Innovation In Science Pursuit For Inspired Research (INSPIRE) - Fellowship

 

Details

INSPIRE Fellowship is one of the components of INSPIRE scheme implemented by the Department of Science and Technology (DST), Government of India to strengthen the Science and Technology base of the country. This Component focuses on attracting students to pursue doctoral degrees in basic and applied sciences including engineering, medicine, agriculture, veterinary, pharmacy, etc. after either master’s degree in science/engineering or a bachelor/ master’s degree in Medicine.

 

Benefits

 

Duration

The fellowship shall be tenable for a maximum period of five years from INSPIRE Fellowship “Effective Date” or completion of the Ph.D. program (i.e. up to the date of successful Ph.D. viva-voce), whichever is earlier.



HRA

HRA to the Fellows shall also be applicable as per GoI norms depending upon the location of the Host Institute.



Contingency Expenditure

Expenditure of contingency grant would be governed as per host institution norms. The limit of the contingency grant is ₹20,000/annum. The unspent balance of the contingency grant at the end of a year shall be adjusted to the next year with a maximum ceiling of ₹ 20,000.



Internship

INSPIRE Fellow shall be allowed for availing of a short-term Research Internship at any national or international Laboratory/ University/ Institute up to a maximum period of 18 months either in one or multiple slots during 5 years tenure of Fellowship.



Up gradation of Fellowship from JRF to SRF

The up-gradation of Fellowship from Junior Research Fellowship (JRF) to Senior Research Fellowship (SRF) would normally be considered after the completion of two (2) years of INSPIRE Fellowship. However, it can be considered after completion of one year as JRF if INSPIRE Fellow has an acceptance of at least one research paper (as a 1st Author) in any international peer-reviewed journal from the Ph.D. work carried out at the respective Host Institute.



Mode and Cycle of Payment

The fellowship grant shall be transferred through PFMS to the student’s host institute’s ZBSA Bank Account in the Bank of Maharashtra following CNA (Central Nodal Agency) Model. Host the institute shall transfer monthly fellowship to students’ bank accounts following the host institute norms.

 

Eligibility

1. 1st Rank Holders in any recognized University and academic Institutions (Excluding Autonomous Colleges) in India in Post-Graduate (PG) level examination in Basic/Applied Sciences including Engineering, Pharmacy, Agricultural Sciences, and Veterinary Sciences.
2. 1st Rank Holders at the Graduate/Post-graduate Level Examination in Medicine only conducted by a University/ Institution in India.
3. 1st Rank should be obtained in university in basic/applied science subject course/program having a batch size of a minimum of 07 students with a minimum aggregate of 70% marks (or CGPA equivalent) for the entire course/ program.



OR



INSPIRE Scholars who have secured a minimum of 70% marks (or CGPA equivalent) in aggregate at M.Sc. integrated M.S. / M.Sc.



Note 1: Merely fulfilling the eligibility criteria for the INSPIRE Fellowship will not guarantee the final offer of fellowship.

 

Note 2: Subject Expert Committee (SEC) will finally recommend the applications for the award of INSPIRE Fellowship considering the academic merit, research proposal, supervisor’s research credentials and host institution, etc. parameters on a competitive basis.

 

Note 3: This Fellowship shall be available only for pursuing a full-time Ph.D. program in any recognized University / Institution/ R&D Laboratory in the country.



Post-Selection Eligibility Criteria for Continuation of the Fellowship

1. Keep DST updated regarding the Research progress made during fellowship tenure.
2. INSPIRE Fellow shall not take any paid or unpaid assignment other than related to his/her approved research program. However, if required, the fellow may assist the host institute in its academic activities as per Ph.D. program guidelines governed by the Host Institution, provided such assignments shall not hamper the progress of the research work of the fellow.
3. Once the INSPIRE Fellow joins the Fellowship, he/she shall complete the research work within the 5 years tenure of the fellowship to achieve the approved objectives of the research problem.
4. The INSPIRE Fellow must acknowledge the support provided by DST in all the publication(s)/patent(s) and Ph.D. Thesis.
5. Soft copy of the Ph.D. thesis published research papers and patent details if any shall be submitted in a USB storage device to the INSPIRE Programme Division of DST by speed post.
6. DST needs to be informed about any disciplinary action taken by the University against INSPIRE Fellow.

 

Exclusions

1. Students who are 1st Rank Holders in College including Autonomous College Examination, and
2. Students who have obtained degree(s) through Distance Education Mode, and
3. Students who are 1st Rank Holder in any specialization at M.Sc. 2nd year/last year.
4. Students who are availing multiple (more than one) fellowships concurrently from different sources.



Termination or Discontinuation of INSPIRE Fellowship

1. Non-acceptance of the final offer within 30 days from the date of issue of the final offer. Upon successful completion of Ph.D. viva-voce or 5 years of INSPIRE Fellowship tenure, whichever is earlier;
2. Resignation from the Fellowship before awarding a Ph.D. degree based on the Research Supervisor’s recommendation and upon acceptance of resignation by DST as per the terms and conditions detailed in point 7 above.
3. Change of host institution without prior approval of DST.
4. In case, INSPIRE Fellow is found ineligible at any stage including submission of incorrect information / document(s) / application, any unintentional computer error or printer’s devil, etc.
5. In case of termination of fellowship on the unethical ground(s) INSPIRE Fellow is liable to refund the completely released INSPIRE Fellowship grant along with interest.

 

Application Process

 

Online

 

Call for INSPIRE Fellowship Applications

Call for INSPIRE Fellowship applications is announced during 3 rd/4th quarter of each financial year. Applications are sought from the eligible students through the given below INSPIRE Web-portal: https://www.online-inspire.gov.in

 

One can apply for the INSPIRE Fellowship, online mode, only against the call. To apply online, please visit the link https://www.online-inspire.gov.in and follow the guidelines as given:



Step 1: Log in to the portal by entering the username (registered Email ID) and password.

 

Step 2: A screen will appear where you have to click the ‘Fellowship’ link.

 

Step 3: After clicking on the ‘Fellowship’ link, please click the button ‘Apply for Fellowship’.

 

Step 4: Fill in the mandatory fields of the following section by clicking the 'EDIT' button: Personal Particulars, Contact Details, Educational Qualification (from class 12th standard onwards), Eligibility Criteria, Enrolment in Ph.D., Current Employment details.

 

Step 5: Check the Declaration Button. Enter Place, Date, and Verification Code (CAPTCHA).

 

Step 6: Click 'Submit'. Once you click the SUBMIT Button, a page will appear mentioning that your application has been submitted successfully. A reference number will also be mentioned which shall be used for any communication.



Note 1: Please SAVE your filled details before proceeding to the next section.

Note 2: Fields marked * are mandatory.



IMPORTANT: Please note that you cannot Edit/Modify your application once you click SUBMIT Button. Please ensure that all the particulars you have provided are correct. You can click the 'PRINT PREVIEW' button to view the details entered.



Check Application Status

One can view the status of the application by entering the Application Reference Number in the portal.

All applicants selected for the INSPIRE Fellowship shall be informed by an Email notification sent to the registered Email ID.



Online Selection Process

1. Two-tier selection process i.e. screening of eligible applications by an Internal Committee, follow by final selection through an Expert Committee. However, the selection process will be expected to complete within 6 months from the last date of submission of the application/requisite documents.
2. The result (provisional/final offer/Rejection) of the selection process will be communicated to individually selected candidates through an online web portal (www.online-inspire.gov.in) only. The result shall be uploaded on the respective applicant’s INSPIRE web-portal account only.

 

Documents Required

1. Passport size photograph
2. 10th Class certificate
3. Mark sheets for provided educational qualifications (12th Std., UG & PG Program)
4. First Rank Certificate for applicants who are not INSPIRE Scholars
5. Appointment letter (if employed)



If already enrolled in Ph.D.

1. The curriculum vitae of the supervisor
2. Ph.D. Admission Letter (By which Host Institute administration confirmed your Ph.D. admission)
3. Fee Receipt
4. Endorsement Letter
5. Detail Write up of research to be done



If not enrolled in a Ph.D.

The Curriculum vitae of the three supervisor.





For Change of Host Institution

1. No Objection Certificates (NOCs) from the respective Host Institutes and Research Supervisors.
2. Detailed Justifications for Change/transfer of Host Institute for implementation of Fellowship.
3. Ph.D. Research area with an up-to-date Technical Progress Report.
4. CV of the Research Supervisor at the new Host Institute.
5. Upto date Financial Statement of Expenditure from the initial Host Institute (in case the fellowship grant has been released to the initial host Institute of the INSPIRE Fellow).



After availing of the Research Internship

1. Internship Report.
2. Joining Report.



For Fellowship release in the subsequent years

1. Financial year-wise Statement of Expenditure
2. Utilization Certificate



Completion of Fellowship Tenure or Award of Ph.D. Degree

 

1. A copy of the Ph.D. degree certificate
2. Ph.D. completion/discontinuation report
3. Statement of Expenditure (SE) and Utilization certificate (UC) of complete fellowship duration
4. Unspent balance receipt if any (unspent balance and other earnings against the released grant (if any), shall be remitted to the Consolidated Fund of India (through Non-Tax Receipt Portal (NTRP) i.e., www.bharatkosh.gov.in



NOTE: Soft copy of the Ph.D. thesis, published research papers, and patent details if any shall be submitted in a USB storage device to the INSPIRE Programme Division of DST by speed post.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

 

What Is INSPIRING Fellowship?

INSPIRE Fellowship is one of the components of INSPIRE scheme implemented by the Department of Science and Technology (DST), Government of India to strengthen the Science and Technology base of the country. This Component focuses on attracting students to pursue doctoral degree in basic and applied sciences including engineering, medicine, agriculture, veterinary, pharmacy etc. after either master’s degree in science/engineering or bachelor/ master’s degree in Medicine.

 

When can we apply for INSPIRE Fellowship?

Call for INSPIRE Fellowship applications is announced during the 3rd/4th quarter of each financial year. Applications are sought from the eligible students through the given below INSPIRE Web-portal: https://www.online-inspire.gov.in

 

How should I apply for INSPIRE Fellowship?

One can apply for the INSPIRE Fellowship, online mode, only against the call. To apply online, please visit the link ttps://www.online-inspire.gov.in

 and follow the guidelines as given therein.

 

Is It Mandatory To Produce The Rank Certificate In The INSPIRE Fellowship Format Or We Can Submit What We Have Received From The Institution?

Yes. It is mandatory to produce a Rank certificate in the prescribed INSPIRE Fellowship Format only (Format is available at https://www.online-inspire.gov.in

 Provisional Rank certificate or mark sheet will not be accepted for consideration of INSPIRE Fellowship application.

 

What is the tenure of this Fellowship?

Fellowship shall be tenable for a maximum period of five years from INSPIRE Fellowship “Effective Date” or completion of the Ph.D. program (i.e. up to the date of successful Ph.D. viva-voce), whichever is earlier. The fellowship shall be governed by administrative norms and guidelines of the Host University/Institute.

 

What Would Be Our Designation after Selection Under INSPIRE Fellowship?

The entry in INSPIRE Fellowship would be only as Junior Research Fellow (JRF). There is no direct entry into Senior Research Fellow (SRF). The JRF or SRF under this scheme shall be termed as an 'INSPIRE Fellow'.

 

What is the amount of Fellowship?

The Fellowship shall be governed through the Office Memorandum of this Ministry of Number A.20020/11/97-IFD dated 6th August 2007; 31st March 2010; 21st October 2014 [No. SR/S9/Z-09/2012] and SR/S9/Z-08/2018 dated 30th January 2019. However, HRA to the Fellows shall also be applicable as per GoI norms depending upon the location of the Host Institute.

 

What are the norms for Contingency Expenditure?

Expenditure of contingency grant would be governed as per host institution norms. The limit of the contingency grant is Rs. 20,000/annum. The unspent balance of the contingency grant at the end of a year shall be adjusted to the next year with a maximum ceiling of Rs.20,000.

 

What is PFMS?

Public Financial Management System PFMS: (https://pfms.nic.in)

 is being implemented by the Office of Controller General of Accounts, Ministry of Finance in partnership with the National Informatics Centre. PFMS has established a common transaction-based online fund management and payment system for the Schemes of the Government of India.

 

Is It Mandatory That Host Institute Should Be Registered Under PFMS For Receiving The Fellowship Grant?

Yes. It is mandatory. Else Fellowship fund transfer shall not be done.

 

I Am Already Receiving Another Fellowship What Should I Do To Switching Over To INSPIRE Fellowship?

When you receive the Final offer under INSPIRE Fellowship please resign from the previous fellowship for switching over to INSPIRE Fellowship and put these details in Joining-cum-Acceptance letter (Format provided at https://www.online-inspire.gov.in

 Please do not resign unless you receive the Final offer, of INSPIRE Fellowship.

 

I Have To Attend An International Conference, Would INSPIRE Fellowship Pay To And Fro Journey Fare Charges?

No.

 

What Should Be Done For Getting The Next Instalment Of My Fellowship?

INSPIRE Fellow need to upload a Utilization Certificate (UC), Statement of Expenditure (SE), Claim Bill (if any), and Annual Progress Report in the prescribed format(s) (available at https://www.online-inspire.gov.in in the INSPIRE web portal at the end of every year of completion for release of the next instalment.

 

What are things to be remembered while preparing the correct and acceptable SE, UC and claim bill?

The second instalment onward release to an ongoing Fellow will be considered if the unspent balance from the previously released Fellowship grant including HRA shall be less than Rs.40,000/-. In case, multiple SE and UC have to be uploaded, please make the single file of multiple SE (s) and another file of multiple UC(s) and upload at the appropriate place. SE and UC without the Seal of Competent Authority shall not be accepted. Uploaded SE and UC should be clearly visible.

 

How Much Time Will Be Taken After Uploading SE, UC, And Claim Bill For Processing?

From the date of upload of requisite documents, generally, the fellowship grant will be released within 2months.

 

When Will I Be Eligible For The Up gradation Of My Fellowship From JRF To SRF?

The up-gradation of Fellowship from Junior Research Fellowship (JRF) to Senior Research Fellowship (SRF) would normally be considered after completion of two (2) years of INSPIRE Fellowship. However, it can be considered after completion of one year as JRF if INSPIRE Fellow has an acceptance of at least one research paper (as a 1st Author) in any international peer-reviewed journal from the Ph.D. work carried out at the respective Host Institute.

 

I am INSPIRE Fellow, I got a government job. Can I join my job and hold my INSPIRE fellowship for some period? I want to join INSPIRE Fellowship again after completing my probation period of job, with permission from Employer?

If you join any job (full-time or part-time), there is no provision of holding INSPIRE Fellowship and rejoining again after some time. Your Fellowship will be discontinued from the date of joining of job.

 

I Have To Wait For My Bank Details To Be Approved Before Submitting My Joining-Cum- Acceptance Documents.

Already DST approved bank details of respective institutions are available on the INSPIRE Web-portal. If you select the required bank details from the list, then need not wait for its approval. You can directly upload your joining- cum-acceptance report.

 

I was awarded final offer of INSPIRE Fellowship. I had to upload bank details then Joining- cum-acceptance (JCA) within one month of Fellowship Final offer. I could not do it within validity?

If the selected INSPIRE Fellow fails to upload JCA within one month from the date of issue of the final offer letter, the offer shall automatically stand withdrawn.

 

My provisional offer validity is now over. I could not upload my Ph.D. admission documents in online portal?

This is an automated process. If a student fails to upload his/ her Ph.D. admission documents within the validity duration, the portal will get automatically closed and then he/ she will not be able to upload Ph.D. admission documents for consideration for Final Offer. In that case, his/ her provisional offer will automatically stand withdrawn.

 

I had filled my Bank details after receiving Final offer and waiting for its approval. How would I know that my documents are approved?

Once you submit the host institute Bank details, usually it takes one week for approval. You are requested to regularly check your INSPIRE web portal account for updates.

 

Sources And References

 

User Manual For Online Application CLICKHERE

Contact Us CLICK HERE