India, April 1 -- The Government of India has issued a release:
INSPIRE Components
No. of students supported
2023-24
2024-25
2025-26
INSPIRE-MANAK
46926
50009
49805
INSPIRE -SHE
7976
9494
9046
INSPIRE Fellowship
796
305
923
INSPIRE Faculty Fellowship
100
58
171
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
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 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 Rs.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 Rs.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 (Rs.37,000 per month as JRF and Rs.42,000 as SRF plus HRA and contingency grant of Rs.20,000 per annum). Additionally, the INSPIRE Faculty Fellowship offers early-career post-doctoral researchers aged 27-32 a five-year fellowship with Rs.1,25,000 per month, annual increments, and a research grant of Rs.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 Rs.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:
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 Rs.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.
Disclaimer: Curated by HT Syndication.
