“Innovation in Science Pursuit for Inspired Research (INSPIRE)” is an innovative programme sponsored and managed by the Department of Science & Technology for attraction of talent to Science. The basic objective of INSPIRE is to communicate to the youth of the country the excitements of creative pursuit of science, attract talent to the study of science at an early age and thus build the required critical human resource pool for strengthening and expanding the Science & Technology system and R & D base.
About the INSPIRE Scheme
- Generation and nurturing of a human talent pool capable of utilizing and developing first principles in science is both a pre-condition and integral part of such an innovation infrastructure.
- An India specific model for attracting talent with an aptitude for research and innovation, for a career in Basic & Natural sciences is required.
- Department of Science & Technology (DST) has developed an innovative programme named Innovation in Science Pursuit for Inspired Research (INSPIRE) to attract talent to the excitement and study of science at an early age, and to help the country build the required critical resource pool for strengthening and expanding the S&T system and R&D base with a long term foresight.
- Government of India has approved the INSPIRE Scheme in November 2008 at a total cost of about Rs 1979.25 crores in the 11th Plan Period and Honourable Prime Minister launched the programme on 13th December 2008. The programme is continuing in the 12th Plan period at a budgetary allocation of Rs. 2200 crores.
Features of INSPIRE Scheme
INSPIRE has three components:
- Scheme for Early Attraction of Talent (SEATS)
- Scholarship for Higher Education (SHE) and
- Assured Opportunity for Research Careers (AORC).
- Scheme for Early Attraction of Talent (SEATS) aims to attract talented youth to study science by providing INSPIRE Award of Rs 5000 to one million young learners of the age group 10-15 years, ranging from Class VI to Class X standards, and also by arranging summer camps for about 50,000 science students of Class XI with global leaders in science to experience the joy of innovations on an annual basis through INSPIRE Internship.
- Scholarship for Higher Education (SHE) aims to enhance rates of attachment of talented youth to undertake higher education in science intensive programmes, by providing scholarships and mentorship. The scheme offers 10,000 Scholarship every year at Rs 0.80 lakh per year for the talented youth in the age group 17-22 years, for undertaking Bachelor and Masters level education in natural sciences. The main feature of the scheme is the mentorship support provided to every scholar.
- Assured Opportunity for Research Careers (AORC) aims to attract, attach, retain and nourish talented young scientific Human Resource for strengthening the R&D foundation and base. It has two sub-components. In the first component i.e. INSPIRE Fellowship (age group of 22-27 years), it offers 1000 fellowships every year, for carrying out doctoral degree in both basic and applied sciences including engineering and medicine. In the second component i.e. INSPIRE Faculty Scheme, it offers assured opportunity every year for 1000 post- doctoral researchers in the age group of 27-32 years, through contractual and tenure track positions for 5 years in both basic and applied sciences area.
Objectives of INSPIRE Scheme
- Encourage Scientific Temper – INSPIRE aims to develop an early interest in science among students and encourage them to take up careers in scientific research.
- Talent Nurturing – The scheme identifies and supports young talent through various programs, ensuring a continuous pipeline of researchers and scientists.
- Non-Competitive Selection – Unlike traditional scholarship programs, INSPIRE focuses on merit-based selection without competitive exams, ensuring inclusivity and accessibility.
- Promote Research & Innovation – The scheme provides incentives and fellowships to students and researchers to undertake advanced studies and innovative projects in science and technology.
- Bridge the Research Gap – INSPIRE facilitates mentorship and networking between students and experienced researchers, helping bridge the knowledge gap and enhance scientific contributions.
- Strengthen India’s Scientific Workforce – By motivating students to pursue research careers, INSPIRE contributes to national growth by strengthening India’s scientific and technological capabilities.
Significance of INSPIRE Scheme
- The Innovation in Science Pursuit for Inspired Research (INSPIRE) Scheme is a flagship program of the Department of Science and Technology (DST), Government of India, aimed at attracting and nurturing young talent in science.
- Inspire scheme scholarship launched in 2008, seeks to strengthen the country’s research and innovation base by encouraging students to pursue careers in science and technology.
- One of the key aspects of INSPIRE is that it does not conduct competitive exams to identify talent but rather relies on academic merit and performance. The scheme operates through three main components:
- INSPIRE Award – Recognizes students (grades 6–10) for innovative ideas in science and provides financial support to develop their projects.
- Scholarship for Higher Education (SHE) – Supports students pursuing science degrees (BSc, MSc) by providing annual scholarships and mentorship.
- INSPIRE Fellowship & Faculty Scheme – Offers research fellowships for doctoral studies and provides opportunities for post-doctoral researchers to join academic institutions.
- The significance of the INSPIRE Scheme lies in its role in fostering scientific temper among young minds, promoting innovation, and reducing brain drain by providing opportunities within India. It strengthens the STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) ecosystem, ensuring a steady pipeline of researchers and innovators crucial for national progress.
- By supporting students from school to faculty levels, INSPIRE contributes to India’s long-term scientific and technological advancement, making the country self-reliant in research and development.
Key Highlights of the INSPIRE Scheme
- Launched by: Department of Science & Technology (DST), Government of India
- Objective: To attract and nurture young talent for research in science and technology.
- No Competitive Exams: Selection is based on merit rather than competitive examinations.
- Three Components:
- INSPIRE Award – MANAK: For school students (Class 6–10) to foster innovative ideas.
- Scholarship for Higher Education (SHE): Provides scholarships and mentorship to students pursuing BSc & MSc in Natural & Basic Sciences.
- INSPIRE Fellowship & Faculty Fellowship: Supports doctoral and post-doctoral research in science & technology.
- Eligibility:
- School students, undergraduate & postgraduate science students, and research scholars.
- Top 1% performers in Class 12 board exams are eligible for the SHE Scholarship.
- Financial Support:
- Scholarships up to ₹80,000 per year for SHE scholars.
- Fellowships for PhD and postdoctoral research.
- Implementation: DST (Department of Science & Technology) oversees implementation.
- Aim: To build a strong scientific research ecosystem and encourage innovation in India.
- Part of: The broader “Science, Technology, and Innovation Policy” of India.
Way Forward
The INSPIRE Scheme should focus on expanding outreach, integrating AI and emerging technologies, fostering industry collaborations, and enhancing research grants. Strengthening mentorship, streamlining funding, and promoting interdisciplinary projects will drive innovation and scientific excellence, ensuring long-term contributions to India’s research ecosystem.
Conclusion
The INSPIRE Scheme fosters scientific talent in India by providing scholarships, fellowships, and research grants. It encourages youth to pursue science careers, strengthens research infrastructure, and promotes innovation, significantly contributing to the nation’s scientific and technological development.
Note: The component-wise details of the INSPIRE scheme can be found here.
