INSPIRE MANAK Awards - National Science & Innovation Competition
by Department of Science and Technology, Government of India
₹10,000 for prototype development
The INSPIRE MANAK Awards encourage Indian school students to develop original science and innovation ideas addressing societal needs. Participants receive funding and mentorship to build prototypes and showcase their projects nationally.
Mode
Hybrid
Fee
Free
Participation format
Individual
Duration
Annual cycle with multiple stages (District, State, National level exhibitions).
Eligibility
Open to Indian citizens aged 10-18 years, currently enrolled in classes 6 to 12 at any recognized school across India. Students must submit original ideas rooted in science and societal applications. Schools must nominate students through the official portal.
- Grade level
- Grade 6 to 12
- Age range
- 10 to 18 years
- Eligibility region
- Available nationwide across India
- Academic requirement
- Must be a student studying in classes 6 to 12 in any recognized school in India. This includes government, private, aided, or unaided schools.
- Prerequisites
- An original and innovative idea rooted in science and societal applications.
- School registration on the E-MIAS portal.
See if your child qualifies.
Rewards and recognition
Award
₹10,000
A one-time award of ₹10,000 is disbursed directly into the student's bank account through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) for shortlisted ideas to develop prototypes.
Prizes
Gold, Silver, Bronze Medals
Top 60 projects receive National Awards including Gold, Silver, and Bronze medals.
Certificate
Certificate from DST & NIF
Participants receive certificates for their involvement in various stages of the competition, including district, state, and national levels. National winners receive special recognition certificates from the Department of Science and Technology and National Innovation Foundation - India.
Recognized by
Opens doors to
Participation and national recognition from this competition provide a significant advantage for higher education applications by demonstrating practical scientific aptitude, innovation, and a strong foundation in STEM.
Career pathways
Top innovators receive further support for product development and potential commercialization from the National Innovation Foundation - India and the Department of Science and Technology, Government of India, fostering entrepreneurial pathways.
Recognition
National & International Recognition
Skills your child builds
Key dates
- Registration opened
- 15 Jul 2026
- Registration closed
- 30 Sept 2026
- Competition
- 15 Nov 2026 to 15 Mar 2027
- Results
- 30 Apr 2027
National Level Exhibition Venue , New Delhi, Delhi
How to apply
- 1Schools register on the official INSPIRE MANAK Portal (E-MIAS portal).
- 2Schools organize internal idea competitions to select 2-5 best original ideas.
- 3School Principal/Headmaster nominates selected students online through the E-MIAS portal.
- 4Students submit a detailed description of their project, including objectives, methodology, and potential impact.
- 5Supporting documents like student photograph, Aadhaar-linked bank account details, and school identity card are required.
- 6Optional: Idea/Innovation photo or video can be uploaded.
Rules and guidelines
- Each school can nominate 2-5 best original ideas/innovations.
- Award money is disbursed directly into student bank accounts through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT).
- Selected students must participate in District, State, and National Level Exhibitions and Competitions.
- Students must have an operational bank account; a zero balance or joint account with a parent can be opened if needed.
- Projects should align with current government schemes like Swachh Bharat or Digital India.
Technology requirements
- Access to a computer/laptop for online nomination submission.
- Internet connectivity for portal access and document uploads.
- Digital camera or smartphone for capturing project photos/videos (optional).
About this opportunity
The INSPIRE Awards – MANAK (Million Minds Augmenting National Aspirations and Knowledge) is a leading program by the Department of Science and Technology (DST), Government of India, in partnership with the National Innovation Foundation – India (NIF). This initiative aims to inspire students to generate original ideas and innovations rooted in science and societal applications, fostering a culture of creativity and innovative thinking among young minds across the country.
This program is open to Indian students in classes 6 to 12, typically aged 10 to 18 years. It encourages participants to identify local problems and propose scientific solutions, often aligning with national initiatives like Swachh Bharat or Digital India.
All recognized schools in India, including government and private institutions, are eligible to nominate their students.
Selected students receive a monetary award to develop their prototypes and gain mentorship from reputed technology institutions.
The program involves multiple exhibition levels, from district to national, providing a platform for students to showcase their scientific projects and inventions. Top innovators receive national recognition, further support for product development, and opportunities for international exposure.
Beyond the awards, the scheme aims to attract talented young students to pursue science and research careers, building a critical human resource pool for strengthening India's science and technology system. It emphasizes practical relevance, environmental friendliness, and user-friendliness in the selection of innovative ideas.
Rounds and format
The competition progresses through multiple stages: 1. Idea Submission 2. District Level Exhibition and Project Competition (DLEPC) 3. State Level Exhibition and Project Competition (SLEPC), and 4. National Level Exhibition and Project Competition (NLEPC).
How entries are judged
Novelty, social applicability, environment friendliness, user friendliness, and comparative advantage over existing similar technologies.
Selection process
Ideas are shortlisted based on their originality, potential for societal impact, environmental benefits, ease of use, and superiority to existing solutions.
How to prepare
- E-MIAS portal guidelines and user manuals.
- Handbook for nurturing science ideas and innovations.
- Mentorship support provided by NIF and reputed academic/technical institutions for prototype development.
Academic details
Difficulty: Mixed Levels
What's covered
Focuses on practical application of scientific concepts to solve real-world problems, encouraging interdisciplinary thinking and hands-on learning.
Frequently asked questions
What are the key factors for success in the INSPIRE MANAK Awards?
Success in the INSPIRE MANAK Awards often hinges on the originality of the idea, its potential for societal impact, and the clarity with which the scientific principles are applied and presented. A well-developed prototype and effective communication of the project's benefits are also crucial for participants.
How can students effectively manage their time between academic studies and competition preparation?
Effective time management for participants involves creating a balanced schedule that allocates dedicated time for both academic responsibilities and project development. Breaking down the project into smaller, manageable tasks and setting realistic deadlines can help maintain progress without overwhelming students.
What common mistakes should participants avoid during the prototype development phase?
Participants should avoid common pitfalls such as overcomplicating the prototype, neglecting thorough testing, or failing to document their development process. Focusing on a clear, functional prototype that demonstrates the core idea effectively is more beneficial than attempting too many features.
How does participation in this competition enhance a student's long-term academic and career prospects?
Participation significantly enhances academic and career prospects by fostering critical skills like innovation, problem-solving, and scientific inquiry. National recognition and the experience of developing a project from idea to prototype provide a strong foundation for higher education and STEM careers.
What support is available for students who need assistance with their project ideas or prototype development?
Shortlisted students receive a monetary award to develop their prototypes and gain mentorship from reputed technology institutions. This support helps guide them through the technical aspects and refinement of their innovative ideas.
What happens after a project is selected at the National Level Exhibition?
Projects selected at the National Level Exhibition and Competition (NLEPC) receive national recognition and awards. Top innovators may also receive further support for product development and potential commercialization from NIF/DST, along with opportunities for international exposure.
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