INSPIRE Programme Expansion (2021‑26): Scholarships, Fellowships & Rural Outreach by Ministry of Science & Technology
The Ministry of Science & Technology’s INSPIRE Programme expanded between 2021‑26, increasing scholarships, fellowships and rural outreach. The scheme’s four components—MANAK, SHE, Fellowship and Faculty Fellowship—support over 100,000 students and researchers, reinforcing India’s scientific temper and innovation ecosy…
Overview The INSPIRE Programme has been scaled up over the last five years. It targets students aged 10‑22, recent graduates and post‑doctoral researchers through four components: INSPIRE‑MANAK , INSPIRE‑SHE , INSPIRE Fellowship and INSPIRE Faculty Fellowship . The scheme is administered by the Ministry of Science & Technology and reported in the Rajya Sabha by the Minister of State for Science & Technology. Key Developments (2021‑26) INSPIRE‑MANAK beneficiaries grew from 52,720 in 2021‑22 to 49,805 in 2025‑26, reflecting steady outreach. INSPIRE‑SHE scholarships rose from 18,039 to 24,276, supporting more under‑graduates and post‑graduates. INSPIRE Fellowship numbers fluctuated, reaching a high of 3,364 in 2025‑26. INSPIRE Faculty Fellowship saw a dip but rebounded to 477 fellows in 2025‑26. Important Facts Each INSPIRE‑SHE award is worth ₹80,000 per year . Fellowship stipend: ₹37,000/month (JRF) and ₹42,000/month (SRF) , plus House Rent Allowance and an annual contingency grant of ₹20,000 . Faculty Fellowship provides ₹1,25,000 per month , an annual increment of ₹2,000 , and a total research grant of ₹35 lakh over five years. Targeted outreach includes rural, remote and aspirational districts through state education departments, digita
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Key Insight
INSPIRE scheme scales up scholarships and fellowships to boost scientific talent and rural inclusion.
Key Facts
- INSPIRE‑MANAK लाभार्थी: 52,720 (2021‑22) → 49,805 (2025‑26)।
- INSPIRE‑SHE स्कॉलरशिप 18,039 से बढ़कर 24,276 (2025‑26) हो गई।
- INSPIRE Fellowship की संख्या 2025‑26 में 3,364 पर शिखर पर पहुँची।
- INSPIRE Faculty Fellowship 2025‑26 में 477 फेलो तक पहुँची।
- INSPIRE‑SHE पुरस्कार: ₹80,000 प्रति छात्र प्रति वर्ष।
- फेलोशिप स्टाइपेंड: ₹37,000/माह (JRF) और ₹42,000/माह (SRF) + HRA + ₹20,000 वार्षिक ग्रांट।
- Faculty Fellowship: ₹1,25,000/माह, ₹2,000 वार्षिक वृद्धि, पाँच वर्षों में ₹35 लाख शोध ग्रांट।
Background
The programme aligns with GS‑3 topics on science & technology development and the government’s role in skill building. It also touches GS‑2 themes of equitable development by targeting rural and aspirational districts through state education departments and mentorship by premier institutes.
UPSC Syllabus
- Essay — Science, Technology and Society
- Essay — Education, Knowledge and Culture
- GS3 — Developments in science and technology and their applications
- Essay — Economy, Development and Inequality
- Prelims_GS — Constitution and Political System
- GS1 — Poverty and Developmental Issues
- Prelims_CSAT — Analytical Ability
- GS4 — Role of family, society and educational institutions in inculcating values
- GS2 — Functions and responsibilities of Union and States
Mains Angle
In a GS‑3 answer, discuss how INSPIRE creates a pipeline of scientific talent, reduces regional disparity and strengthens India’s R&D capacity. A possible question could ask about the impact of such schemes on innovation and inclusive growth.