Innovation in Science Pursuit for Inspired Research (INSPIRE)” Scheme of Department of Science and Technology (DST) is being implemented in the country. The scheme aims to attract meritorious youth to study basic and natural sciences at the college and university level and to pursue research careers in both basic and applied science areas including engineering, medicine, agriculture and veterinary sciences spread across all States/UTs across the country. The ultimate aim is to expand the R&D base of the country.

INSPIRE MANAK (Million Minds Augmenting National Aspiration and Knowledge) scheme is implemented with objectives (i) to attract young students to study science and pursue research career (ii) to promote creative thinking and foster a culture of innovation among them. The INSPIRE MANAK Scheme intends to target young students in the age group of 10-17 years and studying in class VI to XII. All schools in the country, recognized by the District / State Education authorities, whether Government or private, aided or un-aided, run by Central Government or State Government or local bodies, and having classes 6 to 12 are eligible to nominate 5 students from their schools, during the financial year. The nominations are sought from schools, by the Department, during specific period of the year, through online mode at E-MIAS portal (www.inspireawards-dst.gov.in).

The nomination process includes submitting of basic details of the students, bank account details, along with a brief idea/ synopsis of the proposed model/project. These online nominations are scrutinized on the basis of the idea provided by the students and the selected students receive financial assistance of Rs.10,000/- each, for preparation of project/model/showcasing of idea and participation at exhibitions organized at three levels viz. District, State and National. The financial assistance under this scheme is being transferred directly into the bank accounts of the students through Direct Benefit Transfer.

INSPIRE Internship aims at providing exposure to 50,000 top 1% students at Class X Board level by organizing Science Camps and provide opportunity to them to interact with science icons from India and abroad, including Nobel Laureates, to experience the joys of scientific pursuit. These science camps nourish the curiosity of students in science, help them to think out-of-the box and attract students at an early age of 16-17 years to opt for science subjects for further studies. The internship camps are residential for a period of 5 days per camp.

Scholarship for Higher Education (SHE) aims to enhance the rate of attachment of talented youth to undertake higher education in science intensive programs by providing scholarships and mentoring through summer attachment with leading researchers. The scheme offers 12,000 Scholarships every year @ Rs 0.80 lakh per year for undertaking Bachelor and Masters level education in natural and basic sciences for the talented youth in the age group 17-22 years.

INSPIRE Fellowship is offered to students having secured 1st Rank in Basic & Applied Sciences including engineering, medicine, agriculture, veterinary at the University/ academic institute of national importance i.e. IITs, NITs, IISERs level examination as well as Inspire Scholars having secure 70% marks in aggregate at the MSc level who are eligible for admission to the PhD Program in any recognized university/ academic institutions in the country. The Fellowships are tenable for maximum 5 years (2 years as JRF and 3 years as SRF) or completion of PhD, whichever is earlier to pursue full-time PhD program. The Fellowship amount including the contingencies is equivalent to CSIR-UGC NET Fellowship and is governed time to time as per Govt. of India norms and regulations. At present, each fellow shall receive Rs 37,000/- per month + admissible HRA based on Host Institute city + 20,000 annual contingency as JRF and Rs. 42,000/- per month + admissible HRA based on Host Institute city + 20,000 annual contingency as SRF.

INSPIRE Faculty Fellowship provides opportunities to the post- doctoral researchers in the age group of 27-32 years for 5 years INSPIRE Faculty Fellowship in both basic and applied sciences area including engineering, agriculture, veterinary and medicine. The upper age limit as on 1st January of the year of advertisement for General category applicants is 32 years. However, the upper age limit for SC/ST/Women candidates will be 37 years. For persons with benchmark disability the upper age limit is 42 years. Each fellow shall receive fellowship of Rs 1,25,000/- per month with an annual increment of Rs. 2000/- and Rs 35 lakh (at the rate of Rs 7.0 lakh per year) of Research Grant for 5 years.

The Scheme has been revamped to encourage original ideas with potential to address societal needs through science and technology. Under the revised framework, shortlisted students from State Level Exhibition and Project Competitions (SLPECs) are provided mentoring support at premier institutions such as IITs, NITs, IISERs and Central Universities in collaboration with the National Innovation Foundation (NIF) to further refine and develop their innovations. The Scheme aims to receive one million original ideas each financial year from eligible schools across the country. Selected students are provided financial assistance of ₹10,000 each for development of their project/model and for participation in exhibitions at the District, State and National levels.

All schools in the country that are recognized by the respective District or State Education authorities whether Government, Government- aided, private, or run by Central or local bodies and having classes 6th - 12th are eligible to participate and submit original ideas under the Scheme.

NKR/AK

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