Department of Science and Technology rolls out INSPIRE programs to boost STEM learning across India

In a bid to strengthen India’s research and development ecosystem, the Department of Science and Technology (DST) is implementing a suite of science-focused programs under its INSPIRE initiative.

According to an official release shared by the Press Information Buraeu, these programs include the INSPIRE-MANAK (Million Minds Augmenting National Aspiration and Knowledge) scheme, INSPIRE Scholarship for Higher Education (SHE), and the Vigyan Jyoti program. Together, these initiatives aim to attract talented youth to study basic and natural sciences at school and college levels, foster innovative thinking, and encourage careers in research across disciplines including engineering, medicine, agriculture, and veterinary sciences.

By engaging students from diverse backgrounds, these schemes are helping build a strong pipeline of future scientists and innovators.The official PIB release can be downloaded by clicking on the link here.

INSPIRE-MANAK: Sparking innovation at the school level

As per the information released by PIB, the INSPIRE-MANAK scheme targets students aged 10 to 17 years, studying in classes VI to XII. It seeks to promote scientific curiosity, creative thinking, and innovation among young learners.

All recognised schools across India, whether government, private, aided, or unaided, are eligible to nominate up to five students annually via the E-MIAS portal.Selected students receive financial assistance of ₹10,000, directly transferred to their bank accounts under the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) system. The funds support development of projects, models, or ideas, and participation in competitions organized at District, State, and National levels.

Each year, the scheme receives around one million idea submissions from students nationwide. About 50,000 students are shortlisted for the three-tier competition, where mentoring is provided for prototype development and potential commercialisation.Key evaluation metrics include the innovativeness of ideas, research aptitude, and active participation. The program has been particularly effective in engaging schools and students across diverse regions of the country.

INSPIRE-SHE: Scholarships for higher education in science

The INSPIRE Scholarship for Higher Education (SHE) focuses on students aged 17 to 22 years who rank within the top 1% of their respective Central or State Boards. The scheme provides 12,000 scholarships annually, offering ₹80,000 per year for Bachelor’s and Master’s programs in natural and basic sciences.Scholarship recipients are required to maintain consistent academic performance, securing at least First Class (60% marks) annually.

In addition, students undertake a 6–8 week summer research internship at reputed academic organisations. Mentorship is provided by supervising scientists, and each year approximately 4,000 scholars receive continued guidance for research projects.This program has created a substantial talent pool of highly skilled young researchers in India, supporting both basic and applied science disciplines.

Vigyan Jyoti: Bridging the gender gap in STEM

The Vigyan Jyoti program specifically targets meritorious school girls in classes IX to XII, particularly from underrepresented regions.

The initiative seeks to increase female participation in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) and support their academic and professional growth.The program includes student-parent counseling, role model interactions, visits to IITs, NITs, and CSIR laboratories, hands-on STEM sessions, tinkering activities, and academic support for competitive exams. Mentorship by scientists and STEM professionals helps build confidence, leadership, and communication skills, encouraging girls to pursue higher education and research careers.

Inclusivity and outreach

All three programs actively support marginalized and underrepresented groups. Participation data over the past three years highlights consistent growth among SC, ST, and female students:

Source: Press Information BureauThese numbers reflect the DST’s commitment to equitable access to science education and research opportunities across gender and social categories.

Strengthening India’s R&D ecosystem

By nurturing young talent, fostering innovation, and promoting gender equality, these science stream schemes are enhancing India’s research and development base. The DST’s sustained efforts through INSPIRE-MANAK, INSPIRE-SHE, and Vigyan Jyoti are helping create the next generation of scientists, engineers, and innovators, contributing to India’s vision of a knowledge-driven economy.