INSPIRE SCHEME

NEWS: Parliament highlighted the increased participation of government schools & rural students.

• AimàTo Build the critical human resource pool and to strengthen the science and technology system.
• Type of SchemeàCentral Sector Scheme (100% Union Government funded).
• Launched in – 2008 – 2009.
• Nodal Ministry – Ministry of Science & Technology.
• Coverage – Covers (school – higher education – research – faculty levels) Pan-India.

Objectives

• Promote basic & natural sciences.
• India’s flagship scheme for creating a continuous science talent pipeline (School – Research – Faculty)
• Encourage Young Talent to opt research as a career.
• Strengthen scientific temper & R&D base.

Eligibility and Identification

• School LevelàAge: 10–17 years (Class VI–XII) – Selection via school nomination (E-MIAS portal)
• Higher EducationàAge: 17–22 years (SHE – Scholarship for Higher Education)
• Research LevelàPhD scholars & post-doctoral researchers (Merit + institutional nomination model) not universal scheme.

Component

• INSPIRE-MANAK (Million Minds Augmenting National Aspiration and Knowledge)
• INSPIRE Internship
• Scholarship for Higher Education (SHE)
• INSPIRE Fellowship
• INSPIRE Faculty Fellowship