The Department of Science and Technology (DST), has announced the opening of nominations for the INSPIRE-MANAK Scheme 2025-26.
The Innovation in Science Pursuit for Inspired Research (INSPIRE) – MANAK is a national-level program designed to foster innovative thinking among school children. Its core objective is to identify, motivate, and support original ideas that have the potential to solve societal challenges and contribute to technology and product development.
Every year, the scheme targets one million original ideas and innovations from students in more than five lakh middle and high schools across India.
A significant update has been made to the eligibility conditions this year:
This expansion ensures that older students with more advanced ideas get an equal opportunity to showcase their creativity.
Students of Class 6 to 12 from registered schools under the scheme.
Each registered school can submit up to 5 best ideas every financial year.
Schools are strongly advised to submit entries well in advance to avoid last-minute technical issues due to heavy portal traffic.
All State and District functionaries are requested to ensure wide dissemination of this announcement. Schools under their jurisdiction should:
Efforts should be made to bring onboard schools that are not yet registered under the INSPIRE–MANAK Scheme so that maximum students can benefit from this platform.
The INSPIRE–MANAK Scheme provides young innovators with:
By encouraging scientific temperament at the school level, the scheme aligns with India’s vision of nurturing a generation of problem-solvers and innovators.
Interested applicants can register through this link.
The deadline for registration is September 15, 2025.
