitted their PhD thesis too would be considered. However, the fellowship would be awarded only if they get the PhD within three months after submitting the application.
Age limit
Applicants shouldn’t have crossed 32 years as of 2021 January. Meanwhile, aoplicants from Scheduled Caste/Tribe communities and women could apply until 37 years. The age limit for persons with disabilities is 42 years.
Other requirements
Applicants should have published multiple research papers in renowned journals. The fellows would be selected by the Department of Science and Technology in association with the Indian National Science Academy (INSA) as per a three-tier program.
Conditions apply
Research scholars too can apply for the INPIRE Fellowship. However, they have to give up the current position if they win the fellowship. Leave and deputation schemes wouldn’t be allowed. These candidates should have scored one of the top spots in the Class-12 exam. Moreover, winning a top rank for IIT and JEE entrance exams and securing first rank for graduate/post-graduate exam too is desirable.
Selection of institute
It is up to the candidates to look for the best research institute. It is better not to choose the same institute where he/she had done their PhD or post-doctoral research. In case the candidate chooses a private institute, he/she can avail only an annual grant of Rs 7 lakh. They are not eligible for the monthly allowance. In that case, the institute has to provide the monthly allowance to the scientists.
If the candidate gets permanently employed while still receiving the fellowship, they won’t be eligible for the monthly allowance anymore. They could, however, receive the annual allowance and continue in the new post under the faculty project. The candidates would be allowed to receive grants that they win from various funding agencies.