To encourage talented youth in India to pursue science and research, the government has launched several schemes. One of the important initiatives was the Kishore Vaigyanik Protsahan Yojana (KVPY), which has now been incorporated under the INSPIRE (Innovation in Science Pursuit for Inspired Research) program. This scheme was created for students who are interested in science and want to choose it as their career. In this article, we will talk about this scheme in detail, what it is, what is its objective, who can apply, and now how it is integrated with INSPIRE. Our effort is to make the information simple and clear, as if you are talking to your friend or a family member.
What is Kishore Vaigyanik Protsahan Yojana?
Kishore Vaigyanik Protsahan Yojana was started by the Department of Science and Technology (DST) in 1999. Its main objective was to encourage school and college students who show exceptional talent in science and research. This scheme provided financial assistance and guidance to students who have a keen interest in the field of science and want to make it a part of their studies and career. Under this scheme, students were given scholarships, as well as they got the opportunity to participate in training and projects in national level research institutes.
However, in 2022, the government subsumed KVPY under the INSPIRE programme. INSPIRE is a comprehensive scheme that works at multiple levels to promote science and research. KVPY is now a part of INSPIRE, but its core purpose remains the same – to attract young talent to science and provide them with resources.
Objective of the Scheme
The objective of the scheme is very clear:
- To promote scientific temper amongst school and college students.
- To motivate students to pursue careers in science and research.
- To provide financial aid to meritorious students so that they can complete their studies without any hindrance.
- To connect students with national and international scientists and institutions.
- To contribute in making India self-reliant in the field of science and technology.
This scheme is a golden opportunity for those students who want to do something new in the field of science like research in Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, Biology or other related fields.
Eligibility Criteria
There are certain conditions that need to be fulfilled to avail the benefits of KVPY (now under INSPIRE). These conditions are as follows:
1. Categories of students:
- Class 11 (SA Stream): Students who are studying science subjects (Physics, Chemistry, Maths, or Biology) in class 11. Must have at least 75% marks (65% for SC/ST/PwD) in class 10.
- Class 12 (SX Stream): Class 12 science students who are planning to study science at the graduation level next year. Minimum 75% marks in 12th (65% for SC/ST/PwD) is required.
- Graduation level (SB stream): Students who are studying basic science (B.Sc./B.S./B.Math./B.Stat./Int. M.Sc.) in the first year of graduation. Must have at least 60% marks (55% for SC/ST/PwD) in 12th
2. National Level Exams:
- Students have to perform well in JEE Main, JEE Advanced, NEET, or other national-level entrance exams. Under INSPIRE, students ranked in the top 1% are given priority.
- In some cases, students who have performed well in the National Science Olympiad or other competitions may also be eligible
3. Indian Citizenship
- The applicant must be an Indian citizen.
4. Course Condition
- Scholarships are given only for courses that are related to basic science or research. For example, engineering or medical courses are not covered under this scheme.
Amount of Scholarship
The amount of scholarship offered under KVPY (now under INSPIRE) is as follows:
- For classes 11 and 12: Rs 5,000 per month (Rs 60,000 per annum).
- For undergraduate and postgraduate: Rs 7,000 per month (Rs 84,000 per annum).
- Summer Training: An additional grant of Rs 20,000 per year is given for summer research camps or projects.
This amount is given for a maximum of five years, provided the student continues to perform well in his course. The amount is deposited directly into the student’s bank account through DBT.
Application Procedure
Applying for INSPIRE-KVPY is now completely online. Read the steps given below carefully to understand the process:
1. Visit the official website:
- Visit the INSPIRE website of the Department of Science and Technology (www.online-inspire.gov.in) (www.online-inspire.gov.in).
- The Scholarship for Higher Education (SHE)” Or KVPY season
2. Registration:
- Do a new registration. For this, you will have to provide your name, date of birth, Aadhaar number, and mobile number.
- After registration you will get a user ID and password.
3. Fill up the application form:
- Log in and fill out the online form. This will require you to provide your educational information, 10th/12th marksheet, and course details.
- Upload required documents like mark sheet, Aadhar card, and bank account details.
4. Exams (if applicable):
- Earlier KVPY had an aptitude test, but now this test has been done away with under INSPIRE. Selection is now based on marks in board exams, JEE, NEET, or other national level exams.
5. Submit and Track:
- After submitting the form, you will get an application number. Using this, you can check the status of your application.
The application deadlines are usually between August and November. So, keep an eye on the website from time to time.
Required Documents
Keep the following documents ready for application:
- 10th and 12th mark sheets.
- Copy of Aadhar card.
- Bank account details (copy of passbook).
- Certificate of admission to Graduation (for SB stream).
- JEE/NEET Rank Card (if applicable).
- Attestation letter from the Principal of the School/College.
Benefits of the Scheme
The INSPIRE-KVPY scheme is special for several reasons:
- Financial Aid: This scholarship helps students with their study expenses, allowing them to focus on research without any stress.
- Training Opportunities: Students get a chance to attend summer camps at IISc, IISER, and other top institutes.
- Career Building: This scheme makes it easier to build a career in science.
- Recognising Talent: This scheme recognises students who perform exceptionally well in science.
Challenges and Solutions
There are some challenges which the students may face:
- Lack of awareness: Many students in rural areas are not aware of this scheme. Schools and colleges should conduct awareness campaigns.
- Application Process: There may be technical issues while filling the online form. The solution is to start the application early and keep the documents ready.
- Competition: Since the selection is based on merit, students must pay extra attention to their studies.
Latest update (up to 2025)
By 2025, KVPY will be fully subsumed under INSPIRE. Some important updates are as follows:
- Aptitude tests have been removed, and selection is now based on board and national examinations.
- The website has been upgraded to further simplify the application process.
- Coordination with other components under INSPIRE, such as INSPIRE Awards and Fellowships, has been enhanced.
Conclusion
Kishore Vaigyanik Protsahan Yojana (now part of INSPIRE) is a great opportunity for students who want to make it big in science. It not only provides financial aid but also connects students to the world of research. If you or any child in your family is interested in science, then definitely take advantage of this scheme. Apply on time, keep all the documents ready, and do not miss this opportunity. Science is the future of India, and this scheme can help you in shaping that future.
