📷 Image: Wikimedia Commons / Lev.Borisovitch
Education
CBSE, Bihar students gain while UP loses in INSPIRE scholarship revamp
✍️ Hindustan Times
🗓 10 Nov 2026, 12:16 PM
👁 15
A recent overhaul of the INSPIRE scholarship allocation rules has increased the share for CBSE‑affiliated and Bihar students, while Uttar Pradesh sees a reduction in its allotted slots.
The Ministry of Education has announced a revision of the INSPIRE scholarship allocation framework, shifting a larger proportion of seats to students from CBSE‑affiliated schools and the state of Bihar. Under the new guidelines, the weightage given to board performance and state‑wise quotas has been recalibrated, resulting in a noticeable gain for Bihar candidates.
Conversely, Uttar Pradesh, which previously enjoyed a higher quota under the earlier scheme, now faces a reduced share of the scholarships. Officials said the adjustment aims to balance regional representation and reward academic merit across different boards.
Student groups from Bihar welcomed the change, citing improved access to the prestigious award, while representatives from Uttar Pradesh expressed disappointment and called for a review of the criteria. The ministry affirmed that the revised allocation will be implemented from the upcoming academic cycle.
Conversely, Uttar Pradesh, which previously enjoyed a higher quota under the earlier scheme, now faces a reduced share of the scholarships. Officials said the adjustment aims to balance regional representation and reward academic merit across different boards.
Student groups from Bihar welcomed the change, citing improved access to the prestigious award, while representatives from Uttar Pradesh expressed disappointment and called for a review of the criteria. The ministry affirmed that the revised allocation will be implemented from the upcoming academic cycle.