The Kishore Vaigyanik Protsahan Yojana (KVPY), which translates to the “Young Scientist Incentive Plan,” was a national fellowship program initiated by the Department of Science and Technology (DST), Government of India. Its main goal was to encourage students to pursue careers in science and research by providing scholarships, financial support, and access to premier science institutes in India.
KVPY helped identify students with exceptional aptitude in science and provided them with support from school to postgraduate levels. Although the program was discontinued in July 2022 and merged into the INSPIRE program, it played a crucial role in nurturing scientific talent in India.
When was the KVPY Scheme started?
The Kishore Vaigyanik Protsahan Yojana (KVPY) scheme was started in 1999. It was introduced by the Government of India as a way to encourage young students to build their careers in science and research.
The program was designed to spot bright students early, support them financially, and give them opportunities to explore research in basic sciences. From its beginning, the scheme became one of the most respected fellowships for science students in India.
Who started and administered KVPY?
The Department of Science and Technology (DST), Government of India, started the KVPY scheme in 1999. The Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bengaluru, was chosen to administer and manage the program.
DST provided the funding and policy support, while IISc conducted the examinations, interviews (in earlier years), and selection process. IISc also coordinated with other research institutes and universities to guide selected students.
This partnership ensured that the scheme was run professionally and maintained high academic standards, helping thousands of students take their first step into a career in science and research.
What was the main objective of KVPY?
The primary purpose of KVPY was to encourage exceptionally motivated students to take up careers in basic science research. The program focused on:
- Identifying students with talent and aptitude for research.
- Helping students realize their academic potential.
- Encouraging them to pursue research careers in science.
- Ensuring the growth of the best scientific minds for research and development in India.
Overview of Kishore Vaigyanik Protsahan Yojana
The Kishore Vaigyanik Protsahan Yojana (KVPY) was a prestigious fellowship program launched by the Government of India in 1999. Further details related to this programme are as follows:
| Feature | Details |
| Full Form | Kishore Vaigyanik Protsahan Yojana |
| Meaning | Young Scientist Incentive Plan |
| Launched In | 1999 |
| Started By | Department of Science and Technology (DST), Government of India |
| Administered By | Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bengaluru |
| Purpose | To encourage motivated students to pursue careers in basic sciences and research |
| Streams | – SA: Class 11 Science students – SX: Class 12 Science students – SB: 1st year undergraduate science students |
| Selection Process | Aptitude Test (earlier included Interview as well) |
| Subjects Covered | Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, Biology |
| Scholarship Benefits | – ₹5,000/month + ₹20,000/year for Class 11 & 12 – ₹7,000/month + ₹28,000/year for UG & PG students |
| Special Opportunities | Access to research institutes, workshops, seminars, mentorships |
| Discontinued | July 2022 |
| Replaced By | INSPIRE Program (Innovation in Science Pursuit for Inspired Research) – SHE Component |
| Reason for Merger | To reduce exam burden and provide more scholarships under one national program |
| Current Support | Existing KVPY fellows continue to get benefits until the end of their fellowship tenure |
Who administered the KVPY program?
The program was administered by the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bengaluru, in collaboration with the Department of Science and Technology (DST). The administration ensured a transparent selection process and proper monitoring of scholarships and fellowships.
What were the eligibility criteria for KVPY?
KVPY was divided into three streams based on the student’s academic level:
- Stream SA: For students in Class 11 pursuing science. They must have passed Class 10 with minimum 75% marks (65% for SC/ST/PwD).
- Stream SX: For students in Class 12 pursuing science. They must have passed Class 12 with minimum 75% marks (65% for SC/ST/PwD).
- Stream SB: For students in the first year of undergraduate science courses (B.Sc., B.S., B.Math., B.Stat., Int. M.Sc.). They must have passed Class 12 with minimum 75% marks (65% for SC/ST/PwD).
What was the structure of the KVPY examination?
The KVPY selection process initially had two stages:
- Aptitude Test: An online exam based on Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, and Biology. It consisted of objective-type questions.
- Interview: Earlier, students were called for interviews after qualifying the aptitude test. However, the interview stage was eventually discontinued, and selection relied solely on the aptitude test.
What benefits did KVPY provide to students?
KVPY offered several financial and academic benefits:
- Scholarships and contingency grants:
- For school students (Class 11 & 12): ₹5,000/month + ₹20,000/year.
- For undergraduate and postgraduate students: ₹7,000/month + ₹28,000/year.
- Research opportunities: Scholars could work in research institutes, universities, and laboratories across India.
- Workshops and seminars: KVPY provided opportunities to attend conferences, workshops, and summer research programs.
- Admission to premier institutes: Scholars gained preferential admission to IISc, IISERs, and other top science institutes in India.
Why was KVPY discontinued?
As of July 2022, the DST merged KVPY into the INSPIRE program. The reasons included:
- Reducing the burden of multiple competitive exams for students.
- INSPIRE offers more scholarships annually and is a comprehensive program for nurturing talent.
Existing KVPY fellows continue to receive their scholarships until their fellowship tenure ends.
What replaced KVPY after its discontinuation?
The INSPIRE program (Innovation in Science Pursuit for Inspired Research) now handles the objectives of KVPY through its Scholarship for Higher Education (SHE) component:
- Identification of talent: Based on Class 12 board exam results and other national-level tests.
- Scholarship benefits: ₹80,000 per annum for 12,000 students, including monthly scholarship and mentorship grant for summer research projects.
- No separate KVPY exam: Evaluation now happens through the INSPIRE framework.
How did KVPY help shape scientific careers?
KVPY played a pivotal role in building scientific careers in India by:
- Encouraging young students to pursue basic sciences and research.
- Offering financial support to focus on studies without stress.
- Providing exposure to national-level research and scientific networks.
- Guiding students to premier institutes and providing a clear path for research-oriented careers.
Questions asked in the exam based on KVPY
- What does KVPY stand for?
A. Knowledge for Various Physics Youth
B. Kishore Vaigyanik Protsahan Yojana
C. Key Vision Program for Young
D. Knowledge Verification Program for Youth
Answer: B - Which department initiated KVPY?
A. Ministry of Education
B. Department of Science and Technology
C. Indian Space Research Organisation
D. Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
Answer: B - Which institute administered KVPY?
A. IIT Delhi
B. IISc Bengaluru
C. AIIMS
D. NIT Trichy
Answer: B - Which of these streams is for Class 11 students?
A. Stream SX
B. Stream SA
C. Stream SB
D. Stream SC
Answer: B - What was the main focus of KVPY?
A. Commerce studies
B. Basic science research
C. Sports excellence
D. Language development
Answer: B
- What replaced KVPY after July 2022?
A. INSPIRE program
B. NEET exam
C. JEE Advanced
D. ICMR fellowship
Answer: A - What was the scholarship for undergraduate students under KVPY?
A. ₹3,000/month
B. ₹5,000/month
C. ₹7,000/month
D. ₹10,000/month
Answer: C - Which subjects were included in the KVPY aptitude test?
A. History and Geography
B. Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, Biology
C. English and Hindi
D. Political Science and Economics
Answer: B - Why was KVPY merged into INSPIRE?
A. To reduce exam burden and expand scholarships
B. To focus on sports
C. To reduce research funding
D. To promote arts
Answer: A - Did KVPY continue for existing fellows after 2022?
A. Yes, until their fellowship ends
B. No, it ended immediately
C. Only for undergraduate students
D. Only for international students
Answer: A
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