KVPY scholarship 2026 discontinued — if you searched for this, here is the complete picture. The Kishore Vaigyanik Protsahan Yojana (KVPY) aptitude test was cancelled in 2022 by the Department of Science and Technology (DST), Government of India, and all its benefits were merged into the INSPIRE SHE (Scholarship for Higher Education) programme. This guide is for Class 11–12 students, BSc/MSc science aspirants, and parents trying to understand what replaced KVPY and how to apply for the Rs.80,000/year scholarship that now takes its place. You will find the full history of why KVPY was discontinued, exactly what INSPIRE SHE offers, who qualifies, how to apply, and a comparison between the two programmes — updated September 2026.
KVPY scholarship was permanently discontinued in 2022 by DST and merged with the INSPIRE Scholarship for Higher Education (SHE). New students cannot apply to KVPY; instead, apply for INSPIRE SHE at online-inspire.gov.in, which offers Rs.80,000 per year (Rs.60,000 cash + Rs.20,000 research grant) to top 1% Class 12 science students pursuing BSc/integrated MSc in natural sciences. Existing KVPY fellows continue to receive their stipends under DST norms.
- KVPY Status: Permanently discontinued since 2022 — no new exam or applications
- Replaced By: INSPIRE SHE (Scholarship for Higher Education) by DST
- Implementing Body: Department of Science and Technology (DST), Govt. of India
- Annual Scholarship: Rs.80,000 per year (Rs.60,000 + Rs.20,000 research grant)
- Monthly Payout: Rs.5,000/month via Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT)
- Scholarships Per Year: 10,000–12,000 students selected annually
- Eligibility (New Students): Top 1% in Class 12 board exams OR JEE/NEET top rankers
- Official Portal: online-inspire.gov.in
- KVPY Old Fellows: Continue to receive fellowship under existing DST norms
- Duration: Up to 5 years (UG + PG level), extendable to pre-PhD level
- What Is KVPY and Why Was It Discontinued?
- Who Should Read This Guide?
- KVPY History and Fellowship Amounts (1999–2022)
- INSPIRE SHE 2026 – The Official Replacement
- Eligibility Criteria for INSPIRE SHE 2026
- How to Apply for INSPIRE SHE Scholarship 2026 – Step by Step
- KVPY vs INSPIRE SHE – Full Comparison Table
- Advantages and Disadvantages of INSPIRE SHE vs Old KVPY
- Important Terms Related to Science Scholarships in India
- Important Links for INSPIRE SHE 2026
- Conclusion
- Key Takeaways
- Frequently Asked Questions About KVPY Scholarship 2026
What Is KVPY and Why Was It Discontinued in 2022?
KVPY (Kishore Vaigyanik Protsahan Yojana) was India’s most prestigious national fellowship for school and undergraduate science students, launched in 1999 by DST and administered by IISc Bangalore. For over two decades, KVPY identified and rewarded students with exceptional aptitude in basic sciences through a competitive two-stage selection — a written aptitude test followed by a personal interview. In June 2022, DST held a high-level review meeting and announced that the KVPY aptitude test would be permanently discontinued from 2022 onwards and subsumed into the INSPIRE programme.
The main reasons DST cited for discontinuing KVPY included the high operational cost of conducting a national aptitude exam and the desire to streamline multiple science scholarship programmes under one umbrella. DST confirmed that the number of fellowships offered annually (250–300 under KVPY) would be protected within the INSPIRE programme — no student would lose out on financial support. Existing KVPY fellows continued receiving their monthly stipends and contingency grants without any disruption.
The official DST notice stated: “KVPY Aptitude test will not be conducted from the year 2022 onwards. Ongoing KVPY fellows will continue to receive fellowship as per norms from DST.” New aspirants seeking science scholarship support must now apply through INSPIRE SHE at online-inspire.gov.in.
Who Should Read This Guide?
This complete 2026 update on KVPY discontinuation and INSPIRE SHE is written for a specific set of students and parents navigating science scholarships in India.
- 🎓 Class 11–12 students in PCB/PCM streams who heard about KVPY and want to know whether it is still active in 2026
- 📚 BSc/BS/Integrated MSc first-year students in natural sciences wondering which scholarship to apply for
- 🏆 Board exam toppers (top 1%) who qualify automatically for INSPIRE SHE and need an application roadmap
- 🔬 JEE/NEET top rankers pursuing pure science degrees and seeking DST funding
- 👨👩👧 Parents of science students aged 17–22 who want to understand the Rs.80,000/year government scholarship available to their children
- 📖 Existing KVPY fellows (pre-2022) who want to confirm their fellowship status and continuation rules
- 🌱 Agriculture and life science students at ICAR institutions and state agricultural universities eligible for INSPIRE SHE
- 🎯 NTSE scholars and International Olympiad medalists who are eligible for INSPIRE SHE through the alternate merit route
KVPY History and Fellowship Amounts (1999–2022)
KVPY ran for 23 years from 1999 to 2022, awarding fellowships to approximately 2,000 students annually across India. Administered by IISc Bangalore under DST mandate, the programme offered three streams — SA (Class 11), SX (Class 12), and SB (first year BSc) — with a two-stage selection via aptitude test and interview. Students selected under KVPY gained prestigious benefits beyond money, including direct admission pathways to IISc and IISERs, access to national laboratory resources, and mentorship from top researchers.
| KVPY Stream / Stage | Monthly Fellowship | Annual Contingency Grant |
|---|---|---|
| SA/SX/SB – BSc Years 1–3 (or Integrated MSc Years 1–3) | Rs.5,000/month | Rs.20,000/year |
| SA/SX/SB – MSc / Integrated MSc Years 4–5 | Rs.7,000/month | Rs.28,000/year |
| Maximum Duration | Up to pre-PhD level or 5 years, whichever is earlier | |
| Annual Cohort Size | Approximately 2,000 students per year (250–300 in peak years) | |
| Selection Method | Written aptitude test + personal interview (IISc Bangalore) | |
| Programme Active Period | 1999 to 2022 (23 years) | |
KVPY fellows also benefited from summer research programmes at premier institutions, access to science camps at IISc and IISERs, and a national ID card granting library and laboratory access across government research institutions. These non-monetary benefits are partially replicated under INSPIRE SHE through the mandatory summer research project requirement (Rs.20,000 mentorship grant).
INSPIRE SHE 2026 – The Official KVPY Replacement
INSPIRE SHE (Innovation in Science Pursuit for Inspired Research – Scholarship for Higher Education) is the DST programme that now absorbs all KVPY functions. Launched in 2008 and significantly expanded after 2022 to absorb KVPY’s cohort, INSPIRE SHE provides Rs.80,000 per year to 10,000–12,000 meritorious students annually pursuing BSc, BS, or integrated MSc/MS programmes in natural and basic sciences at recognised Indian institutions. Since inception, INSPIRE SHE has benefited over 1,36,298 students across 33 states and union territories, disbursing Rs.2,784.15 crore in total scholarship support.
The Rs.80,000 annual scholarship breaks down into two components. The first is Rs.60,000 paid as Rs.5,000 every month via Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) directly into an SBI account linked to Aadhaar. The second is Rs.20,000 as a summer research attachment grant, which funds a 6–8 week summer project at a recognised research institution outside the student’s home college — directly replacing KVPY’s summer camp benefit. Unlike KVPY, INSPIRE SHE requires no separate entrance exam; selection is entirely merit-based on existing academic performance.
| INSPIRE SHE Component | Amount | Mode of Payment |
|---|---|---|
| Annual Scholarship | Rs.60,000 | Rs.5,000/month via DBT (SBI Aadhaar-linked account) |
| Summer Research Grant | Rs.20,000 | One-time payment for mentorship project |
| Total Annual Value | Rs.80,000 | Both components combined |
| Total Value (5 Years) | Rs.4,00,000 | Subject to annual renewal based on 60% marks |
| Disbursing Body | DST via State Bank of India (SBI) DBT | |
Eligibility Criteria for INSPIRE SHE 2026 – Who Qualifies?
INSPIRE SHE has clear, merit-based eligibility criteria. Students qualify through one of several alternative routes, making it accessible to toppers across different competitive exam streams. The key requirement is that the student must be pursuing a pure science undergraduate or integrated postgraduate course — engineering (B.Tech/BE) and medical (MBBS) students are not eligible.
- ✅ Top 1% in Class 12 board exam of any State or Central Board (CBSE, ICSE, State Boards) — the most common route
- ✅ JEE (Main/Advanced) top rankers pursuing BSc/BS in natural sciences instead of engineering
- ✅ NEET-UG top rankers pursuing BSc Biology/Biosciences instead of MBBS
- ✅ Students at IISERs, IIST, NISER, CEBS — automatically eligible upon admission
- ✅ NTSE scholars who qualify the national talent search and pursue natural sciences
- ✅ International Science Olympiad medalists (Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Mathematics, Astronomy)
- ✅ Kishore Vaigyanik Protsahan Yojana (KVPY) scholars selected before 2022 — continue under existing norms
| Eligibility Criterion | Details |
|---|---|
| Age | 17–22 years at the time of application |
| Nationality | Indian nationals only |
| Course Requirement | BSc / BS / Integrated MSc / Integrated MS in natural/basic sciences |
| Excluded Courses | B.Tech, BE, MBBS, BCA, BBA, Law — not eligible |
| Academic Continuation | Minimum 60% marks (7.0 GPA) in each year for renewal |
| Other Scholarship | Cannot hold another Central Government scholarship simultaneously |
| Application Portal | online-inspire.gov.in only — no offline mode |
How to Apply for INSPIRE SHE Scholarship 2026 – Step by Step
The application process for INSPIRE SHE is fully online via online-inspire.gov.in. No separate exam is required. The entire process depends on your existing board/competitive exam results and correct documentation. Follow these steps carefully — incomplete applications are automatically rejected.
- Confirm Eligibility: Check that you scored in the top 1% of your Class 12 board, OR have a qualifying rank in JEE/NEET/NTSE/Olympiad, AND are enrolled in a BSc/BS/integrated MSc natural science course.
- Register on Official Portal: Visit online-inspire.gov.in and create a new account using your valid email ID and mobile number. Use only the official government portal — never apply through third-party sites.
- Fill Application Form: Enter your academic details, eligibility category, Class 12 board marks, college enrollment details, and current course information accurately. Double-check every entry before saving.
- Upload Documents: Upload Class 12 marksheet, board rank/percentage certificate, college bonafide certificate, Aadhaar card, bank account proof (SBI account preferred for DBT), and passport-size photograph in the prescribed format and file size.
- Link Aadhaar to SBI Account: INSPIRE disburses scholarship via DBT. Your SBI account must be explicitly linked to Aadhaar for subsidy/DBT receipt — go to SBI branch or internet banking to do this if not already done. Allow 7–10 working days for the seeding to reflect.
- Submit and Save Confirmation: Submit the completed application and save the PDF confirmation receipt. This is your proof of application and is required for status tracking and any grievance redressal.
- Track Application Status: Login to online-inspire.gov.in, enter your Application Reference Number, and monitor the status. DST takes approximately 4 months to process applications and announces results on the portal and via registered email.
Apply only on the official portal — online-inspire.gov.in. Never pay any agent or third-party website to apply on your behalf. DST does not charge any application fee for INSPIRE SHE. If you are also an NTSE scholar or Olympiad medalist, mention this in your application as an alternate eligibility route — it strengthens your profile if board percentage is borderline. Students at IISERs and NISER do not need to apply separately; INSPIRE SHE is automatically awarded upon admission.
KVPY vs INSPIRE SHE – Complete Comparison Table 2026
Many students and parents want to understand what exactly changed when KVPY merged into INSPIRE. The two programmes shared the same goal but differed significantly in selection method, financial structure, and accessibility. Here is a side-by-side comparison of every major dimension.
| Dimension | KVPY (Discontinued 2022) | INSPIRE SHE (Active 2026) |
|---|---|---|
| Status | ❌ Permanently discontinued | ✅ Active — apply now |
| Selection Method | Written aptitude test + interview (2-stage) | No exam — merit-based on board/competitive results |
| Annual Scholarship | Rs.5,000–7,000/month + contingency | Rs.5,000/month + Rs.20,000 research grant = Rs.80,000/year |
| Scholarships Per Year | 250–300 students | 10,000–12,000 students |
| Administering Body | IISc Bangalore (on behalf of DST) | DST directly via online-inspire.gov.in |
| Application Process | Aptitude exam (July–November cycle) | Online form + document upload (no exam) |
| Research Exposure | Summer camps at IISc/IISERs | Rs.20,000 grant for summer research at any recognised institution |
| IISc/IISER Admission | Direct admission facilitation | Not directly — apply via IISER Aptitude Test or JEE |
| Eligible Courses | BSc/BS/Integrated MSc (basic sciences) | BSc/BS/Integrated MSc/MS (natural and basic sciences) |
| Duration | Up to pre-PhD or 5 years | Up to 5 years (UG + PG level) |
| Accessibility | Competitive — selective exam filter | Merit-based — broader access via multiple routes |
INSPIRE SHE is the clear path forward for science students in 2026. While KVPY’s competitive exam format was respected for identifying truly research-oriented students, INSPIRE SHE reaches far more students (10,000+ vs 250–300 annually), offers equivalent or higher financial value at Rs.80,000/year, and removes the barrier of a separate national exam. The summer research component is preserved. Students who miss the top 1% route should explore NTSE and Olympiad pathways, which also unlock INSPIRE SHE eligibility. We recommend every eligible science student apply through online-inspire.gov.in immediately.
Advantages and Disadvantages of INSPIRE SHE vs Old KVPY
The shift from KVPY to INSPIRE SHE brought both improvements and trade-offs for India’s science scholarship ecosystem. Here is a balanced assessment.
Advantages of INSPIRE SHE Over KVPY
- ✅ 40x more scholarships — 10,000+ students per year vs 250–300 under KVPY, dramatically increasing reach
- ✅ No separate exam — eliminates preparation burden and coaching dependency; merit via existing board/competitive results
- ✅ Higher total value — Rs.80,000/year vs KVPY’s effective Rs.80,000–1,04,000/year (similar range, but INSPIRE is more consistently structured)
- ✅ Multiple eligibility routes — board toppers, JEE/NEET rankers, NTSE, Olympiad medalists all qualify
- ✅ Research mentorship preserved — Rs.20,000 summer research grant maintains hands-on research exposure
Disadvantages / What Was Lost with KVPY Discontinuation
- ❌ No direct admission benefit — KVPY scores facilitated direct admission to IISc and IISERs; INSPIRE SHE has no admission linkage
- ❌ Less rigorous screening — KVPY’s two-stage selection ensured specifically research-oriented students were identified; board toppers may not have the same research aptitude profile
- ❌ No national ID access — KVPY fellows received national lab and library access cards; INSPIRE SHE does not offer this
- ❌ INSPIRE SHE 2025–2026 notices delayed — several sources indicate SHE 2025 and 2026 fresh intake notices were not released, creating uncertainty for new applicants
Important Terms Related to Science Scholarships in India 2026
Understanding the landscape of science fellowships requires familiarity with these key terms and programmes that every aspiring science student should know.
- DST (Department of Science and Technology): The Central Government ministry that administers both KVPY (historical) and INSPIRE SHE. Parent body for most national science scholarships.
- INSPIRE (Innovation in Science Pursuit for Inspired Research): DST’s flagship programme with three components — SHE (undergraduate/PG), Assured Opportunity for Research Careers (AORC for PhD), and Faculty Scheme (post-doctoral). KVPY merged into the SHE component in 2022.
- IISc Bangalore: Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore — the premier research institution that previously administered the KVPY exam. KVPY fellows were also eligible for direct BSc (Research) admission at IISc.
- IISERs (Indian Institutes of Science Education and Research): Seven IISERs across India (Pune, Kolkata, Mohali, Bhopal, Thiruvananthapuram, Tirupati, Berhampur) offer integrated BS-MS programmes in sciences. INSPIRE SHE covers these students automatically.
- DBT (Direct Benefit Transfer): Government payment infrastructure that transfers INSPIRE SHE scholarship (Rs.5,000/month) directly to Aadhaar-linked SBI accounts, eliminating delays and intermediaries.
- NTSE (National Talent Search Examination): NCERT’s talent search programme whose scholars are eligible for INSPIRE SHE under the alternate route — alongside Olympiad medalists and KVPY fellows.
- PMRF (Prime Minister’s Research Fellowship): A separate DST fellowship for PhD-level researchers offering Rs.80,000/month — the next-level fellowship after INSPIRE SHE for students targeting research careers. See our PMRF 2026 complete guide.
- NFST Fellowship: National Fellowship for Scheduled Tribes — a UGC/DST fellowship offering Rs.42,000/month for ST students pursuing PhD in sciences. See our NFST Fellowship 2026 guide.
- NSP (National Scholarship Portal): scholarships.gov.in — the Government of India’s unified scholarship portal for applying to various central and state schemes. Some INSPIRE-related applications also route through NSP.
- Contingency Grant: The non-salary component of a fellowship — under KVPY it was Rs.20,000–28,000/year for research expenses like books, equipment, and travel to conferences. INSPIRE SHE’s Rs.20,000 summer grant is the equivalent component.
Important Links for KVPY Discontinued and INSPIRE SHE 2026
| Resource | Link |
|---|---|
| INSPIRE SHE Official Portal (Apply Here) | online-inspire.gov.in |
| DST Official Website | dst.gov.in |
| KVPY Legacy Page (IISc Bangalore) | kvpy.iisc.ac.in |
| National Scholarship Portal (NSP) | scholarships.gov.in |
| INSPIRE Fellowship SHE 2026 – Rs.80,000 Complete Guide (Agrijob.in) | Read Full INSPIRE SHE Guide |
| PMRF 2026 – Rs.80,000/Month PhD Fellowship Guide (Agrijob.in) | Read PMRF Fellowship Guide |
| Post-Matric Scholarship SC Students 2026 – NSP Apply Guide | PMS-SC Scholarship Guide |
| DBT JRF Fellowship 2026 – Rs.37,000/Month Guide (Agrijob.in) | DBT JRF Fellowship Guide |
Conclusion – What Students Should Do Right Now
KVPY scholarship has been permanently discontinued since 2022 — there will be no revival, no new exam, and no new applications accepted. The KVPY scholarship 2026 discontinued update is final per DST’s official announcement. For every student seeking DST science scholarship support in 2026, the path is clear: apply for INSPIRE SHE at online-inspire.gov.in. The programme offers Rs.80,000/year, selects 10,000+ students annually, requires no additional exam, and is available through multiple merit routes including Class 12 board toppers, JEE/NEET rankers, NTSE scholars, and Olympiad medalists. Bookmark this page — we update it every time DST releases new guidance on INSPIRE SHE intake cycles.
- KVPY scholarship was permanently discontinued in 2022 — no new exam or applications exist in 2026
- DST merged KVPY into INSPIRE SHE, which now offers Rs.80,000/year to 10,000+ students annually
- Existing pre-2022 KVPY fellows continue receiving their monthly stipend (Rs.5,000–7,000) under existing DST norms
- New students must apply at online-inspire.gov.in — top 1% Class 12 board, JEE/NEET top rankers, and Olympiad medalists qualify
- INSPIRE SHE requires no separate entrance exam — the biggest practical advantage over old KVPY selection
- Explore our full INSPIRE SHE guide for the complete application checklist and renewal rules
Frequently Asked Questions About KVPY Scholarship 2026
Is KVPY scholarship still available in 2026?
No. KVPY (Kishore Vaigyanik Protsahan Yojana) scholarship has been permanently discontinued since 2022. The Department of Science and Technology (DST) officially cancelled the KVPY aptitude test in June 2022 and merged the programme with INSPIRE SHE. There is no new intake, no exam, and no application portal for KVPY in 2026. Students looking for equivalent support must apply to INSPIRE SHE at online-inspire.gov.in.
What replaced KVPY scholarship in India?
KVPY was replaced by INSPIRE SHE (Innovation in Science Pursuit for Inspired Research – Scholarship for Higher Education), administered by DST, Government of India. INSPIRE SHE offers Rs.80,000 per year (Rs.60,000 annual scholarship + Rs.20,000 summer research grant) to meritorious students in natural and basic sciences. The same financial support framework is preserved, but selection is now merit-based through board exams and competitive results rather than a separate aptitude test.
How much scholarship does INSPIRE SHE give per month?
INSPIRE SHE pays Rs.5,000 per month via Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) to an Aadhaar-linked SBI account, totalling Rs.60,000 per year as the cash component. An additional Rs.20,000 is provided as a one-time summer research attachment grant per year, making the total annual value Rs.80,000. Over five years (the maximum duration), an INSPIRE SHE scholar can receive up to Rs.4,00,000 in total scholarship support.
Who is eligible for INSPIRE SHE scholarship 2026?
Students aged 17–22 who scored in the top 1% of their Class 12 state or central board examinations are eligible, provided they are pursuing BSc, BS, or integrated MSc/MS in natural or basic sciences at a recognised Indian university. Additional eligibility routes include top rankers in JEE Advanced, NEET-UG, NTSE scholars, International Science Olympiad medalists, and students enrolled at IISERs, IIST, NISER, and CEBS. Engineering (B.Tech) and medical (MBBS) students are not eligible.
Can existing KVPY fellows still receive their fellowship in 2026?
Yes. Students selected under KVPY before 2022 continue to receive their monthly fellowship (Rs.5,000–7,000 per month) and annual contingency grants (Rs.20,000–28,000) under existing DST norms, for the remainder of their eligible fellowship period. DST specifically confirmed at the time of discontinuation that ongoing KVPY fellows would not be affected. However, no new KVPY fellowships have been awarded since the 2022 cancellation.
Is there a KVPY exam in 2026?
No. The KVPY aptitude test has been permanently cancelled from 2022 onwards. DST’s official notice confirmed this in June 2022, and no subsequent notifications have announced any revival. Students who previously prepared for KVPY should redirect their efforts to qualifying through board exams (top 1%), NTSE, JEE, or Science Olympiads — all of which now serve as entry points to INSPIRE SHE, which provides equivalent financial support.
Where do I apply for the KVPY replacement scholarship in 2026?
Apply directly on the official INSPIRE portal: online-inspire.gov.in. This is the only authorised portal for INSPIRE SHE applications. Do not apply through any third-party website, agent, or paid service — DST charges no application fee. For contact with DST’s INSPIRE programme division, email inspire.prog-dst@nic.in or call 0124-6690020/21.
Is INSPIRE SHE better than KVPY was?
In terms of reach and accessibility, INSPIRE SHE is significantly better — it awards 10,000+ scholarships annually versus KVPY’s 250–300, and requires no separate exam. The Rs.80,000/year financial value is comparable. However, KVPY’s two-stage exam-and-interview format was better at identifying research-oriented students specifically, and KVPY fellows had direct IISc/IISER admission benefits that INSPIRE SHE does not replicate. For most students, INSPIRE SHE is the more accessible and equally rewarding alternative.
What is the KVPY full form and when was it started?
KVPY full form is Kishore Vaigyanik Protsahan Yojana, which translates to “Young Scientist Promotion Scheme.” It was launched in 1999 by the Department of Science and Technology (DST), Government of India, during the administration of Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee. The programme was administered by the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) Bangalore and ran for 23 years before being discontinued in 2022 and merged with INSPIRE SHE.
Can agriculture and life science students apply for INSPIRE SHE?
Yes. Students pursuing BSc Agriculture, BSc Life Sciences, BSc Botany, BSc Zoology, BSc Biochemistry, or integrated MSc in related natural science streams at recognised universities are eligible for INSPIRE SHE, provided they meet the top 1% board score or alternate eligibility criteria. Agriculture students at state agricultural universities (SAUs) and ICAR institutions who qualify through board performance are equally eligible. For more scholarship opportunities for agriculture students, explore our ICAR JRF Scholarship 2026 guide (Rs.31,000/month).
This guide is reviewed and updated regularly to reflect the latest official DST announcements on KVPY discontinued status and INSPIRE SHE scholarship cycles. Bookmark this page for the latest information. For real-time updates, follow Agrijob.in.
