Kishore Vaigyanik Protsahan Yojana (KVPY): Eligibility, Benefits, Exam & Discontinuation

The Kishore Vaigyanik Protsahan Yojana (KVPY) was a prestigious national scholarship program initiated by the Government of India to encourage talented students to pursue careers in basic sciences and research. The primary aim of KVPY was to identify and nurture young scientific talent by providing financial support and mentorship at an early academic stage. 

Its objectives included promoting interest in science education, strengthening the research pipeline in India, and supporting students through continuous scholarship and guidance. The scheme offered benefits such as monthly fellowships and annual contingency grants to support academic and research-related expenses. Students studying in Classes 11, 12, and undergraduate courses in basic sciences were eligible, subject to meeting academic performance criteria and qualifying the prescribed aptitude test and interview (as applicable).

Kishore Vaigyanik Protsahan Yojana

The Kishore Vaigyanik Protsahan Yojana offered a structured path for science enthusiasts. It guided students through various stages. Understanding its components is key to grasping its impact.

Eligibility Criteria

Students must meet specific kvpy eligibility criteria to qualify for the scholarship. Eligibility depended on their current academic year and marks in science subjects.

• Stream SA: Students in Class 11 (Science stream) were eligible. 

• Stream SX: Students in Class 12 (Science stream) were eligible.

• Stream SB: Students enrolled in the first year of an undergraduate Basic Sciences program were eligible.

Note: Students needed specific marks in the qualifying examination.

Exam Structure

The aptitude test followed a specific kvpy exam pattern. This test assessed students' understanding of Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, and Biology.

• The exam had two parts: Part I and Part II.

• Questions were multiple-choice type.

• Both positive and negative marking were applied.

• The exam duration was typically three hours.

Selection Process

The KVPY selection process involved two main stages. The first stage was a written aptitude test, and the second was an interview for shortlisted candidates.

• Aptitude Test: Students first appear for the computer-based aptitude test.

• Interview: Candidates who cleared the test were called for an interview.

Fellowship Amounts

The kvpy fellowship amount varied based on the academic stage of the student. The KVPY benefits included both a monthly fellowship and a contingency grant.

• For B.Sc./B.S./B.Stat./B.Math./Integrated M.Sc./M.S. during 1st to 3rd year: Monthly fellowship of Rs. 5,000, Annual Contingency Grant of Rs. 20,000.

• For M.Sc./M.S./M.Math./M.Stat./Integrated M.Sc./M.S. during 4th to 5th year: Monthly fellowship of Rs. 7,000, Annual Contingency Grant of Rs. 28,000.

Application Procedure

The KVPY Scholarship form was available online. Students followed the specific steps to complete the KVPY application form:

• Online Registration: First, register online with basic details.

• Form Filling: Log in with registration details and fill out the detailed application form.

• Document Upload: Upload the necessary documents, like a photograph, signature and other documents.

• Fee Payment: Pay a non-refundable application fee online.

Key Rules of Kishore Vaigyanik Protsahan Yojana

The Kishore Vaigyanik Protsahan Yojana operated under specific rules. These rules ensure fairness and academic rigour. They also covered the continuation of the scholarship.

• Academic Performance: Scholars needed to maintain good academic performance. This is required for the continuation of their fellowship.

• Course Choice: The scholarship applied only to basic science courses. These included B.Sc., B.S., B.Stat., B.Math., Integrated M.Sc., and M.S.

• Research Exposure: The program encouraged scholars to attend summer camps. These camps offer research exposure.

• Discontinuation: The scholarship could be discontinued if academic performance drops. It also stopped if a scholar changed their course to a non-basic science stream.

Is the PKVY Scheme Discontinued?

The Kishore Vaigyanik Protsahan Yojana (KVPY) exam has been discontinued and is no longer conducted as a separate national test. The Department of Science & Technology (DST), Government of India, decided from 2022 onwards to subsume KVPY into the INSPIRE programme, meaning the traditional KVPY aptitude test is no longer held and scholarship selection is carried out through INSPIRE-related mechanisms instead. However, ongoing KVPY fellows continue to receive their fellowship under existing norms.