KVPY Scholarship: Eligibility, Benefits, Exam Status Explained

The Kishore Vaigyanik Protsahan Yojana (KVPY) was a flagship national scholarship programme launched by the Government of India to encourage academically bright students to pursue careers in basic sciences and research. The scheme aimed to identify scientific talent at an early stage and support students through sustained financial assistance and academic mentorship. The KVPY aptitude test has been discontinued since 2022 and merged with the INSPIRE programme. However, students who were already selected under KVPY continue to receive fellowships as per existing rules.

What Was the KVPY Scheme?

KVPY was designed to strengthen India’s research ecosystem by supporting students studying science at the school and undergraduate levels. The scheme focused on long-term academic growth rather than one-time rewards. Selected students received monthly fellowships, annual contingency grants, and opportunities for research exposure, including science camps and interactions with leading scientists.

KVPY Eligibility Criteria (Before Discontinuation)

Eligibility under KVPY depended on the student’s academic level and science stream.

• Stream SA: Students studying in Class 11 (Science stream)
• Stream SX: Students studying in Class 12 (Science stream)
• Stream SB: Students enrolled in the first year of an undergraduate basic science course

Candidates were required to secure minimum qualifying marks in the relevant examinations, as prescribed each year.

KVPY Exam Pattern

The KVPY aptitude test assessed conceptual understanding rather than rote learning.

• Subjects covered: Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, and Biology
• Question type: Multiple-choice
• Exam structure: Part I and Part II
• Marking scheme: Both positive and negative marking
• Duration: Three hours

KVPY Selection Process

The selection process was conducted in two stages:

1. Aptitude Test – Computer-based national-level examination
2. Interview – Conducted for candidates shortlisted after the test

Final selection was based on combined performance in both stages.

KVPY Fellowship Amount

The fellowship amount varied according to the academic stage of the student.

Key Rules of KVPY Scholarship

• Scholars were required to maintain strong academic performance
• The scholarship applied only to basic science courses
• Students were encouraged to participate in summer research camps
• The fellowship could be discontinued if academic standards were not met or if the student shifted to a non-science stream

Is KVPY Discontinued?

Yes. The Department of Science and Technology (DST) decided to discontinue the KVPY aptitude test from 2022 onwards. The scheme has been subsumed under the INSPIRE programme