DST-INSPIRE Faculty Fellowship: Check Eligibility

DST INSPIRE faculty fellowship: In 2008, the Department of Science and Technology, Government of India launched INSPIRE (Innovation in Science Pursuit for Inspired Research). This fellowship program aims to attract young Indian talents and encourage them to study science which will then help them to pursue careers in science. Out of the four components that INSPIRE offers, this faculty fellowship scheme offers post-doctoral fellowship programs for independent research to young achievers.

It must be noted that this fellowship scheme does not guarantee a regular position to the young post-doctoral fellows after five years. Read the complete article for more information on DST INSPIRE fellowship, DST inspire faculty, inspire fellowship for PHD and DST inspire fellowship amount.

DST-INSPIRE Faculty Fellowship: Key Highlights

Before taking a deep dive into the article, check out the key highlights:

Overview of DST-INSPIRE Faculty Fellowship Scheme

DST-INSPIRE Faculty Fellowship – Eligibility Criteria

Aspirants willing to enroll themselves for INSPIRE faculty fellowship scheme will be required to qualify for the below-mentioned eligibility criteria:

1. Students with Indian nationality (citizens of India, NRI/PIO holders) can apply.
2. Applicants must possess a Ph.D. degree (science, mathematics, engineering, pharmacy, medicine, and agriculture-related subjects) from any recognized university across the globe.
3. From class 12 onwards, students must have scored a minimum of 60% aggregate throughout their academic years. 
4. Candidates who have submitted their Ph.D. thesis and are waiting for their results will also be considered eligible to apply. It must be noted that the fellowship scheme will be offered only after the confirmation of the Ph.D. degree to the respective candidate.
5. The upper age limit to apply as of July 1^st of the respective year for general category candidates is 32 years (considering support for 5 years). It is 35 years for candidates belonging to SC/ST category and 42 years for PwD category candidates.  
6.  Applicants must possess a portfolio of their publications (in highly reputed Journals); this will help the authorities to evaluate the research potential of the students.
7. Applicants who are already employed in regular/contractual positions within India can apply but will be required to resign from their current job (no lien or deputation or any type of leave would be accepted) if they get selected. 

DST-INSPIRE Faculty Fellowship Scheme – Benefits

1. Each selected post-doctoral fellow will be rewarded with INR 125000 as a consolidated fellowship amount.
2. Also, a research grant of INR 700000 every year will be given to each successful candidate for five years, including the forward carry amount of the previous year, if any. 
3. It must be noted that as per the Indian IT Act, the consolidated fellowship amount of INR 125000 is an all-inclusive fellowship and taxable amount.
4. The maximum time duration of the INSPIRE fellowship program in five years. Thus, no candidate should avail or enrol them in other fellowships during the INSPIRE Faculty Fellowship Scheme.

How to apply for DST-INSPIRE Faculty Fellowship Scheme?

1. Aspirants can apply for the INSPIRE Faculty Fellowship Scheme by DST in two modes, i.e. direct mode and nomination mode.
2. Applicants can fill in the application forms in both ways through online mode by visiting the official application portal (http://www.online-inspire.gov.in/) for the same on or before the last day of submission. 
3. Before applying, the students must go through the eligibility criteria and other guidelines defined by the authorities.
4. Candidates are advised to take a print out of the application form after submission and keep it safe with them for future reference.
5. The nominations must be sent through Vice-Chancellors/ Directors of Institutions/ Head of Institutions/ Presidents and Fellows of Science Academies or Eminent Scientists from India and Abroad based on personal knowledge.
6. Applicants will be required to send the nominations to Indian National Science Academy (INSA), New Delhi.

DST-INSPIRE Faculty Fellowship Scheme – Selection Criteria

1. The INSPIRE Faculty Fellowship Scheme up to the stage of selection is coordinated by the Indian National Science Academy (INSA), New Delhi and DST. 
2. The selection procedure will be a three-tier process.
3. Discipline-based recommendations will be made by Expert Committees of INSA, followed by the Apex Level Committee of INSA.
4. The final selection will be made by the Department of Science and Technology (DST).

DST-INSPIRE Faculty Fellowship Scheme – Terms and Conditions

1. The candidates who did not select their desired host institution while filling their application form will be required to do so immediately after the selection, if they get selected.
2. Candidates within top 1% at the School Leaving Exam, IIT-JEE rank holders, 1st Rank Holders either in graduation or post-graduation level university examination and who will also be falling under the eligibility criteria will be given preference.
3. Candidates who are yet to receive their PhD degrees will be required to submit the degree within three months of selection if selected. Failing to do so will lead to forfeiture of the fellowship scheme. 

DST Inspire faculty – Contact Details

In case of any query or more information, aspirants can contact the authorities on the below-given contact details:

INSPIRE Programme Division,
Department of Science and Technology,
Technology Bhavan, New Mehrauli Road,
New Delhi – 110 016.
Tel. No:0120-4619405, 0120-4619406
Mobile No.:+91-9643339670, +91-7290045884
Email: [email protected]

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