Innovation in Science Pursuit for Inspired Research (INSPIRE) Scheme

Why in News?

Parliament updates on performance, funding and outreach of the Scheme and highlighted the increased participation of government schools & rural students.

• Aim – To Build the critical human resource pool and to strengthen the science and technology system.
• Type of Scheme – Central 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 – Stage-wise merit-based selection system
  • School Level – Age: 10–17 years (Class VI–XII) – Selection via school nomination (E-MIAS portal)
  • Higher Education – Age: 17–22 years (SHE - Scholarship for Higher Education)
  • Research Level – PhD scholars & post-doctoral researchers (Merit + institutional nomination model) not universal scheme.
• Components–

Reference

PIB | INSPIRE SCHEME