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Innovation in Science Pursuit for Inspired Research (INSPIRE) Programme

PYQs

4

Articles

1

Momentum

13

Phase IFoundation

Background

Overview

UPSC frequently examines government initiatives in critical sectors like Science & Technology, education, and human resource development. The INSPIRE Programme is a significant policy instrument addressing national goals of scientific advancement, innovation, and inclusive growth, making it relevant for GS2 (Government policies, HRD) and GS3 (Science & Technology developments).

The INSPIRE Programme, launched by the Department of Science & Technology, is a flagship initiative of the Government of India aimed at attracting talented youth to science, encouraging them to pursue higher education and research careers in science, and building a strong scientific and technological base in the country. It operates through various components targeting different stages of academic and research development.

Phase IIStatic core

Facts & tables

Key facts

Objective

Nurture scientific talent, promote innovation, encourage higher education and research in natural and basic sciences.

Implementing Body

Department of Science & Technology (DST), Ministry of Science & Technology.

Target Audience

Students from 10-17 years (school level) to postdoctoral researchers (27-32 years).

Key Components

INSPIRE MANAK, INSPIRE SHE, INSPIRE Fellowship, INSPIRE Faculty Fellowship.

Primary Objective

Nurture scientific talent from school to postdoctoral level and promote scientific research.

Focus Areas

Promoting scientific temper, fostering grassroots innovation, and ensuring equitable access to science education, especially in rural and remote areas.

Reference table

Key Components of INSPIRE Programme

ComponentTarget GroupSupport Type
INSPIRE MANAKStudents (10-17 years)Innovation grants, mentorship
INSPIRE SHEUG/PG students (17-22 years)Scholarships (₹80,000/year)
INSPIRE FellowshipPhD scholarsFellowship (JRF/SRF), HRA, contingency
INSPIRE Faculty FellowshipPostdoctoral researchers (27-32 years)Fellowship (₹1.25 lakh/month), research grant

Reference table

Static syllabus anchors

TypeReference
Conceptual areaGovernment Schemes and Initiatives
Conceptual areaScience and Technology Policy
Conceptual areaHuman Resource Development
Conceptual areaWelfare Schemes & Social Policies

Reference table

Institutions & roles

BodyRole
Department of Science & Technology (DST)Implements
Ministry of Science & TechnologyOversees
Phase IIIExam lens

Prelims angle

Overview

Prelims angle: Statement-based questions

Prelims angle: Factual recall

Quick revision

  • Launched by DST to attract youth to science and research.
  • Comprises four main components: MANAK, SHE, Fellowship, and Faculty Fellowship.
  • Provides scholarships, fellowships, research grants, and mentorship.
  • Focuses on inclusive outreach to rural, remote, and aspirational districts.
  • Aims to strengthen scientific temper, foster grassroots innovation, and expand equitable access to science education.

High-confidence PYQs

2017Statement-based questions, Factual recall

Consider the following in respect of ‘National Career Service’: 1. National Career Service is an initiative of the Department of Personnel and Training, Gov...

Social Issues & SchemesOpen question
2016Statement-based questions, Factual recall

With reference to ‘Stand Up India Scheme’, which of the following statements is/are correct? 1. Its purpose is to promote entrepreneurship among SC/ST and wo...

Social Issues & SchemesOpen question

Regarding ‘Atal Pension Yojana’, which of the following statements is/are correct? 1. It is a minimum guaranteed pension scheme mainly targeted at unorganiz...

Social Issues & SchemesOpen question
2016Multi-statement analysis, Factual recall

With reference to ‘Stand Up India Scheme’, which of the following statements is/are correct? 1. Its purpose is to promote entrepreneurship among SC/ST and wo...

Social Issues & SchemesOpen question

Regarding ‘Atal Pension Yojana’, which of the following statements is/are correct? 1. It is a minimum guaranteed pension scheme mainly targeted at unorganiz...

Social Issues & SchemesOpen question
2014Factual recall, Multi-statement analysis

Programme/ Project Ministry 1. Drought-Prone Area Programme: Ministry of Agriculture 2. Desert Development Programme: Ministry of Environment and Forests 3. ...

EconomyOpen question

Topic timeline

Government Schemes and InitiativesScience and Technology PolicyHuman Resource DevelopmentWelfare Schemes & Social Policies
Prelims 2014· Factual recall, Multi-statement analysis

Programme/ Project Ministry 1. Drought-Prone Area Programme: Ministry of Agriculture 2. Desert Development Programme: Ministry of Environment and Forests 3. ...

Open question
Prelims 2016· Statement-based questions, Factual recall

With reference to ‘Stand Up India Scheme’, which of the following statements is/are correct? 1. Its purpose is to promote entrepreneurship among SC/ST and wo...

Open question

Regarding ‘Atal Pension Yojana’, which of the following statements is/are correct? 1. It is a minimum guaranteed pension scheme mainly targeted at unorganiz...

Open question
Prelims 2016· Multi-statement analysis, Factual recall

With reference to ‘Stand Up India Scheme’, which of the following statements is/are correct? 1. Its purpose is to promote entrepreneurship among SC/ST and wo...

Open question

Regarding ‘Atal Pension Yojana’, which of the following statements is/are correct? 1. It is a minimum guaranteed pension scheme mainly targeted at unorganiz...

Open question
Prelims 2017· Statement-based questions, Factual recall

Consider the following in respect of ‘National Career Service’: 1. National Career Service is an initiative of the Department of Personnel and Training, Gov...

Open question

PARLIAMENT QUESTION: INNOVATION PURSUIT FOR INSPIRED RESEARCH (INSPIRE)

05 Aug 2026 · INSPIRE is a flagship DST program with four components (MANAK, SHE, Fellowship, Faculty Fellowship) designed to promote science education and research from school to postdoctoral levels, emphasizing inclusivity and fostering innovation across India.

Read article

Related topics

Current topic

Innovation in Science Pursuit for Inspired Research (INSPIRE) Programme

Often confused with

Education System Reform in India

Open notesOften confused with

Vocational Education and Skill Development in India

Open notes

Practice writing on this topic

UPSC has asked 4 linked questions on Innovation in Science Pursuit for Inspired Research (INSPIRE) Programme in Mains. Write an answer to one — and get it evaluated.

See Mains PYQsEvaluate an answer

UPSC Prelims PYQs on Innovation in Science Pursuit for Inspired Research (INSPIRE) Programme

Practice official previous year questions asked by UPSC related to this concept.

Consider the following in respect of ‘National Career Service’: 1. National Career Service is an initiative of the Department of Personnel and Training, Gov...

2017·Social Issues & Schemes
Solve

Programme/ Project Ministry 1. Drought-Prone Area Programme: Ministry of Agriculture 2. Desert Development Programme: Ministry of Environment and Forests 3. ...

2014·Economy
Solve

With reference to ‘Stand Up India Scheme’, which of the following statements is/are correct? 1. Its purpose is to promote entrepreneurship among SC/ST and wo...

2016·Social Issues & Schemes
Solve

Regarding ‘Atal Pension Yojana’, which of the following statements is/are correct? 1. It is a minimum guaranteed pension scheme mainly targeted at unorganiz...

2016·Social Issues & Schemes
Solve

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