INSPIRE Faculty Fellowship Scheme 2025–2026
- Omran Aburayya
- 3 days ago
- 3 min read
If you're a talented early-career researcher in India or have PIO status, and you're eager to lead independent research with strong financial support, the INSPIRE Faculty Fellowship 2025–2026 (under the Innovation in Science Pursuit for Inspired Research scheme by DST, Government of India) is a game-changing opportunity. This five-year fellowship empowers researchers in science, engineering, medicine, agriculture, veterinary, and translational domains to establish themselves as leaders in their fields.
🎓 Fellowship Summary
Location: India (host institution of your choice within India)
Organized by: Department of Science & Technology (DST), Government of India
Duration: Up to 5 years
Target Group: PhD holders (or awaiting award) aged 27–32 years (General); with extended age limits for SC/ST/Women/Divyangjan (up to 42 years)
Fields: Science, Engineering, Medicine, Agriculture, Veterinary Sciences, and Translational Research in S&T
Fellowship Benefits:
₹1,25,000 per month (consolidated, annual increment ₹2,000, taxable)
₹7,00,000 annual research grant for 5 years
Application Mode: Online via online-inspire.gov.in
Application Dates: Portal open 15 August 2025 – 14 September 2025 (23:59 IST)
🧩 Fellowship Overview
Focus: Empowering researchers to conduct independent, innovative research in their domain for up to five years, fostering their development as faculty-level scientists or entrepreneurs in academia and industry.
The Fellowship supports both basic and applied sciences, including a special emphasis on Translational Research in S&T, which requires hosting at TBI (Technology Business Incubator)-equipped institutions and a strong patent portfolio.
Candidates may apply directly or through institutional/nominating authorities, with selection overseen by INSA and DST via a three-tier expert review process.
✅ Eligibility Criteria
Essential Requirements:
Citizenship: Indian citizens or PIO status holders
Academic: PhD (awarded or submitted) in relevant fields. Selection confirmed only post-award of the degree.
Academic Record: Minimum 60% marks or equivalent CGPA consistently from Class 12 onward.
Age Limit (as on 1 Jan 2025):
General: ≤ 32 years
SC/ST/Women: ≤ 37 years
Divyangjan (≥40% disability): ≤ 42 years
Research Output: Publications in high-impact journals. For Translational Research: at least two patents filed or one granted.
Employment Status: Permanent academic/research position holders are ineligible. Contractual employees may apply but must resign before joining (unless they join a regular post later, in which case only the research grant is awarded).
Desirable:
Outstanding achievements such as top 1% in Class 12, IIT-JEE, NEET, or being a first-rank graduate/postgraduate.
🎁 Fellowship Benefits
Consolidated Fellowship: ₹1,25,000/month (all-inclusive, taxable), with ₹2,000 increment annually.
Research Grant: ₹7,00,000/year for 5 years to cover equipment, consumables, travel, manpower.
Prestige & Independence: Early career autonomy to lead research, with potential for long-term academic or R&D careers in top institutions.
📝 Application Procedure & Key Dates
Portal Access: Register and apply via online-inspire.gov.in between 15 August 2025 and 14 September 2025 (23:59 IST).
Application Components: Includes CV, academic records, PhD evidence, research proposal, host institute consent, and category/disability certificates (as applicable).
Selection Process:
Initial review by discipline expert committees
Recommendations by the Apex Committee
Final decision by DST, in consultation with INSA
🤔 Why You Should Apply
Substantial financial independence (₹1.25 L/month + ₹7 L/year research support).
Research freedom across disciplines, including a translational focus if desired.
Career acceleration: prestigious fellowship that positions you for faculty roles in leading institutes.
Opportunity to establish your own research identity and network within India’s top S&T ecosystem.
