<h2>Overview</h2>
<p>The <span class="key-term" data-definition="Innovation in Science Pursuit for Inspired Research — a DST programme to nurture scientific talent from school to research level (GS3: Science & Technology)">INSPIRE</span> Scheme, administered by the Department of Science & Technology (DST), aims to attract bright youth to basic and natural sciences and build a robust R&D base. It operates through five inter‑linked components that support students from Class VI to post‑doctoral researchers.</p>
<h3>Key Developments (2021‑2026)</h3>
<ul>
<li><strong>INSPIRE‑MANAK</strong>: Schools nominate up to five students (age 10‑17) via the <span class="key-term" data-definition="e‑Management of INSPIRE Awards Scheme — an online portal for school nominations and award processing (GS3: Science & Technology)">e‑MIAS</span> portal. Selected candidates receive <strong>₹10,000</strong> (DBT) to develop projects and showcase them at district, state and national levels.</li>
<li><strong>INSPIRE Internship</strong>: Five‑day residential science camps for the top 1% of Class X students (~50,000 annually), featuring interactions with eminent scientists and Nobel Laureates.</li>
<li><strong>Scholarship for Higher Education (SHE)</strong>: Up to <strong>₹80,000 per annum</strong> for 12,000 students (age 17‑22) pursuing B.Sc./M.Sc. in basic sciences, coupled with mentorship.</li>
<li><strong>INSPIRE Fellowship (PhD)</strong>: Monthly stipend equivalent to <span class="key-term" data-definition="CSIR‑UGC NET — a national eligibility test for research fellowships; JRF = Junior Research Fellowship, SRF = Senior Research Fellowship (GS3: Science & Technology)">CSIR‑UGC NET</span> (<strong>₹37,000</strong> as JRF, <strong>₹42,000</strong> as SRF) plus HRA and a contingency grant of <strong>₹20,000 per year</strong> for up to five years.</li>
<li><strong>INSPIRE Faculty Fellowship</strong>: Five‑year post‑doctoral fellowship for early‑career researchers (age 27‑32) with a monthly honorarium of <strong>₹1,25,000</strong>, annual increments and a research grant of <strong>₹35 lakh</strong>.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Important Facts (Last Five Years)</h3>
<ul>
<li>Total funds allocated, released and utilized are detailed in the official tables (figures in crore rupees).</li>
<li>Number of schools registered on <span class="key-term" data-definition="e‑MIAS portal — the digital platform for INSPIRE award nominations and evaluations (GS3: Science & Technology)">e‑MIAS</span> across states/UTs is provided (tables omitted for brevity).</li>
<li>Uttar Pradesh has <strong>73,873</strong> government schools on the portal; <strong>10,988</strong> students from these schools received MANAK awards.</li>
<li>From UP, <strong>93</strong> project ideas received prototype funding; <strong>10</strong> were filed for patents and <strong>3</strong> patents have been granted.</li>
</ul>
<h3>UPSC Relevance</h3>
<p>Understanding the INSPIRE Scheme is essential for GS‑III (Science &
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