INSPIRE Awards MANAK Scheme 2024-25

INSPIRE Awards MANAK Scheme 2024-25 is an opportunity for students in Classes 6 to 10. The scheme is a flagship program implemented by the Department of Science and Technology (DST), Ministry of Science and Technology, Government of India that aims to nurture these qualities among school students. The scheme encourages them to address societal needs through science and technology by developing original ideas. The selected students will receive a one-time award of ₹10,000.

Source: Department of Science and Technology

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

To be eligible, the applicant must:-

• be between 10 and 15 years old
• be currently studying in Classes 6 to 10

Note: Each school can nominate 2-3 students.

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.

The schools can submit the nomination of a candidate by following these steps:-
Step 1: Click the ‘Apply Now’ button below.
Step 2: Click on the 'Register' button on the right-hand side of the dashboard and fill in the required details to 'Register'. (Note:- If already registered, log in using the registered email ID.)
Step 3: Navigate to the 'For New Registration - Click Here' under the 'ONE OF THE OPTIONS GIVEN BELOW TO PROCEED' at the bottom of the page and click on it.
Step 4: Fill in all the necessary details to complete the registration process.
Step 5: After successful registration, select the 'Student Nomination' option.
Step 6: Fill in the details of the student, upload the photograph and submit it to generate the acknowledgement.

Note:-

• Schools should submit student nominations by the deadline to avoid last-minute inconveniences caused by the heavy load on the E-MIAS web portal.
• It is advisable to use your school email ID, which can be accessed even if there are changes in administration.
  The application number generated can be kept for future reference.
• For detailed information, kindly refer to the 'User Manual for Schools'.

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

The selection of ideas/innovations will be based on factors such as novelty, social applicability, environment friendliness, user-friendliness and comparative advantage over the 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).

Application Deadline: 15th September 2024

Question 1: Who is eligible to participate?
Answer: Students studying in classes 6 to 10 in any recognized school in India. There is no age limit, but the student must be enrolled in a school from class 6 to 10.
Question 2: Can students from all types of schools participate?
Answer: Yes, students from all types of schools, including government, private, and aided schools, are eligible to participate.
Question 3: Can international students participate?
Answer: No, only Indian citizens studying in Indian schools are eligible to participate.
Question 4: What is the deadline for submitting nominations?
Answer: The deadline for submitting nominations is September 15, 2024.

• Projects with potential for product or process development will receive further support for commercialiation.
• Projects with patenting potential will be supported by NIF/TIFAC.
• Each year, selected students will also be sent to Japan under the Sakura Exchange Program by DST.