Expansion of the INSPIRE Programme (2021‑26)
The Ministry of Science & Technology, through a written reply in Lok Sabha, detailed how the INSPIRE Programme has been scaled up in the last five years, especially in rural and aspirational districts such as Nabarangpur (Odisha) and several districts of Rajasthan. The focus is on widening access, improving outreach, and strengthening the innovation ecosystem.
Key Developments (2021‑26)
- Extensive dissemination of programme information via State Education Departments, District Education Officers, schools and digital platforms.
- Organisation of awareness campaigns, webinars, orientation programmes and capacity‑building workshops for teachers.
- National, State and District level exhibitions and project competitions (DLEPCs, SLEPCs, NLEPCs) to identify and nurture ideas.
- Mentorship programmes with IITs, NITs, IISERs and other premier institutions for prototype development and research guidance.
Important Facts and Figures
Overall beneficiaries (India) – The programme supports four components:
- INSPIRE-MANAK: 52,720 (2021‑22) to 49,805 (2025‑26).
- INSPIRE-SHE: 18,039 (2021‑22) to 24,276 (2025‑26).
- INSPIRE Fellowship: 2,768 (2021‑22) to 3,364 (2025‑26).
- INSPIRE Faculty Fellowship: 474 (2021‑22) to 477 (2025‑26).
Odisha – Total beneficiaries grew modestly; INSPIRE-MANAK beneficiaries ranged from 3,659 (2021‑22) to 3,755 (2025‑26). Nabarangpur constituency saw INSPIRE-MANAK participants increase from 56 (2021‑22) to 72 (2025‑26).
Rajasthan – The state recorded 10,019 INSPIRE-MANAK beneficiaries in 2021‑22, falling to 5,720 in 2025‑26, while INSPIRE-SHE numbers fluctuated between 936 and 2,464.
Exam Relevance
The scheme illustrates how the government translates policy into grassroots scientific capacity building – a recurring theme in GS Paper III (Science & Technology). Understanding the structure of the programme helps answer questions on:
- Policy measures for promoting innovation in remote areas.
- Role of central ministries and state agencies in implementing science‑education schemes.
- Impact assessment using beneficiary data across states.
It also touches on GS Paper II (Polity) through the involvement of Dr. Jitendra Singh in parliamentary oversight.
Way Forward
To sustain momentum, the Ministry could:
- Introduce a dedicated monitoring dashboard for real‑time tracking of beneficiaries.
- Expand mentorship tie‑ups with private sector R&D labs to broaden exposure.
- Provide additional financial incentives for schools in the lowest‑performing districts.
- Integrate the programme outcomes into the National Education Policy’s focus on experiential learning.
Such steps would deepen the scientific temper, a constitutional value, and ensure equitable access to research opportunities across India.