FAQ
- INSPIRE Internship (INTERNSHIP)
- Scholarship for Higher Education (SHE)
- INSPIRE Fellowship Scheme (FELLOWSHIP)
- INSPIRE Faculty Scheme (FACULTY)
- INSPIRE Fellowship Legacy Users
- What is the objective of organizing INSPIRE Internship camp.
The objective of organizing the INSPIRE Internship camp is to reveal the joys of innovation to the talented youth of the nation to pursue study in science and career in Research and Development.
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Who can organize INSPIRE INTERNSHIP Camp ?
Institutes/Degree Colleges/ Universities can organize INSPIRE Internship Science Camps.
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What is the Eligibility of the Program Coordinator?
Program Coordinator of the proposed INSPIRE Internship camp should be a regular faculty/employee of the respective Institute with science background.
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Who can Participate in these Camps?
Students within the eligibility criteria (Given on the website http://www.inspire-dst.gov.in) in Class X of respective Education Boards and pursuing 11th in Science discipline.
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Whether 12th standard students can participate in the INSPIRE INTERNSHIP Camp?
12th Students can participate in the INSPIRE INTERNSHIP Camp before the declaration of result of class X each year.
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What is the budget of organizing INSPIRE Internship Science Camp?
Maximum budget for a science camp is based on the number of participating students with a ceiling of maximum to the sanctioned strength i.e., at the rate of Rs.6500 per Student. This cost is inclusive of all expenses. No additional grant will be sanctioned beyond the norms.
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What is the minimum and maximum size of the INSPIRE Internship Science Camp?
The minimum and maximum INSPIRE Internship Science Camp limit is not there. It depends on the infrastructural capacity of the organizing institute. But preferred camp size is 150 students participation.
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How many mentors needs to be called for a camp ?
10-12 eminent mentors covering the disciplines Physics, Chemistry, Life Science, Earth Sciences and Mathematical Science needs to be called.
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What is the infrastructural requirement for organizing the INSPIRE Internship Camp?
The infrastructural requirement for organizing the INSPIRE Internship Camp is lab infrastructure in the area of Physics, Chemistry, Life Science, Earth Sciences and Mathematical Sciences etc., Auditorium with sound system, Guest House, Hostel accommodation for boys and girls.
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Should the nature of INSPIRE Internship Science Camp necessarily residential .
Yes, It should be residential in nature.
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After the approval of INSPIRE Internship Science camp, when will be the grant released?
Initial grant will be release within two months of date of commencement of Program after seeking its formal approval following the normal approval process. The final installment will be received upon receipt of the INSPIRE Internship Science camp completion report.
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Do I have to wait for my bank details to be approved
The bank detail submission page consists of a selected bank details list already approved by DST. If you select the required bank detail from the list, you do not have to wait for its approval.
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Q.1. What is Scholarship for Higher Education (SHE)?
- Class XII Mark Sheets(mandatory)
- Class X Mark Sheet/Certificate (for proof of date of birth) (mandatory)
- Endorsement Certificate in the prescribed format, signed by the Principal of the College/Director of the Institute/Registrar of the University (mandatory)
- Eligibility Note/Advisory Note (if provided by the State/Central Board) (not mandatory)
- Certificate specifying Rank or Award in JEE (Main)/ JEE (Advanced)/ NEET/ KVPY /JBNSTS/ NTSE / International Olympic Medalists (if the candidate is eligible under this criterion) Please note that incomplete applications will be summarily rejected. No claims or representations will be entertained regarding the same.
Scholarship for Higher Education (SHE) is a component of“Innovation in Science Pursuit for
Inspired Research (INSPIRE)”, which is a flagship programme of the Department of Science
and Technology (DST), under the Ministry of Science and Technology, Government of India.
It aims to attract students to study basic and natural Science subjects at undergraduate and
postgraduate levels and pursue research as a career by providing scholarships to interested and
deserving students.Under SHE component, 12,000 scholarships (From SHE-2017 batch
onwards), each valued at ₹ 80,000/- are announced annually to students pursuing Bachelors
and Masters level courses in Basic and Natural Science areas.
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(a) Meritorious Students with aggregate marks within top 1% of their Class XII examination of any State/ Central Education Board in India are eligible. In addition, the student must be pursuing courses in Natural and Basic Sciences at the B.Sc., B.S., and Int.M.Sc./M.S. level.
(or)
(b) Those students who have secured ranks in the JEE of IIT, AIPMT (within top 10000 ranks),and are presently pursuing Natural and Basic Science courses in India at the B.Sc., B.S., Int. M.Sc./M.S. level.
(or)
(c) Students with aggregate marks within top 1% of their Class XII examination of any State/ Central Board in India and pursuing Integrated M.S. courses in Natural and Basic Sciences at IISERs, NISER and Department of Atomic Energy Centre for Basic Sciences-University of Mumbai, Visva- Bharati , Shanitiniketan.
(or)
(d) Students who have been selected under Kishore Vaigyanik Protsahan Yojana (KVPY) and pursuing Bachelor/ Master level courses in Natural Sciences.
(or)
(e) National Talent Search Examination (NTSE) scholars, Jagadish Bose National Science Talent Search (JBNSTS) scholars and International Olympiad medalists pursuing Bachelor/ Master level courses in Natural Sciences are also eligible.
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Q.3. What courses are eligible for the offer of INSPIRE Scholarship?
The following subjects under Basic and Natural Sciences are within the scope of INSPIRE Scholarship for pursuing BSc/BS/Int. MSc/Int. MS course:
(1) Physics, (2) Chemistry, (3) Mathematics, (4) Biology, (5) Statistics, (6) Geology, (7) Astrophysics, (8) Astronomy, (9) Electronics, (10) Botany, (11) Zoology, (12) Bio- chemistry, (13) Anthropology, (14) Microbiology, (15) Geophysics, (16) Geochemistry, (17) Atmospheric Sciences & (18) Oceanic Sciences.
Courses other than these subjects such as Engineering, Medicine, Military Science, Defense Studies, Agriculture, Psychology, Seed Technology, Anthropology, Home Science, Geography, Economics, Education (including B.Sc.-B.Ed. dual degree course), Bio-technology, Computer Science, Computer Applications, Bio-informatics, Instrumentation, Information Technology, Physical Education, courses in Distance Education mode at the Open Universities and other professional courses are NOT supported.
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Q.4. What all Do I get if selected for INSPIRE-SHE?
The scholarship is valued at ₹ 80,000/- per annum. Each candidate will receive annual scholarship @ ₹ 5000/- per month total value of
₹ 60,000/-
. All the SHE scholars are required to undertake summer research projects under an active researcher in any recognized research centers across India. A summer time attachment fee of ₹ 20,000/- will be paid as Mentorship every year. The scholars have to submit the project report and Certificate from mentor after the completion of the project in due course of time.
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Selected candidates will be supported for a maximum period of five years, starting from the 1st year B.Sc., B.S., Int. M.Sc./Int.M.S. or until the completion of the course, whichever is earlier
Continuation of the scholarship for the selected candidates is based on good academic performance ( i.e., within range as given in question no. 20) in the examinations conducted by the University and upon the recommendation by the Head of the Institution.
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Only candidates who have completed their XII standard examinationin the year and have enrolled in B.Sc., B.S., Int. M.Sc./M.S. degrees, in Basic and Natural Sciences (in subjects listed above) in the same year can apply.The call for applications will be advertised on INSPIRE Web Portal.
The web portal link is given here: https://www.online-inspire.gov.in/
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One can apply for the scholarship through online mode only. To apply online, please follow this link
https://www.online-inspire.gov.in.
The guidelines for online applications are given here.
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The following documents are to be submitted along with application form:
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As the Department receives a large number of applications, selection process on an average takes at least four months from the last date of submission of the application.
All selected candidates shall receive a Provisional Offer Letter on their web portal account
informing that they are selected for the scholarship. Provisionally selected students are
required to log into the online portal to download the offer letter.List of selected and
rejected students will also be displayed on home page of INSPIRE Web-Portal.Selected
candidates will have to upload the required documents on their web-portal within prescribed
time limit (time limit mentioned in the offer letter) for further consideration by the Department.
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Please Log in into your account on the INSPIRE Web-Portal. If you are selected, the offer letter
will be available on your dashboard notification.
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Please Log in into your account on the INSPIRE Web-Portal. If you are rejected, the rejection
letter will be available on your dashboard notification.
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The Registration number here refers to the Scholar’s INSPIRE/SHE registration number provided by the DST (not the scholar’s B.Sc. or M.Sc. or University’s registration number). The INSPIRE/SHE registration number is indicated in the initial scholarship offer letter.
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The scholarship will be transferred to the scholar’s State Bank of India (SBI) bank
account directly through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) mode.
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Each scholar has to open a regular Normal Savings Bank Account in any branch of
State Bank of India
(SBI)ONLY. Account must be in scholar’s name only. Joint Accounts shall not
be accepted
. Accounts in any other bank other than the SBI shall not be accepted. Account has
to be linked with Aadhar no. of Scholar. After opening the account in SBI,
first page of Bank
Passbook has to be uploaded on INSPIRE Web-Portal
. Please sign on first page of passbook
before uploading. Unsigned documents shall not be accepted.
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For the release of scholarship, one should submit year-wise Performance Report in prescribed format and Mark Sheet of scholar’s B.Sc., B.S., Int. M.Sc./M.S. course. Blank format of the Performance report is available on INSPIRE web-portal www.inspire-dst.gov.in .
Performance Report must be signed by the Head of Institution. The Head of Institution here refers to (a) Vice-Chancellor/Registrar/Dean of Science in case of Universities and (b) Principal/Vice-Principal, Proctor and Officer-in-Charge in case of Colleges. Attestation of the endorsement forms by officers other than those mentioned above (such as Head of the Department, Section officers, Student welfare officers, etc.) shall NOT be accepted.The Head of the Institution should clearly mention whether the scholarship should be continued or discontinued for that academic year.
Self-attested photocopy of the Mark Sheets (annual/individual semesters) received from the
College/University must be enclosed along with the Performance Report. Provisional mark
sheets and result sheets downloaded from the internet shall NOT be accepted. However, Selfattested Internet mark sheet duly attested by Controller of Examination or Registrar of
College/University is acceptable only in the case of non-availability of original mark sheets.
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a) The Annual Performance Report and Mark Sheets (annual/two semesters) should be submitted as soon as the results of respective examinations are announced. Scholarship shall be released only after approval of the Performance Report and mark sheets as per norms.Scholar shall submit all the above referred documents together and not in part mode(s).
b) Scholars are advised to submit their yearly Mark-sheets and performance related documents
on-time, preferably within two (2) months of announcement of yearly results to facilitate
the payment of scholarship by DST-INSPIRE. However, keeping in view the diverse time
schedules of the examinations in Universities across the country, scholars are permitted fora
maximum period of twelve (12) months to submit their Performance Report and Mark Sheets
for a given completed academic year ending June every year. For example, a 2014 batch
enrolled student is expected to submit the First Year Performance Report and First Year Mark
Sheet before 30th June 2016. This analogy can be followed by other batches for the release of
the INSPIRE Scholarship. After the expiry of maximum time period of 12 months, no
document shall be considered. No representations in this regard shall be entertained.
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Initially, scholarship shall be released only after the approval of 1
st Year B.Sc., B.S., Int.
M.Sc./M.S. Performance Reports and Mark Sheets provided scholar’s academic performance
is satisfactory. Further, Two years of scholarship (i.e. ₹ 1,20,000/-) shall be released during
second year of scholar’s B.Sc./Int. M.Sc. course.In the following years, the scholarship shall
be released after the approval of yearly Performance Reports and Mark sheets.
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The offer of INSPIRE Scholarship will be summarily withdrawn if the course is discontinued.
Even if scholarre-joins the course in the following academic year, the offer of INSPIRE
Scholarship shall stand withdrawn. No representations in this regard shall be entertained.
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Scholar has to upload the following documents to continue the scholarship:
(a) Performance Report for second year B.Sc./B.S./Int. M.Sc./Int.M.S. course signed and
attested by the Head of Institution, and (b) )Self-signed original copy of Mark Sheet of your B.Sc./B.S./Int.
M.Sc./Int.M.S.Annual/Semester (in case of semester system, upload both semester mark sheets
in single file) examination.
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It may be noted that it usually takes 3-4 months to release the scholarship after the approval of
relevant documents or sanction installment notification on INSPIRE Web Portal. If you have
NOT received the scholarship even after five months of approval of relevant documents, please
write to inspire[dot]prog-dst[at]nic[dot]in. .
Generally, DST will withhold the scholarship due to any of the following reasons:
(a) Scholar has not submitted his/her Performance Reports/Mark Sheets.
(b) Performance below 60% marks orGPA < 7.0 (on a 10-point scale) in B.Sc. or M.Sc.
examinations.
(c)Scholar has not informed about M.Sc. enrolment (as applicable).
Scholarship will be released as soon as the above-mentioned concerns are addressed.
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For continuation of Scholarship at any stage at B.Sc. or M.Sc. level, scholar needs to secure a
minimum of 60% or above marks OR GPA ≥ 7.0 (on a 10-point scale) in the University or
College level examinationin first attempt only.
If any scholar fails in any subject during annual/semester examination or secures a GPA
score of less than 7.0 (on a 10-point scale) or less than 60% marks in the B.Sc./B.S./Int.
M.Sc./Int.M.S. examination, scholarship for that academic year shall be forfeited. The
scholarship will be resumed in the next year only if academic performance of scholar is as
mentioned abovein para1.
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In such a case, one year of scholarship shall be forfeited. Scholarship shall be resumed in the
next year, provided academic performance of scholar is good and within range as given in
question no. 20.
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After three years of B.Sc. program, students may join M.Sc. course (Natural and Basic Sciences only) anywhere in the country and provide us with proof of enrollment in the M.Sc. course. The blank format of the same can be found in this link:
http://www.inspire-dst.gov.in/MSc_enroll_certf.pdf .
Please note that M.Tech. courses are NOT supported.
The following subjects under Basic and Natural Sciences are within the scope of INSPIRE Scholarship for pursuing M.Sc. course:
(1) Physics, (2) Chemistry, (3) Mathematics, (4) Biology, (5) Statistics, (6) Geology, (7) Astrophysics, (8) Astronomy, (9) Electronics, (10) Botany, (11) Zoology, (12) Bio-chemistry, (13) Anthropology, (14) Microbiology, (15) Geophysics, (16) Geochemistry, (17) Atmospheric Sciences & (18) Oceanic Sciences, (19) Ecology, (20) Marine Biology, (21) Genetics, (22) Bio-physics.
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In such a case, the scholarship will NOT be continued.
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In order to inculcate scientific values and develop scientific temper, scholars are required to
enrol in a Summer Research Project every year during the summer holidays, in recognized
research centres of their choice across India, outside their parent institutions.
Under INSPIRE-SHE,₹ 20,000/- per annum is provided as Mentorship grant to the INSPIRE
scholar, to undertake Summer Research Programmes. Mentorship grant shall be transferred to
bank account of scholar.After completion of the project, scholar should submit the following
documents to the DST:
(a) A letter attested by the Research Guide where the scholar is enrolled for the project, and
(b) A report outlining the objectives and results of the project.
The minimum tenure of the project must be six to eight weeks. The duration of the project
must be clearly mentioned in the project report
Note: Group projects are not acceptable.
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One cannot avail scholarship concurrently from more than one source. Therefore, it is advised
that the candidate chooses the scholarship he/she wishes to avail and inform to DST at the
earliest. If the scholar wishes to avail the INSPIRE/SHE Scholarship, documentary evidence
(such as Scholarship Surrender Certificate) must be produced so as to ascertain that he/she is
not availing scholarship(s) from any other sources.
Please note that if the scholar is found to be availing scholarship from other sources, the
Provisional offer of INSPIRE Scholarship will be summarily withdrawn and the scholar is
liable to return the entire scholarship amount availed so far from DST-INSPIRE.
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Students with age group 17-22 years can apply for scholarship under SHE.
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In case of receiving more than 10000 eligible applications in a given year, the selection would
be on the basis of the Board Inclusive Model within the available number of Scholarships in
that year. As per the recommendations of the INSPIRE Scholarship Standing Committee, the
calculation will be done on pro-rata basis of valid applications. The calculation will be done in
terms percentage % marks for each respective Board w.r.t. total number of valid applications
across all respective Boards against the total number of scholarships available under INSPIRESHE in the same year.
Board-wise Quota = No. of Valid Applications of any Board / Total No. of Valid
Applications x 10000
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What is INSPIRE Fellowship?
It is the fourth Component of INSPIRE Program launched by the Government of India to strengthen the national science and technology base. It is being implemented by the Department of Science and Technology (DST). This Component is focused on attraction of student to pursue doctoral degree in basic and applied sciences including engineering, medicine, agriculture, veterinary, pharmacy etc. after either masters’ degree in science or bachelor/ masters’ degree in engineering/ applied sciences.
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Who are eligible to apply for INSPIRE Fellowship scheme?
INSPIRE Fellowship, is offered to
i) INSPIRE Scholar having secured minimum 70% marks (or CGPA equivalent) in aggregate at M.Sc. or Integrated M.S. / M.Sc.
ii) 1st Rank Holder at University level examination in Post-Graduate (PG) level examinations in Basic/ Applied Sciences including Engineering, Medicine, Pharmacy, Agricultural sciences and Veterinary Sciences from any recognized University and academic Institutions (Excluding Autonomous Colleges) in India. 1st Rank Holders at the Graduate/Post-graduate Level Examination in Medicine only conducted by a University/ Institution in India are also eligible to apply. 1st Rank should be of obtained in minimum batch size of 10 students in that university level examination with minimum aggregate of 70% marks (or CGPA equivalent) for the entire course/ program.
Students who i) are 1st Rank Holder in College including Autonomous College Examination, ii) have obtained degree (s) through Distance Education Mode and iii) are 1st Rank Holder in any specialization given at M.Sc. 2nd/ last Year, are not eligible for the offer of INSPIRE Fellowship.The Fellowship will be offered based on screening/availability of fellowships in the current year, as 1000 fellowships are available annually.
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When can we apply for INSPIRE Fellowship?
Every year during around September/October call is announced to seek fresh applications from eligible students in that year through portal: http://www.online-inspire.gov.in. The online application link is : http://www.online-inspire.gov.in
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How should I apply for INSPIRE Fellowship Scheme?
One can apply for the Fellowship scheme through online mode only when the call is announced. However, To apply online, please visit the link http://www.online-inspire.gov.in and follow the guidelines as given therein.
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Is it mandatory to produce the Rank certificate in the INSPIRE Fellowship format or we can submit what we have received from institution?
Yes, it is mandatory to produce the Rank certificate in INSPIRE Fellowship Format only (Format provided at http://www.online-inspire.gov.in). Provisional Rank certificate or mark sheet will not be acceptable for consideration of INSPIRE Fellowship application.
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What is the selection procedure?
Selection from among the eligible applicants is done in two stages i.e. Level I and Level II.
1. Applicants who are already admitted to in Ph.D. Program in S&T prior to submitting application and selected at both Level I & Level II, will be awarded the Final Offer for the INSPIRE Fellowship.
2. Applicants who have not admitted to in Ph.D. Program in S&T prior to submitting application and get selected at Level I, will be awarded a Provisional Offer for INSPIRE Fellowship.
The Provisional Offer is made on the basis of scrutiny of application along with required documents (Level I) submitted by the applicant. However, the Final Offer is made on the basis of evaluation of the application at Level II considering i) Academic merit ii) Host Institution including Research Supervisor CV and iii) the detailed Research Proposal by Subject Expert Committee. In this Level II Evaluation Process, applicants need to secure a minimum qualifying score/cutoff as recommended by the Subject Expert Committee and approved by the Competent Authority. The cut-off marks may vary based on the competitive framework of the selection process. Also, it is important to note that Provisional Offer does not guarantee the award of INSPIRE Fellowship.
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What is the difference between Provisional Offer and Final Offer of INSPIRE Fellowship?
Provisional Offer: Students who are eligible for INSPIRE Fellowship but not admitted for PhD program, would get provisional selection and they will be given one year validity to gain admission into PhD program.
Final Offer: Students who are eligible for INSPIRE Fellowship as well as got admitted for PhD program would be given final offer of INSPIRE Fellowship.
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What is the tenure of this Fellowship?
The Fellowship shall be tenable for a maximum period of five years from INSPIRE Fellowship “Effective Date” or completion of the PhD program (i.e. up to the date of final defend of the PhD Thesis), whichever is earlier. The fellowship shall be governed by administrative norms and guidelines of Host University/Institute during the total tenure. .
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What would be our designation after selection under INSPIRE Fellowship?
The entry in INSPIRE Fellowship would be only as JRF. There is no any direct entry into SRF. The Junior Research Fellow (JRF) or Senior Research Fellow (SRF) under this scheme shall be termed as 'INSPIRE Fellow'..
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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 shall be liable to be revised from time to time as per Government Order. However, the HRA to the Fellows shall also be applicable as per GoI norms depending upon the location of the Host Institution.
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What are the norms for contingency Expenditure?
Expenditure of contingency grant would be governed as per host institution norms. The limit of contingency amount is Rs 20,000 annually. The unspent balance of contingency grant at the end of a year may be adjusted to the next year to maintain yearly/instalment wise of contingency fund.
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Where will be the amount of Fellowship transferred?
Fellowship amount to selected students are transferred by electronic mode through PFMS to the host-institution Bank Account where students are pursuing PhD program. The Sanction Letter of individual Fellow is available to Fellow as well as to Host University through webportal.
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What is this PFMS?
The Public Financial Management System (PFMS: pfms.nic.in) is a Central Sector Plan Scheme of the Planning Commission which is being implemented by the Office of Controller General of Accounts in partnership with National Informatics Centre. The scheme has established a common transaction-based on-line fund management and payment system and MIS for the Plan Schemes of Government of India.
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Is it mandatory that Host Institute should be registered under PFMS for receiving the Fellowship amount?
Yes, it is mandatory. Else Fellowship fund transfer cannot be done.
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What will be my effective date of INSPIRE Fellowship?
The Effective Date of availing INSPIRE Fellowship would be as under:
- Fresh applicants who have already taken admission into PhD course prior to submission of application, or switching over from any other fellowship to INSPIRE Fellowship will be the Effective Date. The Effective Date would not be given earlier than the date of application received at the DST.
- Applicant who will be placed during selection process under “Provisional Selection” category from 9th advertisement onwards and subsequently issued “Final Offer” by gaining admission into Ph.D. the “Effective Date” would be the date of uploading documents related to confirmed Ph.D. Admission or date of Ph. D. Admission, whichever is later. However, in case the candidate already enjoying some other fellowship and resigns to join in to INSPIRE Fellowship, the “Effective Date” would only be after the date of resignation from previous funding agency. In no case the candidate would be allowed to resign from other fellowship before date of Final Offer of INSPIRE Fellowship. For Final selection under INSPIRE Fellowship, the admission into Ph.D. program is necessary.
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What is the procedure to transfer the Fellowship from one host institute to another host institute?
An INSPIRE Fellow once accepted the offer of Fellowship at a particular University/ Institute/ Laboratory in the country shall not be allowed for transferring the Fellowship to any other University/ Institute / Laboratory in the country during 5 years of Fellowship tenure. However, in unavoidable situation for continuation of PhD works, the Fellow must seek prior permission from DST-INSPIRE Program Division for transferring/ shifting of Host Institute through written applications with following documents:
1. No Objection Certificates (NOCs) from both Host Institutes and Research Supervisors,
2. Detailed Justifications for changing / shifting of Host Institute for implementation of Fellowship,
3. Area of PhD works with an up to date technical Progress Report,
4. CV of the Research Supervisor at the new Host Institute,
5. Up to date Financial Statement from the old Host Institute.
However, shifting/ change of Host Institute without prior approval from DST-INSPIRE may be called for withdrawn of the INSPIRE Fellowship. Moreover, such shifting/ change of Host Institute may be allowed only one time in 5 years period of Fellowship tenure and within one year of effective of Fellowship at that Host Institute. If INSPIRE fellow leaves without permission, stipend due at any time shall not be paid to him/her by the Institution, till all University and other dues are cleared and certified by the University/Institution. Responsibility in such cases shall be that of the University/Institution concerned.
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I am already receiving other fellowship what should I do for switching over to INSPIRE Fellowship?
When you receive the Final offer under INSPIRE Fellowship please resign from the previous fellowship for switching over into INSPIRE Fellowship and put these details into Acceptance letter (Format provided at http://www.online-inspire.gov.in). Please do not resign unless you receive the Final Offer of INSPIRE Fellowship.
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I have received an invitation for doing a short internship program which is relevant to my PhD degree, Can I avail this short term internship during my INSPIRE Fellowship tenure?
INSPIRE Fellow shall be allowed for availing short-term Research Internship activities 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 of Fellowship tenure. However, the Fellow requires informing DST-INSPIRE along with recommendation of PhD Research Supervisor as well as confirmation from Research Internship provider for obtaining prior permission. In the event that the Fellow receives financial support of the overseas institution, the INSPIRE Fellowship for the period of Overseas stay will not be remitted.
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I have received an invitation for doing a short internship program which is relevant to my PhD degree, Can I avail this short term internship during my INSPIRE Fellowship tenure?
No.
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What should be done for getting next instalment of my Fellowship?
INSPIRE Fellows need to submit Utilization Certificate, Statement of Expenditure, Claim Bill and Annual Report as per the formats available at http://www.inspire-dst.gov.in, at the end of every year through Host Institute for receiving the next instalment.
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What are things to be remembered while preparing the correct and acceptable SE, UC and claim bill?
The balance of Fellowship should not be more than the amount of one month’s fellowship.HRA or Contingency balance will be subtracted from next year’s Requirement if it is not utilized in last sanctioned year. Fill Expenditure details in online portal only for previous sanctioned instalment. Uploaded SE and UC should be clearly visible. In case multiple SE and UC have to be uploaded, please make one single file of all year’s SE together and another file of all year’s UC together, then upload at appropriate place. SE and UC without the Seal of Signing Authority will be unacceptable.
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How much time will be taken after uploading SE, UC and claim bill for processing?
It takes around 4 months to process from the date of uploading documents and no enquiry regarding next instalment will be entertained within this period.
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When will I be eligible for up grading my Fellowship from JRF to SRF?
The up-gradation of Fellowship status i.e. Junior Research Fellowship (JRF) to Senior Research Fellowship (SRF) would normally be considered after completion of two (2) years of INSPIRE Fellowship at JRF level through performance assessment report on the progress made in the PhD program. However, this performance assessment can also be conducted at any time after completion of one year at JRF level with acceptance of at least one research publication (1st Authorship) in any international peer-reviewed journal by the INSPIRE Fellow out of the PhD work done at that Host Institute (within one year).
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What is the procedure of up gradation from JRF/JRF-P to SRF/SRF-P?
For up-gradation of Fellowship, a three (3)- member Assessment Committee shall beconstituted by the Vice-Chancellor/Director/Head of the Host Institute to assess the progress ofthe concerned INSPIRE Fellow.The Assessment Committee shall include the Research Supervisor of the concerned INSPIREFellow and one Faculty from the Host Institution as a Members and a DST-nominated expertwho will act as the Chairperson. The host institute need not approach DST for the name of the DST-nominated expert who willbe the chairperson of the Assessment Committee.
The Host institute may choose one Fellow ofany of the following four National Academies as the DST-nominated Expert and theChairperson of the Assessment Committee subject to i) his/her being in the concerned area ofresearch, ii) his/her being from an institution other than the Host Institution; iii) his/her beingnot related to the INSPIRE Fellow and/or his/her Research Supervisor; and iv) ResearchSupervisor of the INSPIRE Fellow not having been his/her research student:
Indian National Science Academy (INSA), New Delhi
Indian Academy of Sciences (IAS), Bengaluru
National Academy of Sciences, India (NASI), Prayagraj, and
Indian National Academy of Engineering (INAE), Gurugran.
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I got a Job please tell me what is the procedure to discontinue my INSPIRE Fellowship?
You have to submit complete financial statements (SE & UC) with Completion report. Now, DST is not accepting any Cheque/Demand of unspent balance in physical form. All interests, unspent balance and other earnings against released Grant shall be remitted to Consolidated Fund of India (through Non-Tax Receipt Portal (NTRP), i.e. www.bharatkosh.gov.in), immediately after finalization of accounts, as it shall not be adjusted towards future release of Grant. A certificate or receipt (indicating IF No) to this effect shall have to be submitted along with Statement of Expenditure / Utilization Certificate on online INSPIRE portal (http://online-inspire.gov.in) for considering subsequent release of Grant/Closure of accounts. (Format of SE, UC, Annual Report and claim bill is available at http://www.online-inspire.gov.in)
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I have completed my PhD under INSPIRE Fellowship, What next to do?
You have to submit complete financial statements (SE & UC) with thesis soft copy (Only in CD). All interests, unspent balance and other earnings against released Grant shall be remitted to Consolidated Fund of India (through Non-Tax Receipt Portal (NTRP), i.e. www.bharatkosh.gov.in), immediately after finalization of account. The IF No. and Name of the Fellow should be mentioned on the receipt.
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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 government job, there is no such provision of holding INSPIRE Fellowship and rejoining again after some period. Your Fellowship will be discontinued from the date of joining of job. Then you need to follow the procedure of discontinuation of the INSPIRE Fellowship. (Procedure given in 25th point)
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What are the other things which I need to remember during my tenure under INSPIRE Fellowship?
1. All kind of required blank formats for INSPIRE Fellowship are also available at http://www.inspire-dst.gov.in
2. Keep checking the website and registered email for any updates.
3. Acknowledge the financial support of DST in your all published research papers under INSPIRE Fellowship and also in PhD thesis.
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I have to wait for my bank details to be approved before submitting my joining acceptance documents.
The bank detail submission page consists of a selected bank details list already approved by DST. If you select the required bank detail from the list, you do not have to wait for its approval and can move forward directly to upload your joining acceptance. [Back To Top]
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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 selected INSPIRE Fellow fails to upload JCA within one month from date of offer letter issued, their offer will be automatically withdrawn.
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My provisional offer validity is now over. I could not upload my PhD admission documents in online portal?
This is an automated system. If student fails to upload his/ her PhD admission documents within validity, the portal will get closed and then he/ she will not be able to upload PhD admission documents for Final Offer. In that case his/ her provisional offer will stand withdrawn.
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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 your Bank details you need to regularly check your portal whether your link for Joining cum Acceptance is opening. If it started opening that means your Bank details are approved and you need to fill and upload Joining cum Acceptance.
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Whether Re-evaluation of any rejected application is possibleor not?
Yes.
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If so, details process
Within 45 days of notifying the results for Stage-2 evaluations, in case any candidate whose application is rejected at that stage may be allowed for re-evaluation. The re-evaluation would be done only on the existing all documents including Research Proposal available on the Portal. No new documents would be possible/allowed to accept for the re-evaluation aspects like i). Academic Merit, ii). Host Institute and iii). Research Proposal. Such requests shall be made by the candidate within 45 days through email at (email id: tamanna[dot]arora[at]govin).
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INSPIRE Faculty Fellowship Scheme
INSPIRE Faculty Fellowship Scheme is a component under Innovation in Science Pursuit for Inspired Research (INSPIRE), which is a flagship programme of the Department of Science and Technology (DST), under the Ministry of Science and Technology, Government of India. It offers contractual research fellowships to young achievers and opportunity for independent research in the near term and emerges as a leader in future science & technology. The guideline of this component is available at http://www.online-inspire.gov.in.
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Who can apply for INSPIRE Faculty Fellowship Scheme? What are the eligibility criteria for availing INSPIRE Faculty Fellowship Scheme?
Indian citizens and people of Indian origin including NRI/PIO status with PhD (in Science, Mathematics, Engineering, Pharmacy, Medicine, and Agriculture related subjects) from any recognized university in the world. Those who have submitted their PhD Theses and are awaiting award of the degree are also eligible. However, the Fellowship will be conveyed only after confirmation of the awarding the PhD degree.
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What is the tenure of INSPIRE Faculty Fellowship Scheme?
The INSPIRE Faculty Fellowship is tenable for a maximum period of 5 (five) years and no further extension will be given as per existing rules.
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When should I apply for INSPIRE Faculty Fellowship Scheme?
Call for applications are advertised once in a year in the month of July/August in the online portal. The online application link can be found athttp://www.inspire-dst.gov.in for regular updates. The online application link can be found here: http://www.online-inspire.gov.in or at http://www.inspire-dst.gov.in or at http://www.inspire-dst.gov.in.
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What is the number of INSPIRE Faculty Fellowship Award per year?
A maximum of 100 INSPIRE Faculty Fellowship are to be awarded this year subject to rigorous and transparent criteria basis met by the potential aspirants. The number may vary.
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How should I apply for INSPIRE Faculty Fellowship Scheme?
One can apply for the Faculty Fellowship scheme through online portal only. To apply online, please follow the linkhttp://www.online-inspire.gov.in
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What is the upper age limit? Is there any age relaxation?
The upper age limit as on 1st Jan of the year of advertisement for General category applicants is 32 years. However, the upper age limit for SC/ST/Women candidates will be 37 years. For persons with bench mark disability the upper age limit, is 42 years. http://www.online-inspire.gov.in
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How much is the amount of INSPIRE Faculty Fellowship?
Each fellow shall receive fellowship of Rs 1,25,000/- per month with an annual increment of Rs. 2000/- and Rs 35 lakh (at the rate of Rs 7.0 lakh per year) of Research Grant for 5 years.
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Does the Research Grant of 7.0 lakh per year include the carry-forwarded amount (i.e. balance amount) from previous year?
Yes, it includes the carry-forwarded amount from previous year, if any.
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How can I utilize the Research Grant?
The Research Grant of Rs. 35 lakh for 5 years at the rate of Rs. 7.0 lakh per year can be utilized in any budget head flexibly.
However, Expenditure under Travel and Contingencies would be limited to 10% each and Overhead 5%. Each fellow needs to provide proposal with detailed break up as above for utilization of Research Grant to INSPIRE–DST. Fellow/ Host Institution needs to adhere the approved break up for entire period of 5 years. [Back To Top] -
I am already having a permanent position. Am I eligible to apply?
Candidates who are employed at the time of application (in any form i.e. permanent, contractual etc.) with any organization within India are eligible to apply. However, they have to relinquish their jobs for accepting INSPIRE Faculty Fellowship. No lien/deputation/ leave will be allowed.
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What happens to my fellowship amount, if I get a permanent position during Fellowship tenure?
When a fellow finds a permanent position during the Fellowship tenure of 5 years, the fellowship amount shall be discontinued from the day the Fellow joins the permanent position. But the fellow may continue with the INSPIRE Faculty Fellowship Scheme availing only the Research Grant for the remaining period to carry out research at the new position.
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Whether there is any provision for taking research staff out of the Research Grant?
Provision is available for supporting research staff out of Research Grant support during the fellowship tenure of 5 years. In the event of getting employment elsewhere other than the present Host Institute, the fellow could also be allowed to move the research staff along with him/her to new place within the country.
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During the tenure of Faculty Fellowship can I apply for projects from other funding agencies?
The INSPIRE Faculty Fellowship is eligible for applying for any competitive grants from all funding agencies during the tenure of the INSPIRE Faculty Fellowship.
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During the tenure of Faculty Fellowship can I make National or International visits?
Fellow shall be eligible to undertake short-term visit at any national or international Laboratory/ University/ Institute for further exposure and training to carry out research activities up to a maximum period of 18 months in multiple slots during 5 years of Fellowship tenure. However, this period will be treated as part of the fellowship period and it can be availed only after one year of positioning at the Host Institute.
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Where can I implement the INSPIRE Faculty Fellowship?
The INSPIRE Faculty Fellowship is generally required to be implemented at any recognized Institute/ University/ Laboratory in the country other than the Institute/ University/ Laboratory where the candidate has received his/her PhD degree or have undertaken PhD/post PhD research Activities.
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What is the method employed for Selection?
- Indian National Science Academy (INSA), New Delhi in coordination with DST implements this INSPIRE Faculty Fellowship Scheme up to the selection of candidates for awarding INSPIRE Faculty Fellowship.
- Selection process involves recommendations by Discipline-based Expert Committee followed by final selection by the Apex Level Committee.
- Discipline-wise committees of INSA evaluate and shortlist the candidates.
- The Apex Committee shall finally select short-listed candidates for offering INSPIRE Faculty Fellowship under this Scheme and decision of the Apex Committee for selecting candidates in this Scheme shall be the final.
- Candidates, who have not identified host institutions at the time of their application, should do so immediately after their final selection. All selected candidates should avail the INSPIRE Faculty Fellowship within 3 months of their final selection.
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What are the roles and requirements of Host Institutions?
- Host institutions should be encouraged to provide a congenial atmosphere for the fellows to excel in their work, and should view them as potential assets for faculty development
- Under no circumstances the “INSPIRE Faculty Fellowship” is renewable after 5 years. Host-institutions are expected to consider “INSPIRE Faculty” for permanent positions in due course, subject to meeting institutions’ performance assessment criteria.
- Host Institute shall provide access to all common infrastructural facilities including equipments, Computational facility and library, acceptable laboratory and office space during the tenure of the Fellowship.
- Host Institute assumes to undertake the financial and other management responsibilities for implementation of the INSPIRE Faculty Fellowship for 5 years on behalf of the Fellow and shall be responsible for all accounting purposes with the DST-INSPIRE Program. Host Institute will be required to provide Financial Statements every year to consider releasing next installment to Fellow.
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Minimum information/ commitment required from Host Institutions?
- Access to all common infrastructural facilities, acceptable laboratory and office space (independently or on shared basis), computing, library access, etc.
- Information on whether desirable new areas/directions of research are being introduced through this scheme,
- Information on whether the INSPIRE Faculty Fellow will be allowed to supervise PhD students, hire research fellows, independently or jointly with a permanent faculty member
- 4.Host-institution’s willingness to consider the candidate for a permanent position in due course, subject to meeting statutory requirements.
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How many numbers of days leave am I entitled in a year?
During the INSPIRE Faculty Fellowship tenure, a fellow will be governed by rules and regulations of Host Institute regarding all type of leaves or any other matters related to Faculty Fellowship.
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Is the INSPIRE Faculty Fellowship Amount Taxable?
Yes, as per Income Tax act, it is taxable.
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What documents a selected Faculty Fellow need to submit after receiving the offer letter?
- Undertaking signed by fellow and Host Institute
- Bank detail of Host Institute
- Breakup on usage of Research Grant
- Joining Report
The blank formats are available at http://www.online-inspire.gov.in
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Is there any Breakup of Fellowship amount?
Fellowship amount is consolidated (all inclusive). Break-up will not be feasible to provide.
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How will I receive Fellowship and Research Grant after submitting required documents?
The Faculty Fellowship amount and Research Grant will be transferred to the Host Institute annually. Copy of the sanction letter will be uploaded in the online portal. The Fellow may download the same.
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How will I receive Fellowship and Research Grant after submitting required documents?
The Faculty Fellowship amount and Research Grant will be transferred to the Host Institute annually. Copy of the sanction letter will be uploaded in the online portal. The Fellow may download the same.
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When to submit reports and when evaluation will be done?
Fellow shall be required to submit Annual Progress Report to INSPIRE-DST in the online portal. Midterm/Periodic performance evaluation shall be done on the progress of research by a national level Expert Committee and further continuation of support to each fellow shall depend upon the performance assessment by the Committee.
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What I need to do to get next installment?
Fellows need to submit Utilization Certificate, Statement of Expenditure and Annual Report as per the formats available at http://www.online-inspire.gov.in, at the end of every year through Host Institute for receiving the next installment. [Back To Top]
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I have to wait for my bank details to be approved before submitting my joining acceptance documents.
The bank detail submission page consists of a selected bank details list already approved by DST. If you select the required bank detail from the list, you do not have to wait for its approval and can move forward directly to upload your joining acceptance. [Back To Top]
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Is the transfer or change of Host Institution permissible?
Transfer or Change of Host Institution is permissible under the Scheme either upon getting i) permanent employment in another Institutions or ii) for any other valid reason. [Back To Top]
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What are the requirements for the Host Institute transfer?
Following are the main requirements:- Appointment Letter of permanent employment or justifications for change of Host Institution.
- NOC from present Host Institute and Acceptance Letter from new Host Institute,
- Fresh Signed copy of the Undertaking (not required in case of permanent employment in the same Host Institution),
- Up-to-date financial documents from the present Host Institute (also in case of permanent employment in the same Host Institute).
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- How to register as a legacy user?
Register at the place for legacy user RegisterLegacyUser, only. Please do not register as new user.
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I have already submitted the Hard copy of financial documents shall I need to upload again the same financial document in online portal?
If you have submitted before December 2014, no need to submit it again in online portal. If you have submitted hard copy after December 2014 you need to upload in online portal only.
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I have uploaded my financial documents in online portal, shall I need to submit the hard copy to DST?
No.
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I had registered myself in online portal system but there is no uploading option for financial documents upload?
You perhaps registered yourself as new user. Please register as legacy user.
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I am filling correct details while registering myself in online portal, still it is not accepting and verifying my details?
You please make sure that you are filling correct details:
Program Name: Existing Fellowship Student
Registration Number:
Date of Birth (mm/dd/yyy):
Subject Code:
Subject code and DOB should be the same as given you in your first application.
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My annual report size is more than the limit, how to upload that?
Please provide only important information and reduce the size of the file.
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How to show the expenditure details in SE and UC if If I joined in between financial year.
In such case you have to provide two Utilization certificates.
First one would be up to March and second (provisional) one would be up to complete utilization of fellowship.
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Shall I need to give previous expenditure details in columns given in Statement of Expenditure?
Yes you have to.
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Is it mandatory to register myself in online portal?
Yes. We are not accepting any hard copy from the month of January for any further release process. You need to upload in online portal only till any further notification comes in this regard.
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