'INSPIRE-SHE scheme is not scrapped': DST clarifies delay in 2025 scholarship notification

The Department of Science and Technology (DST) has clarified that the Innovation in Science Pursuit for Inspired Research-Scholarship for Higher Education (INSPIRE-SHE) scheme has not been discontinued but is currently being redesigned. This clarification follows reports regarding uncertainty surrounding the scheme and the non-release of the application notification for 2025.

In a post on X, DST India said, "INSPIRE-SHE scheme is not scrapped. It is being redesigned currently. Hence, there has been a delay in announcing the call."

Delay in INSPIRE-SHE 2025 notification raises concerns

The clarification came after reports claimed that the Department of Science and Technology (DST) had not issued the annual INSPIRE-SHE scholarship notification for 2025, raising concerns among students and former scholarship recipients. The reports said the scholarship, which supports undergraduate students pursuing basic and natural sciences, had not invited fresh applications this year.

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According to the report, the department had received multiple Right to Information (RTI) queries seeking details about the delay. In its replies, the DST reportedly stated that the INSPIRE-SHE scholarship was under review and that no decision had been taken on issuing the 2025 notification. The report also cited former beneficiaries and students who expressed concern over the uncertainty surrounding the scheme.

INSPIRE-SHE offers Rs 80,000 annual scholarship

The newspaper reported that every year, around 17,000 scholarships worth Rs 80,000 are awarded under the INSPIRE-SHE to students pursuing undergraduate education in basic and natural sciences. The scheme aims to encourage talented students to pursue careers in science and research.

The report further said that the DST had constituted a committee to review scholarship and fellowship programmes under the Science and Engineering Research Board (SERB), now known as the Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF). The committee reportedly recommended restructuring several schemes, including INSPIRE-SHE, to improve efficiency and align them with national research priorities.

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Former scholars urge early INSPIRE-SHE announcement

Former INSPIRE-SHE scholarship recipients quoted in the report expressed concern that this delay could affect students planning to pursue scientific research. They urged the government to make an announcement regarding the INSPIRE-SHE scholarships notification at the earliest to avoid uncertainty that arises during the admission period.

Although the department has now confirmed that the scholarship scheme is being redesigned, it has not announced a timeline for releasing the next 'INSPIRE-SHE' application notification or details of the proposed changes.

Students interested in applying for this scholarship are advised to regularly check the official DST website for further information regarding the revised scheme and the application process.