The Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) has urged the Union Government to immediately release the notification for the INSPIRE Scholarship for Higher Education (INSPIRE SHE) for the academic year 2025–26 and expedite the disbursal of pending scholarship and fellowship amounts, warning that prolonged delays are adversely affecting thousands of students and young researchers across the country.
In a memorandum submitted to Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology Dr. Jitendra Singh, the student organisation raised concerns over the continued delay in issuing the INSPIRE SHE notification as well as the non-release of pending financial assistance under the Department of Science and Technology (DST)’s flagship scholarship scheme.
The memorandum highlighted that INSPIRE SHE has been one of the Government of India’s flagship initiatives aimed at encouraging meritorious students to pursue higher education in science and natural sciences. Traditionally, the notification for the scheme is released between September and October each year, enabling eligible students to receive timely financial support.
However, with the notification for the 2025–26 academic session yet to be released, thousands of eligible students remain uncertain about their scholarships. The organisation also pointed to persistent delays in the release of scholarship and fellowship installments, stating that the situation has disrupted research activities, laboratory work and academic progress for several students.
ABVP demanded the immediate release of the INSPIRE SHE notification, timely disbursal of all pending scholarships and fellowships, the introduction of a transparent and fixed timeline for future notifications and fund releases, and the establishment of an effective grievance redressal mechanism for students.
ABVP National General Secretary Dr Virendra Singh Solanki said that scientific education and research would play a vital role in achieving the vision of a Viksit Bharat, and schemes such as INSPIRE SHE are essential for nurturing future scientific talent.
He said the prolonged delay in notifications and scholarship disbursals has negatively impacted thousands of students, while disruptions in research activities have also affected the quality of scientific work.
“If India aspires to emerge as a global leader in science and innovation, it is imperative to provide timely institutional support and financial assistance to meritorious students and young researchers,” Solanki said, expressing hope that the government would address the issue without further delay.
Following the submission of the memorandum, the ABVP delegation held discussions with Dr. Jitendra Singh regarding the issues surrounding the INSPIRE SHE scheme. According to the organisation, the Minister assured the delegation that both the release of the INSPIRE SHE notification and the disbursal of pending scholarship and fellowship amounts would be taken up at the earliest.
The delegation included ABVP National General Secretary Dr Virendra Singh Solanki, National Secretary Shravan B. Raj, Kshama Sharma, Aditya Takiyar, Central Executive Council Member Gunjan Kumar, Delhi University Students’ Union President Aryan Mann, along with Neha Yadav and Gargi Joshi.
