INSPIRE-MANAK (Million Minds Augmenting National Aspirations and Knowledge)

Department of Science and Technology (DST) is implementing INSPIRE MANAK (Million Minds Augmenting National Aspiration and Knowledge) Scheme under its flagship programme Innovation in Science Pursuit for Inspired Research (INSPIRE). MANAK is a unique initiative to attract talented school students at an early age to study science and pursue research career apart from fostering a culture of innovation among them. Scheme caters to school children in the age group of 10-15 years and studying in Class 6-10. INSPIRE-MANAK scheme targets ten (10.0) lakh ideas from more than five (05) lakh middle and high schools across the country every year. Out of these, one lakh ideas are eligible for INSPIRE Award of Rs. 10,000/-each.

Under this scheme, all the middle and high schools across the country are eligible to participate and can provide nominations of 5 students through online mode, every financial year. During submission of nominations schools are requested to provide all the relevant details including a brief ideas of the project students intend to make. Received online nominations are scrutinized on the basis of the ideas provided by the students and selected students participate in District, State and National Level Exhibitions and Competitions. The participants of National Level Exhibition & Competition (NLEPC) are provided mentorship at premier educational and technical institutions of the country. Top sixty projects are rewarded as national winners every. National Innovation Foundation, an autonomous institution of DST is the resource partner under this scheme.

INSPIRE-MANAK Team

Sl. No.	Name of Officer	Designation	Phone No.	Office	Email
1	Dr Umesh Kumar Sharma	Scientist –F and Head	011-26590680	118 First Floor, New Building	uk.sharma@nic.in
2	Dr. Sandeep Bansal	Sc.- C	011-26590399	113 First Floor, New Building	sandeep.bansal@nic.in
3	Mr. D. Rajsekar	Sc.-B	011-26590442	Room No. 5 Opp. Old Canteen	d.rajasekar@nic.in