The Government of India (GoI) has announced the opening of online nominations for the INSPIRE – MANAK (Million Minds Augmenting National Aspirations and Knowledge) Scheme for the 2025-26 academic session. This flagship initiative, jointly implemented by the Department of Science & Technology (DST) and the National Innovation Foundation (NIF) – India, aims to foster a culture of creativity and innovation among school students across the country.
The INSPIRE-MANAK scheme is designed to scout original, science-based ideas and innovations from students in classes 6 to 12, encouraging them to think critically, apply scientific principles, and develop solutions with societal impact. Each year, one million ideas are expected to be submitted from schools nationwide, creating a vibrant ecosystem of young innovators and problem solvers.
Submission Process for 2025-26
For the 2025-26 session, eligible schools can submit a maximum of five original ideas/innovations from their students through the MANAK E-MIAS web portal or via the mobile app. The deadline for submission is September 15, 2025. Within these five nominations, a maximum of two ideas from students of Classes 11 or 12 (Science stream only) can be submitted per school, ensuring a balanced representation across different age groups and academic levels.
Evaluation and Recognition
All submissions under INSPIRE-MANAK are evaluated based on ingenuity, novelty, and societal impact. The assessment follows a multi-tiered process, beginning at the district level, progressing to the state level, and culminating at the national level. From these evaluations, the top 60 innovations are selected for national recognition. Winners receive mentorship, awards, and opportunities to further develop their innovations, helping them transition from classroom ideas to impactful solutions.
This scheme provides a unique platform for school children to showcase their talent, encouraging them to explore scientific principles creatively while addressing real-world challenges. It also promotes hands-on learning, teamwork, and critical thinking, aligning with India’s vision of nurturing future scientists, innovators, and entrepreneurs.
Significance of INSPIRE-MANAK
The INSPIRE-MANAK scheme plays a pivotal role in stimulating innovation among young minds, bridging the gap between classroom learning and practical application. By recognizing and rewarding original ideas, the programme not only motivates students to pursue science and technology careers but also contributes to building a knowledge-based society. Schools, teachers, and parents are encouraged to actively participate, identify potential innovators, and guide students through the nomination and evaluation process.
With the online nominations now open, the 2025-26 session promises to unearth fresh, impactful ideas from students across India. Aspiring innovators from Classes 6 to 12 are urged to submit their original concepts before the September 15, 2025 deadline and contribute to shaping India’s scientific and technological future, for more details and submit applications CLICK HERE
