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  • INSPIRE Awards MANAK Scheme 2025-26

    India

    What is INSPIRE Awards MANAK Scheme 2025-26?

    The INSPIRE Awards MANAK Scheme 2025-26 is offered by the Ministry of Science and Technology, Government of India to school students from classes 6 to 12. This scheme aims to nurture young minds and promote a culture of creativity and innovation at the school level. Selected students with the best innovative ideas will receive an award of ₹10,000.

    Source: inspireawards-dst.gov.in

    Who is offering this scholarship ?

    The Department of Science and Technology, Government of India is offering this award.

    Who can apply for this scholarship ?

    To be eligible, applicants must be students studying in Classes 6 to 12 in any recognised school in India.
    (Note:- Each school can nominate a maximum of 5 ideas.)

    What are the benefits ?

    Selected students will receive a one-time award of ₹10,000. In addition, students selected for the National Level Exhibition & Project Competition (NLEPC) will receive mentoring from reputed technology institutions and funding for prototype development.

    How can you apply ?

    Eligible applicants can apply by following these steps:-

    Step 1: Click on the 'Apply Now' button below.
    Step 2: Click on the 'Register' button and fill in the required registration details (Note:- If already registered, log in using Gmail/Mobile number/Email ID).
    Step 3: Students cannot directly apply for this opportunity. Schools shall nominate a maximum of 5 best original and innovative ideas and apply for this award. 

    What are the documents required for the INSPIRE Awards MANAK Scheme 2025-26?

    • Photograph of the student
    • Applicant's passbook details
    • Applicant's Aadhaar number
    • Applicant's school identity card (if applicable)

    What are the selection criteria ?

    The selection of ideas/innovations will be based on factors such as novelty, social applicability, environmental friendliness, user-friendliness and comparative advantage over existing similar technologies. 

    The selection of ideas/innovations will involve juries at three levels:

    • District & State Level: Juries at this level will be comprised of District Nodal Officers (DNOs) and State Nodal Officers (SNOs).
    • National Level: The Department of Science and Technology (DST) will constitute the jury for the National Level Exhibition & Project Competition (NLEPC).
    • National Innovation Foundation (NIF) Participation: It's important to note that NIF will be involved in the jury selection process at all levels (District, State, and National).

     The 1,000 most promising ideas/innovations will be showcased at the prestigious National Level Exhibition & Project Competition (NLEPC). From these, a select group of the top 60 will be shortlisted for national awards and potential future development opportunities.

    The top 60 ideas/innovations will be considered by NIF for product/process development and linkage with other NIF/DST schemes. They will also be displayed at the Annual Festival of Innovation & Entrepreneurship (FINE).

    What are the important dates ?

    Application Deadline: 15 September 2025

    FAQs

    Question: Who is offering the INSPIRE Awards MANAK Scheme 2025-26?
    Answer:
    The Ministry of Science and Technology, Government of India, is offering this opportunity.

    Question: Can international students participate?
    Answer:
    No, only Indian citizens studying in Indian schools can participate.

    Question: What is the amount provided by the INSPIRE Awards MANAK Scheme 2025-26?
    Answer:
    The selected students will receive a one-time award of ₹10,000.

    Question: What is the application deadline for the INSPIRE Awards MANAK Scheme 2025-26?
    Answer:
    The application deadline for this award scheme is 15 September 2025. 

    Question: Who is eligible to participate in the INSPIRE Awards MANAK Scheme 2025-26?
    Answer:
    Students studying in classes 6 to 12 in any recognised school in India are eligible to participate. 

    Terms and Conditions

    • Projects with potential for product or process development will receive further support for commercialisation.
    • Projects with patenting potential will be supported by NIF/TIFAC.
    • Nominations are to be invited from the school only.
    • Within the limit of five nominations from one school, a maximum of two student ideas from Classes 11 or 12 (science stream only) can be nominated.

    Contact details

    Scientist C, Department of Science & Technology,
    Technology Bhavan,
    New Mehrauli Road, 
    New Delhi - 110016.
    Email ID: inspire@nifindia.org l Phone No. 0120-2400083, 096384 18605

    Deadline: 15-Sep-2025AwardA one-time award of ₹10,000EligibilityStudents enrolled in Classes 6 to 10