Innovation in Science Pursuit for Inspired Research (INSPIRE) is a flagship programme launched by the Department of Science and Technology (DST) under the Ministry of Science and Technology. Initiated in 2008, the scheme aims to attract talent to the study of science at an early age and build a critical human resource pool to strengthen and expand the science and technology system and R&D base in the country.
Core Objectives and Philosophy
The primary objective of INSPIRE is to communicate the excitement of creative pursuit of science to youth and encourage them to opt for studies in basic and applied sciences. Unlike traditional financial assistance programs, INSPIRE focuses on “mentoring” and “nurturing” talent across different stages of education.
- Attracting young talent to science through early intervention.
- Providing long-term scholarships to meritorious students.
- Promoting research careers among doctoral and post-doctoral candidates.
- Creating a continuous pipeline of scientific human resources for the nation.
Three Major Components of INSPIRE
The programme is structured into three distinct components, targeting different educational cohorts to ensure a comprehensive scientific ecosystem.
INSPIRE Award – MANAK (Million Minds Augmenting National Aspirations and Knowledge)
This component targets school students in the age group of 10-15 years (Classes 6 to 10). It aims to foster a culture of creativity and innovative thinking among school children.
- Objective: To motivate students to become future innovators and address societal problems through science and technology.
- Process: Students submit innovative ideas or projects. Shortlisted ideas receive a financial grant of Rs 10,000 for the development of a prototype.
- Implementation: Executed in collaboration with the National Innovation Foundation (NIF), an autonomous body of the DST.
INSPIRE Scholarship for Higher Education (SHE)
SHE provides financial support to meritorious students pursuing Bachelors and Masters level education in natural and basic sciences.
- Eligibility: Students within the top 1% aggregate in Class 12 board examinations or those who have secured ranks in competitive exams like JEE, NEET, or KVPY.
- Financial Assistance: Each scholar receives a scholarship of Rs 80,000 per annum, which includes a summer research project allowance.
- Scope: The scholarship is available for subjects including Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, Biology, Statistics, Geology, Astrophysics, and Astronomy, among others.
INSPIRE Fellowship and Faculty Award
These components target higher education researchers to ensure a career path in basic and applied research.
- INSPIRE Fellowship: Offers fellowship to PhD students in Science and Engineering/Technology/Agriculture/Medicine. It provides a monthly fellowship and research grant at par with other national fellowships.
- INSPIRE Faculty Award: Designed to provide attractive career opportunities to young researchers (post-doctoral) through a contractual research position. It serves as an “assured opportunity” for researchers to transition into independent, full-time academic or research careers.
Summary of Key Provisions
| Component | Target Group | Primary Goal |
| INSPIRE Award – MANAK | Classes 6–10 | Fostering innovation and prototype development. |
| INSPIRE Scholarship (SHE) | UG and PG Science Students | Encouraging degree-level studies in basic sciences. |
| INSPIRE Fellowship | PhD Students | Promoting high-quality doctoral research. |
| INSPIRE Faculty Award | Post-Doctoral Researchers | Ensuring long-term careers in academia/research. |
Significance for National R&D
The INSPIRE programme is a strategic investment in India’s “Scientific Capital.” By addressing the entire lifecycle of a researcher—from a school innovator to an established faculty member—it bridges the gap in the scientific workforce.
- Workforce Pipeline: It ensures a steady supply of high-quality human resources for organizations like ISRO, DRDO, CSIR, and various IITs/IISERs.
- Demographic Dividend: It leverages India’s youth population by channeling their creative energy into scientific and technological problem-solving.
- Research Culture: By providing financial independence, it reduces the attrition of talent from core sciences to non-science professional streams.
- Societal Impact: Through the MANAK component, it encourages students to observe local problems (such as water scarcity, sanitation, or agricultural issues) and design locally relevant technological solutions.
Important Facts for UPSC Aspirants
- Nodal Agency: Department of Science and Technology (DST).
- Launch Year: 2008.
- Coverage: It is a pan-India programme and is not restricted to any specific university or academic institution.
- Selection Criteria: Most components are based on merit and performance in public examinations, ensuring transparency and competitive selection.
- Linkage: It works in synergy with the Scientific and Engineering Research Board (SERB) to facilitate advanced research opportunities.