The Department of Science and Technology (DST), Government of India has announced the INSPIRE Faculty Fellowship (IFF) 2025 under its flagship Innovation in Science Pursuit for Inspired Research (INSPIRE) scheme.

This prestigious fellowship supports young Indian researchers and doctorates by providing them with the opportunity to carry out independent research for five years in basic sciences, applied sciences, engineering, medicine, agriculture, veterinary sciences, and translational research.

Fellowship Summary 

Eligibility Criteria

Essential Requirements

• Must be Indian citizen or Person of Indian Origin (PIO) with a PhD in science, mathematics, engineering, pharmacy, medicine, agriculture or related fields.

• Minimum 60% marks (or equivalent CGPA) throughout academic career from Class 12 onward.

• Candidates who have submitted their PhD thesis can also apply (fellowship confirmed after degree award).

• Age Limit (as on 1 Jan 2025):

  • General: 32 years

  • SC/ST/Women: 37 years

  • Persons with Disabilities (PwD): 42 years

• Publications in reputed journals showing strong research potential.

• Applicants for Translational Research in S&T must have 2 patents filed or 1 granted.

• Host institution for Translational Research must have a Govt.-supported Technology Business Incubator (TBI).

• Candidates already holding permanent academic/research positions are not eligible.

Desirable Requirements

• Top 1% achievers in Class 12 board exam.

• IIT-JEE / NEET rank holders.

• First rank holders in UG/PG university examinations.

Fellowship Benefits

• Fellowship Amount: ₹1,25,000/month (with annual increment of ₹2,000).

• Research Grant: ₹7,00,000/year for consumables, equipment, manpower, travel, and contingencies.

• Duration: Maximum of 5 years.

• Taxable as per Indian IT Act.

• Fellows cannot draw another fellowship simultaneously.

Application Process

• Applications must be submitted online only via the official portal: https://www.online-inspire.gov.in.

• Application Window: 15 August – 14 September 2025 (till 23:59 IST).

• Only one application per candidate will be accepted.

• No hard copies to be sent by post.

Documents Required

• Passport size photo (JPEG, ≤50 KB).

• Class X certificate/mark sheet (DOB proof).

• Academic transcripts (12th, UG, PG).

• PhD certificate / Thesis submission proof.

• Caste/Disability certificate (if applicable).

• Appointment letter (if currently employed).

Instructions for Applicants

• Register on the portal with personal email ID and WhatsApp number (institutional IDs not allowed).

• Ensure all documents are uploaded clearly and completely.

• Take a printout of submitted application for personal records.

• Do not submit multiple applications.

• All disputes will fall under Delhi Court jurisdiction.

Important Dates

• Application Start Date: 15 August 2025

• Application Deadline: 14 September 2025 (23:59 IST)

Contact Information

📧 Email: [email protected]
📞 Helpline: 0124-6690020, 0124-6690021
🔗 Official Portal: https://www.online-inspire.gov.in

Official Reference

🔗 DST INSPIRE Programme – Faculty Fellowship

Disclaimer

This article provides an informative summary of the official INSPIRE Faculty Fellowship 2025 call issued by the Department of Science and Technology, Government of India. For final details, eligibility clarifications, and application procedures, applicants must refer only to the official DST INSPIRE web portal and guidelines.