The Innovation in Science Pursuit for Inspired Research (INSPIRE) Scheme of the Department of Science and Technology (DST), Government of India is a national initiative aimed at attracting talented youth to study basic and natural sciences and pursue research careers in areas such as engineering, medicine, agriculture, and veterinary sciences, thereby strengthening the country’s research and development base. The scheme operates through multiple components across different educational stages. INSPIRE-MANAK (Million Minds Augmenting National Aspiration and Knowledge) targets students aged 10-17 studying in Classes VI–XII by encouraging innovative ideas and scientific curiosity; schools can nominate up to five students annually through the E-MIAS portal, and selected students receive ₹10,000 through Direct Benefit Transfer to develop and present their projects at district, state, and national exhibitions. Scholarship for Higher Education (SHE) supports talented students aged 17-22 with 12,000 scholarships each year worth ₹80,000 per annum to pursue bachelor’s and master’s degrees in basic and natural sciences along with mentoring opportunities. At the research level, the INSPIRE Fellowship supports outstanding students pursuing PhD programs for up to five years with fellowships equivalent to CSIR-UGC NET (₹37,000 per month as JRF and ₹42,000 as SRF plus HRA and contingency grant of ₹20,000 per annum). Additionally, the INSPIRE Faculty Fellowship offers early-career post-doctoral researchers aged 27–32 a five-year fellowship with ₹1,25,000 per month, annual increments, and a research grant of ₹35 lakh to establish independent research careers in basic and applied sciences. Together, these components create a continuous pipeline to nurture scientific talent from school level to advanced research. The number of students supported under various components of the Innovation in Science Pursuit for Inspired Research (INSPIRE) Scheme during the last three years, State/UT-wise, particularly in Andhra Pradesh including Palnadu district, Odisha including Nabarangpur Lok Sabha Constituency, Uttar Pradesh including Bulandshahr district and including Rajasthan are given below:

The details of number of students supported under INSPIRE-MANAK and INSPIRE-SHE components of INSPIRE Scheme from Palnadu district of Andhra Pradesh, Nabarangpur Lok Sabha Constituency of Odisha and Bulandshahr district of Uttar Pradesh are given below:

The Ministry has expanded its efforts to promote innovation and research among school students through initiatives like INSPIRE-MANAK. This programme targets students from Classes 6 to 12, encouraging them to submit original and creative ideas. Selected students receive financial assistance of ₹10,000 to develop prototypes of their ideas. The scheme has been broadened to include a larger number of schools across the country, with a special focus on rural and government institutions to ensure wider access. It provides a well-structured platform where students can showcase their ideas at district, state, and national levels. Additionally, mentoring support is offered throughout the process to help nurture scientific thinking, creativity, and problem-solving abilities among students.

The number of students, schools and districts covered across the country under the INSPIRE-MANAK scheme are given below:

Financial Year	No. of students participated	No. of schools participated	No. of districts covered
2023-24	854553	224283	719
2024-25	1013229	253459	723
2025-26	1147343	274528	729

The number of schools and districts covered under the INSPIRE-MANAK in Andhra Pradesh including Palnadu district are given below:

The details of number of students selected or benefited under INSPIRE-MANAK from Andhra Pradesh, district-wise including Palnadu district are given below:

 

The details of number of schools and districts covered under INSPIRE-MANAK from the Nabarangpur Lok Sabha Constituency, Odisha are given below:

Financial Year	No. of students participated	No. of schools participated
2023-24	2511	711
2024-25	2125	555
2025-26	1564	386

 

The Ministry has implemented several targeted measures to increase the participation of students from rural areas and under-represented groups in scientific research programmes such as INSPIRE-MANAK. To expand outreach, awareness meetings are regularly conducted with State and District Nodal Officers, along with teacher training workshops to sensitize and encourage schools to participate. A comprehensive multimedia campaign using videos, posters, social media, and email communication has also been launched to reach a wider audience, particularly in remote areas. These efforts have led to a steady rise in participation, with notable growth from rural regions. In addition to outreach, the Ministry has strengthened support mechanisms for selected students. Each shortlisted student receives ₹10,000 to develop a prototype of their idea. They are also provided access to mentoring and technical support through Atal Tinkering Labs (ATLs). Student’s progress through structured district, state, and national-level competitions, ensuring continued engagement and exposure. Further, mentoring workshops are organized in collaboration with premier institutions such as IITs and NITs for students selected at advanced stages. State-level winners receive financial assistance to refine their prototypes for national-level presentation. At the national level, students are supported with incubation facilities, including patent filing assistance and technical guidance, enabling them to transform their ideas into scalable and socially relevant innovations.

This information was given by the Minister of State (Independent charge) for the Ministry of Science and Technology & Earth Sciences Dr. Jitendra Singh in a written reply in the Lok Sabha today.

*****

NKR/FT/NM

(Release ID: 2247713) Visitor Counter : 72