KVPY (Kishore Vaigyanik Protsahan Yojana) 2025: Now Merged with INSPIRE – Latest Updates, Eligibility, and Scholarship Details

The Kishore Vaigyanik Protsahan Yojana (KVPY) was once one of India’s most prestigious national fellowship programs for young science students. Conducted by the Department of Science and Technology (DST) and IISc Bengaluru, it aimed to identify and nurture students with exceptional aptitude for research in basic sciences.

However, starting 2022, the KVPY Fellowship has been merged with the INSPIRE (Innovation in Science Pursuit for Inspired Research) Scheme, streamlining all science scholarships under a single umbrella.

What Was KVPY?

The KVPY (Kishore Vaigyanik Protsahan Yojana) was launched in 1999 by the Department of Science and Technology (DST), Government of India, to encourage students to pursue research careers in basic sciences (Physics, Chemistry, Biology, and Mathematics).

Through this program, selected students from Classes 11 and 12, as well as undergraduate science courses, received scholarships and mentorship from premier research institutions like IISc and IITs.

KVPY Streams:

1. SA Stream – For Class 11 students

2. SX Stream – For Class 12 students

3. SB Stream – For 1st-year B.Sc./B.S./B.Stat./B.Math./Int. M.Sc. students

Merger of KVPY with INSPIRE

In 2022, the Government of India officially merged KVPY with INSPIRE (Innovation in Science Pursuit for Inspired Research), to unify and simplify the scholarship process for science students.

Now, all KVPY-like scholarships and fellowships are available under the INSPIRE Scheme – MANAK (Million Minds Augmenting National Aspirations and Knowledge) and INSPIRE Fellowship programs.

This merger ensures greater inclusivity, easier application, and faster disbursal of scholarships without requiring an additional national-level exam.

Key Update (2025):
There will be no separate KVPY Aptitude Test from now on. Eligible students will be considered through INSPIRE’s selection process, based on academic performance and board marks.

 INSPIRE Scholarship – Replacing KVPY

The INSPIRE Scholarship for Higher Education (SHE) now fulfills the same objective as KVPY — promoting research and innovation among talented science students.

Key Features:

Eligibility Criteria (2025)

Students must fulfill the following to apply for the INSPIRE-SHE (replacing KVPY):

1. Citizenship: Indian nationals only.

2. Academic Qualification:

   • Must be among the top 1% scorers in Class 12 board exams (any recognized board).

   • Must be pursuing B.Sc., B.S., B.Stat., B.Math., or Integrated M.Sc./M.S. courses in Basic and Natural Sciences.

3. Eligible Courses:

   • Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Mathematics, Statistics, Astronomy, Geology, Microbiology, and similar pure science fields.

4. Alternative Eligibility Routes:

   • Students qualified under JEE (Main/Advanced) or NEET with top ranks.

   • Students who have cleared Olympiads (NSE, INPhO, INChO, INBO, INJSO) are also eligible.

Scholarship Amount and Duration

Selected students receive:

• INR 80,000 per year, distributed as:

  • INR 60,000 annual scholarship (INR 5,000/month)

  • INR 20,000 annual contingency grant for research projects.

• The scholarship is valid for five years, covering the entire undergraduate and postgraduate studies in science.

 Note: Students must maintain academic excellence (minimum grades specified by DST) each year to continue receiving the scholarship.

Important Dates (2025)

Keep checking https://online-inspire.gov.in for the latest notifications.

Selection Process

Unlike the previous KVPY Aptitude Test, the INSPIRE-SHE selection is now based purely on academic performance and achievements.

1. Online Application Submission

2. Shortlisting based on Class 12 Marks, JEE/NEET Rank, or Olympiad Performance

3. Verification by DST Experts

4. Final Selection and Scholarship Grant

Benefits of INSPIRE (Post-KVPY)

• No Entrance Exam: Selection purely based on academic excellence.

• Financial Support: INR 80,000 per year for five years.

• Research Opportunities: Access to mentorship under top scientists and research programs.

• Recognition: Prestigious national-level scholarship endorsed by DST.

• Career Boost: Ideal for those aspiring for research in IITs, IISc, or abroad.

Tips for Applicants

1. Maintain Top Grades: Focus on scoring among the top 1% in board exams.

2. Choose Pure Sciences: The scheme supports fundamental science disciplines, not engineering or medical courses.

3. Prepare Documents Early: Keep mark sheets, certificates, and ID proofs ready for online upload.

4. Apply Only on Official Portal: Use https://online-inspire.gov.in to avoid scams.

5. Engage in Research Activities: Participation in science fairs, olympiads, or projects strengthens your application.

Conclusion

The KVPY program, now part of INSPIRE, continues to fuel India’s scientific research ecosystem by empowering talented students in basic sciences. While the separate KVPY exam has been discontinued, the INSPIRE-SHE scholarship ensures that deserving students still receive recognition, mentorship, and financial aid to pursue a research career.

If you are a Class 12 topper or a student passionate about scientific exploration, INSPIRE is your new gateway to research success.