INSPIRE Programme Expansion: New Data on Scholarships, Fellowships & Rural Outreach (2021‑26)
The Ministry of Science & Technology's INSPIRE Programme, covering school‑level MANAK, SHE scholarships, Ph.D. Fellowships and Faculty Fellowships, has expanded support to over 2.5 lakh students from 2021‑22 to 2025‑26, with focused outreach in rural districts. For UPSC, the scheme highlights India's strategy to build…
Overview The INSPIRE Programme has recorded steady growth over the last five financial years (2021‑22 to 2025‑26). It supports students aged 10‑22 through four components: INSPIRE‑MANAK , INSPIRE‑SHE , INSPIRE Fellowship and INSPIRE Faculty Fellowship . The Ministry has also intensified outreach in rural and aspirational districts through exhibitions, mentorship and digital campaigns. Key Developments (2021‑26) INSPIRE‑MANAK beneficiaries rose from 52,720 in 2021‑22 to 49,805 in 2025‑26, reflecting wider school‑level participation. INSPIRE‑SHE scholarships increased from 18,039 to 24,276 , each worth ₹80,000 per year. INSPIRE Fellowship numbers grew to 3,364 in 2025‑26, with monthly stipends of ₹37,000 (JRF) and ₹42,000 (SRF) plus HRA and a ₹20,000 contingency grant. INSPIRE Faculty Fellowship saw a jump to 477 fellows in 2025‑26, each receiving ₹1,25,000 per month, an annual increment of ₹2,000 and a total research grant of ₹35 lakh. Targeted outreach programmes, including District, State and National Level Exhibition and Project Competitions, have expanded participation from remote districts. Important Facts Total students and young researchers supported across all components exceed 2.5 lakh in the five‑year span. Mentorship collaborations involve premier institutions such as IITs , NITs , and <span class="key-t
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Key Insight
INSPIRE scheme scales up scholarships and fellowships, boosting science talent across India.
Key Facts
- INSPIRE‑MANAK लाभार्थी: 52,720 (2021‑22) → 49,805 (2025‑26).
- INSPIRE‑SHE छात्रवृत्तियों की संख्या 2025‑26 में 24,276 तक बढ़ी, प्रत्येक की वार्षिक मूल्य ₹80,000 है।
- INSPIRE फेलोशिप 2025‑26 में 3,364 तक पहुँची; JRF स्टाइपेंड ₹37,000/माह, SRF ₹42,000/माह साथ ही HRA और ₹20,000 आकस्मिक ग्रांट।
- INSPIRE Faculty Fellows: 2025‑26 में 477, स्टाइपेंड ₹1,25,000/माह, प्रत्येक फेलो को ₹35 लाख का शोध अनुदान।
- सभी घटकों में कुल लाभार्थी पाँच वर्षों में 2.5 लाख (250,000) से अधिक हैं।
- आउटरीच में जिला, राज्य और राष्ट्रीय प्रदर्शनी, IITs, NITs और IISERs द्वारा मेंटरशिप शामिल है।
- कार्यक्रम को विज्ञान एवं प्रौद्योगिकी मंत्रालय के ‘Science for All’ एजेंडा के तहत वित्त पोषित किया गया है।
Background
The INSPIRE programme is a flagship scheme of the Ministry of Science & Technology aimed at nurturing scientific talent from school to post‑doctoral level. It aligns with the constitutional goal of promoting education and scientific temper (Article 51A(k)) and supports inclusive growth by reaching remote districts.
UPSC Syllabus
- Essay — Education, Knowledge and Culture
- Essay — Science, Technology and Society
- 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
GS‑2 or GS‑3 candidates can discuss how INSPIRE strengthens the research ecosystem, reduces regional disparity and contributes to India’s innovation drive. A possible question may ask to evaluate the impact of government scholarships on scientific capacity building.