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 details of number of students supported under various components of the INSPIRE Scheme during the last three years are given below:

 

During the last three years, out of the total number of beneficiaries, 224 INSPIRE-MANAK, 35 INSPIRE-SHE, 88 INSPIRE Fellowship, and 11 INSPIRE Faculty Fellowship beneficiaries are from Bhopal, while 146 INSPIRE-MANAK and 1 INSPIRE-SHE beneficiaries are from the Dahod Lok Sabha Constituency.

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 details of the number of schools and districts covered across the country under the scheme, including district-wise data for Madhya Pradesh and Bhopal district, are given below:

The details of the number of students, schools, and districts covered in Madhya Pradesh under the scheme during the last three years are given below:

District	No. of students participated	No. of schools participated
Agar Malwa	881	269
Alirajpur	1007	249
Anuppur	1212	408
Ashoknagar	2495	903
Balaghat	4446	1188
Barwani	709	241
Betul	5321	1373
Bhind	970	300
Bhopal	3175	880
Burhanpur	827	285
Chhatarpur	3162	826
Chhindwara	12245	2982
Damoh	4395	1263
Datia	1649	490
Dewas	2859	906
Dhar	5536	1446
Dindori	1198	334
Guna	2159	729
Gwalior	2245	634
Harda	1267	402
Hoshangabad	4182	1274
Indore	2853	870
Jabalpur	3673	1071
Jhabua	264	72
Katni	2125	567
Khandwa (East Nimar)	3187	833
Khargone	1229	359
Maihar	42	9
Mandla	781	275
Mandsaur	1458	401
Morena	1628	451
Narsinghpur	2948	870
Neemuch	3290	814
Niwari	1584	371
Pandhurna	22	5
Panna	2987	970
Raisen	2342	719
Rajgarh	1282	463
Ratlam	13170	3001
Rewa	2840	873
Sagar	3682	967
Satna	15077	3262
Sehore	2748	894
Seoni	4058	1278
Shahdol	923	288
Shajapur	2280	643
Sheopur	933	295
Shivpuri	2632	659
Sidhi	1953	594
Singrauli	3802	1024
Tikamgarh	2430	610
Ujjain	3436	1235
Umaria	2282	732
Vidisha	2593	925
Narmadapuram	5	1

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.

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NKR/FT/NM

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