The Department of Science and Technology (DST), Government of India, has announced the call for applications for the year 2024 under the INSPIRE Faculty Fellowship component of the INSPIRE scheme. This initiative, titled "Innovation in Science Pursuit for Inspired Research (INSPIRE)," is designed to foster a passion for science among young Indian students and to promote careers in research across a spectrum of disciplines including engineering, medicine, agriculture, and veterinary sciences.
The INSPIRE Faculty Fellowship (IFF) is a unique opportunity tailored for young doctorates aged 27-32 years, allowing them to pursue independent research over a five-year period in both basic and applied sciences, as well as in areas of translational research in Science and Technology (S&T). Eligible candidates are invited to apply via the web portal https://onlineinspire.gov.in.
Eligibility Criteria:
1. Essential:
-
-
The applicant must be an Indian citizen or a person of Indian origin with PIO status, holding a Ph.D. degree in fields such as science, mathematics, engineering, pharmacy, medicine, or agriculture from a recognized university worldwide.
-
A minimum of 60% marks (or equivalent CGPA) is required throughout the academic profile from the Senior Secondary Examination (Class 12 onwards).
-
Candidates who have submitted their Ph.D. thesis and are awaiting the award of their degree can also apply. However, the Fellowship will be confirmed only after the degree is awarded.
-
The upper age limit as of January 1, 2024, is 32 years for General Category candidates. For SC/ST/Women candidates, the limit is extended to 37 years, and for persons with benchmark disabilities (Divyangjan with at least 40% specified disability), the limit is 42 years.
-
Applicants must have publications in highly reputed journals demonstrating their research potential. Candidates applying for the 'Translational Research in S&T' area must have at least two patents filed or one patent granted.
-
The host institution for those selected in 'Translational Research in S&T' must have Central/State Government-supported Technology Business Incubators (TBIs) to facilitate deep-tech research in conjunction with TBIs.
-
Candidates employed in regular or contractual positions in India can apply for the Fellowship to enhance their career prospects, but must resign from their current positions before taking up the Fellowship.
-
2. Desirable:
-
-
Candidates within the top 1% in Class 12 examinations, IIT-JEE, NEET rank holders, and those who secured the first rank in graduation or post-graduation level university examinations are encouraged to apply.
-
Fellowship Benefits:
Each selected INSPIRE Faculty Fellow will receive a consolidated fellowship of ₹1,25,000 per month, with an annual increment of ₹2,000. Additionally, a research grant of ₹7,00,000 per year for five years will be provided. The fellowship is subject to tax under the Indian IT Act. The Fellowship period is capped at five years, and availing fellowships concurrently from multiple sources during this tenure is not permitted.
Application Process:
Interested and eligible candidates must submit their applications online through the INSPIRE web portal https://onlineinspire.gov.in. The portal will be open for submissions from June 1, 2024, to July 15, 2024, until 23:59 hrs IST. Applicants are advised to read the guidelines available on the portal carefully before submission.
The last date for application submission is July 15, 2024, until 23:59 hrs IST.
This call for applications presents a significant opportunity for young researchers in India to advance their careers and contribute to the country's scientific and technological progress.
