INSPIRE MANAK Awards - National Science & Innovation Competition
by Department of Science and Technology, Government of India
₹10,000 for prototype development
INSPIRE MANAK Awards - National Science & Innovation Competition is a competition by Department of Science and Technology, Government of India for students in Class 6–12, open to students across India. Registration closes 30 Sept 2026. It is free to take part.
Mode
Hybrid
Eligibility
Class 6–12
Fee
Free
Duration
Annual cycle with multiple stages (District, State, National level exhibitions).
Format
Individual · Teams of 1
Time needed
Varies based on stage of participation and prototype development. Significant time may be required for research, development, and exhibition preparation.
Key Dates
- Registration opens
- 15 Jul 2026
- Registration closes
- 30 Sept 2026
- Competition
- 15 Nov 2026 – 15 Mar 2027
- Results
- 30 Apr 2027
National Level Exhibition Venue , New Delhi, Delhi
About This Opportunity
The INSPIRE Awards – MANAK (Million Minds Augmenting National Aspirations and Knowledge) is a leading program by the Department of Science and Technology (DST), Government of India, in partnership with the National Innovation Foundation – India (NIF). This initiative aims to inspire students to generate original ideas and innovations rooted in science and societal applications, fostering a culture of creativity and innovative thinking among young minds across the country.
This program is open to Indian students in classes 6 to 12, typically aged 10 to 18 years. It encourages participants to identify local problems and propose scientific solutions, often aligning with national initiatives like Swachh Bharat or Digital India.
All recognized schools in India, including government and private institutions, are eligible to nominate their students.
Selected students receive a monetary award to develop their prototypes and gain mentorship from reputed technology institutions.
The program involves multiple exhibition levels, from district to national, providing a platform for students to showcase their scientific projects and inventions. Top innovators receive national recognition, further support for product development, and opportunities for international exposure.
Beyond the awards, the scheme aims to attract talented young students to pursue science and research careers, building a critical human resource pool for strengthening India's science and technology system. It emphasizes practical relevance, environmental friendliness, and user-friendliness in the selection of innovative ideas.
Eligibility
- Grade Level
- Class 6–12
- Age Range
- 10 - 18 years
- Location
- Nationwide
Academic requirement
Must be a student studying in classes 6 to 12 in any recognized school in India. This includes government, private, aided, or unaided schools.
Prerequisites
- An original and innovative idea rooted in science and societal applications.
- School registration on the E-MIAS portal.
Additional requirements
- Must be an Indian citizen.
- Students must submit original ideas rooted in science and societal applications.
- Schools must be recognized and registered on the E-MIAS portal.
Open to Indian citizens aged 10-18 years, currently enrolled in classes 6 to 12 at any recognized school across India. Students must submit original ideas rooted in science and societal applications. Schools must nominate students through the official portal.
Does your child qualify?
WiWit checks eligibility against your child's class, age, and location, and finds more opportunities like this one.
Academic Details
Difficulty: Mixed Levels
What's covered
Focuses on practical application of scientific concepts to solve real-world problems, encouraging interdisciplinary thinking and hands-on learning.
Rewards & Recognition
Award
₹10,000
A one-time award of ₹10,000 is disbursed directly into the student's bank account through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) for shortlisted ideas to develop prototypes.
Prizes
Gold, Silver, Bronze Medals
Top 60 projects receive National Awards including Gold, Silver, and Bronze medals.
Certificate
Certificate from DST & NIF
Participants receive certificates for their involvement in various stages of the competition, including district, state, and national levels. National winners receive special recognition certificates from the Department of Science and Technology and National Innovation Foundation - India.
Recognized by
Opens doors to
Participation and national recognition from this competition provide a significant advantage for higher education applications by demonstrating practical scientific aptitude, innovation, and a strong foundation in STEM.
Career pathways
Top innovators receive further support for product development and potential commercialization from the National Innovation Foundation - India and the Department of Science and Technology, Government of India, fostering entrepreneurial pathways.
Recognition
National & International Recognition
Skills your child builds
Highlights
- Focus on fostering grassroots innovation among school children.
- Direct financial support for idea development and prototyping.
- Multi-stage evaluation process from district to national level.
- Linkage with 'Start-up India' initiative for potential commercialization.
- Opportunity for international exposure through programs like Sakura Exchange Program.
Rounds & format
The competition progresses through multiple stages: 1. Idea Submission 2. District Level Exhibition and Project Competition (DLEPC) 3. State Level Exhibition and Project Competition (SLEPC), and 4. National Level Exhibition and Project Competition (NLEPC).
How entries are judged
Novelty, social applicability, environment friendliness, user friendliness, and comparative advantage over existing similar technologies.
Selection process
Ideas are shortlisted based on their originality, potential for societal impact, environmental benefits, ease of use, and superiority to existing solutions.
How to apply
- 1Schools register on the official INSPIRE MANAK Portal (E-MIAS portal).
- 2Schools organize internal idea competitions to select 2-5 best original ideas.
- 3School Principal/Headmaster nominates selected students online through the E-MIAS portal.
- 4Students submit a detailed description of their project, including objectives, methodology, and potential impact.
- 5Supporting documents like student photograph, Aadhaar-linked bank account details, and school identity card are required.
- 6Optional: Idea/Innovation photo or video can be uploaded.
How to prepare
- E-MIAS portal guidelines and user manuals.
- Handbook for nurturing science ideas and innovations.
- Mentorship support provided by NIF and reputed academic/technical institutions for prototype development.
Fees & financial support
Fee details
There is no application fee for students to participate in the INSPIRE MANAK Awards. The program is fully funded by the Department of Science and Technology, Government of India.
Refund policy
Not applicable as there are no fees.
Frequently asked questions
What is the last date to register for INSPIRE MANAK Awards - National Science & Innovation Competition ?
The registration deadline is 30 Sept 2026.
Is INSPIRE MANAK Awards - National Science & Innovation Competition free?
This opportunity is free to participate in.
Who can participate in INSPIRE MANAK Awards - National Science & Innovation Competition ?
Students in Class 6–12. children aged 10-18.
What will my child gain from INSPIRE MANAK Awards - National Science & Innovation Competition ?
Receive a one-time award of ₹10,000 for shortlisted ideas.. Opportunity to develop prototypes with mentoring and funding support.. Showcase innovative projects at District, State, and National Level Exhibitions.. Top 60 projects receive National Awards (Gold, Silver, Bronze medals).. Participation in the annual Festival of Innovation & Entrepreneurship (FINE).. Potential for product/process development and commercialization support from NIF/DST.. Opportunity for selected students to visit Japan under the Sakura Exchange Program.. Certificates of participation and recognition from DST and NIF.. Enhances higher education applications and career prospects in STEM..
Share with other parents
Is this the right fit for your child?
WiWit matches opportunities to your child's class, interests, and skills, not a generic list. Save this and get reminders before the deadline closes.
Categories
WiWit
Don't miss what your child actually qualifies for
There are hundreds more opportunities like this one. WiWit matches them to your child's class, interests, and skills, so you find the right ones without searching through everything.
- Matched to your child's class, age, and interests
- Deadline reminders so you never miss registration
- Every opportunity verified before it's listed
Related Opportunities
Antariksha National Space Quiz
by Antariksh Society
The Antariksha National Space Quiz is an online competition for Indian students in Standards 3-10, designed to enhance space science knowledge and foster future STEM skills. Participants can compete individually or in school teams for national recognition and exciting awards.
What your child could gain:
All India Astronomy Quiz by Aryabhat Foundation for Madhya Pradesh Students
by Aryabhat Foundation
The All India Astronomy Quiz, organized by Aryabhat Foundation, is a two-tier competition promoting astronomy and space science for school students in Madhya Pradesh.
What your child could gain:
Avanti Fellows JEE/NEET Free Coaching Program
by Avanti Fellows
Free online and in-person JEE and NEET coaching for academically strong government school students from low-income families across India.
What your child could gain: