The Ministry of Science & Technology provided detailed parliamentary data on the implementation of the Innovation in Science Pursuit for Inspired Research - Scholarship for Higher Education (INSPIRE-SHE) Scheme, confirming that annual scholarship targets have been achieved through both Direct Mode and Institution Mode. Scholarships are awarded strictly to eligible candidates according to approved provisions and selection criteria.
State-wise data from 2019-20 to 2024-25 shows significant variation in application and selection patterns. Uttar Pradesh recorded the highest cumulative applications (44,628) and selections (61,165) over the six-year period, followed by Rajasthan with 23,571 applications and 14,966 selections. Kerala showed consistently high application numbers (7,637 total) but lower selection rates. Several smaller states and union territories like Andaman and Nicobar, Arunachal Pradesh, Ladakh, and Sikkim had minimal to no activity throughout the period.
Financial allocations remained stable between Rs 212.19 crore (2023-24) and Rs 238.64 crore (2020-21), with the 2025-26 allocation at Rs 232.17 crore. The scheme maintained consistent utilization of funds across all financial years.
Gender demographic data reveals a shift toward female dominance in selections starting from 2021-22. While male beneficiaries outnumbered females in 2019-20 (5,885 vs 4,879) and 2020-21 (5,514 vs 4,947), females exceeded males from 2021-22 onward, reaching 6,495 female beneficiaries versus 4,799 males in 2024-25 (57.5% female representation).
Rural-urban distribution shows rural beneficiaries consistently outnumbered urban recipients, though the gap narrowed significantly in 2024-25 with 6,004 rural versus 5,290 urban selections. Previous years showed more substantial rural dominance, particularly in 2022-23 with 7,878 rural versus 2,661 urban beneficiaries.
The government regularly reviews the implementation and outcomes of the INSPIRE-SHE scheme to ensure continued effectiveness in supporting higher education research initiatives.