INSPIRE Faculty Fellowship
Prestigious central fellowship scheme by DST for meritorious science researchers and faculty members pursuing cutting-edge research in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields.
About this scheme
The INSPIRE Faculty Fellowship is a premier research funding scheme administered by the Department of Science and Technology (DST), Government of India, under the Scheme for Early Attraction of Talent for Science (INSPIRE) program. The fellowship is designed to attract India's top scientific talent and support early-career researchers in pursuing high-impact research across all STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) disciplines. The scheme aims to nurture scientific excellence, foster innovation, and contribute to India's knowledge economy by providing young researchers with financial independence and institutional support. INSPIRE Faculty Fellowship provides comprehensive research funding including annual research grants, laboratory equipment support, travel grants for conference participation, and access to national research infrastructure. The fellowship recognizes the importance of early-career support in establishing independent research careers and contributing to global scientific advancement. Fellows receive institutional support, mentorship from senior scientists, and opportunities for national and international collaborations.
Eligibility
- Age Limit: Maximum 35 years of age as on the date of application (born on or after a specified date; relaxation of 5 years for SC/ST/OBC/PWD candidates)
- Academic Qualification: PhD in Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics, or related discipline from a recognized university/institute; must have completed PhD within last 3-4 years of application
- Research Potential: Demonstrated research capability through publications in peer-reviewed journals, patents, or significant research contributions during doctoral/postdoctoral research
- Institutional Affiliation: Must have formal research affiliation with recognized Indian institutions — colleges, universities, research institutes, or deemed universities; opportunity to establish independent research career
- Research Focus: Research should be in frontier areas of STEM and aligned with national priorities in science and technology; preference for interdisciplinary and translational research
- Full-Time Commitment: Must commit full-time to research; cannot hold other full-time positions during fellowship tenure
- Citizenship: Indian citizen or Person of Indian Origin (PIO/OCI); preference given to Indian citizens
Benefits
- Annual Research Grant: ₹30,00,000 per annum for research expenses (5-year fellowship)
- Equipment and Infrastructure Support: Up to ₹50,00,000 for laboratory setup, equipment purchase, and infrastructure development (one-time or phased)
- Contingency Grant: ₹5,00,000 per annum for miscellaneous research-related expenses
- International Conference Travel: ₹3,00,000 per annum for attending/presenting at international conferences and collaborative research
- Salary Support: Direct institutional support for fellow's salary/position at host institution (varies by institution type)
- Access to National Research Infrastructure: Free/subsidized access to national laboratories, computing facilities, and research centers (CSIR, IIT, IMSC, etc.)
- International Collaboration Support: ₹5,00,000 for international research collaborations and visiting positions at overseas institutions
- Mentorship from Senior Scientists: Access to experienced researchers for guidance and research advancement
- Publication Support: Preference in high-impact journals and support for open-access publication fees
- Personnel Support: Funds for employing research associates, technicians, and postdoctoral researchers
- No service bond or employment commitment after fellowship
- Flexibility in research design and interdisciplinary approaches
- Networking with national and international scientific community
Required documents
- Completed application form (prescribed DST format)
- PhD degree certificate and transcript
- Research proposal (10-15 pages)Detailed research plan for 5-year fellowship period with objectives, methodology, expected outcomes, and budget justification
- Detailed Curriculum Vitae (3-5 pages maximum)Including research experience, publications, patents, awards, research contributions, and citations
- List of PublicationsCopies of peer-reviewed research papers published in high-impact journals (minimum 3-5 papers)
- Letter of Support from Host InstitutionConfirming research space, infrastructure support, and institutional commitment for 5-year tenure ⭐
- Letters of Recommendation (2-3 letters)From thesis advisor, postdoctoral mentor, or senior researchers in the field
- Statement of Purpose (500-750 words)Research vision, career goals, and how fellowship will advance scientific career
- Budget Justification (detailed breakdown)Itemized budget for equipment, personnel, travel, consumables, and contingency
- Patents and Intellectual Property (if any)(optional)Copies of patent applications or publications documenting IP contributions
- Aadhaar Card or National ID
- Bank Account Details and IFSC CodeFor fellowship disbursement via Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT)
- Passport-sized photographs (2-3 copies)
- SC/ST/OBC/PWD Certificate (if applicable)(optional)For availing age relaxation and category-based preference
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