Components of INSPIRE Programme

The INSPIRE program has five components that cover different stages of education from class 6 to post-doctoral level. These are:

• Scheme for Early Attraction of Talent (SEATS):

This component targets students of classes 6 to 10 who have an aptitude and interest in science. It provides them with opportunities to interact with eminent scientists, visit research laboratories, participate in science fairs and exhibitions, attend summer camps, etc. The aim is to expose them to the excitement and joy of doing science and to inspire them to take up science as a hobby or a career.

• Scholarship for Higher Education (SHE):

This component targets students who have passed class 12 with science subjects and are enrolled in undergraduate courses in basic and natural sciences. It provides them with a monthly scholarship of Rs. 80,000 per year for five years or till the completion of their degree, whichever is earlier. The aim is to encourage them to continue their studies in science and to pursue research careers.

• Assured Opportunity for Research Careers (AORC)

This component targets students who have completed their undergraduate or postgraduate courses in basic and natural sciences and are interested in pursuing doctoral or post-doctoral research. It provides them with two schemes: INSPIRE Fellowship and INSPIRE Faculty. The INSPIRE Fellowship provides a monthly stipend of Rs. 35,000 for doctoral research for five years or till the completion of their PhD, whichever is earlier. The INSPIRE Faculty provides a contractual position for post-doctoral research for five years with an annual salary of Rs. 12 lakhs. The aim is to provide them with assured opportunities for research careers in both academic and non-academic institutions.

• INSPIRE Internship

This component targets students who are pursuing their undergraduate or postgraduate courses in basic and natural sciences and are interested in doing short-term research projects under the guidance of mentors. It provides them with a monthly stipend of Rs. 10,000 for a duration of one to six months. The aim is to provide them with hands-on experience in research and to enhance their skills and knowledge.

• INSPIRE Awards-MANAK (Million Minds Augmenting National Aspirations and Knowledge)

This component targets students of class 6 to 10 who have innovative ideas or projects that can solve societal or environmental problems using science and technology. It provides them with an award of Rs. 10,000 each for developing their ideas or projects into prototypes or models. The aim is to foster a culture of innovation and creativity among young students.

Innovation in Science Pursuit for Inspired Research (INSPIRE) programme was launched by the Department of Science & Technology (DST) of India in 2008 to attract and nurture young bright students 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. The programme is designed to identify talent among students and attract them towards studying science and scientific programmes that have an experimental vision.