Innovation In Science Pursuit For Inspired Research (INSPIRE) - Internship 2026

The INSPIRE Internship program connects the nation's brightest Class X students with leading scientists and Nobel Laureates Read More... through science camps, sparking a passion for research. Read less

Details

Are you a student with a curious mind, passionate about science? The INSPIRE Internship program might be just the opportunity you're looking for. It's designed to give you a firsthand glimpse into the world of scientific discovery and innovation.

What Is The INSPIRE Internship Program?

INSPIRE Internship is a special initiative aimed at providing top-performing students, specifically the top 1% from Class X board exams, with an immersive experience in science. This is done through engaging science camps, held either in summer or winter. During these camps, you'll get the chance to meet and learn from renowned scientists, including Nobel Laureates, both from India and around the globe. The goal is to ignite your curiosity, encourage out-of-the-box thinking, and inspire you to consider a future in science and research at a young age.

Who Can Benefit From This Program?

This program is primarily for students who excel academically in science. Each year, about 50,000 students who rank among the top one percent in their Class X board examinations and are currently pursuing their Class XI studies in a science stream are eligible to participate. These camps are a fantastic platform for students aged 16-17 to explore their scientific interests further.

Why Is This Program Important?

The INSPIRE Internship program plays a crucial role in nurturing the next generation of scientists and innovators. By exposing young minds to the wonders of scientific research and letting them interact with eminent personalities, it helps cultivate a deep-seated interest in science subjects. This early exposure is vital for attracting students to pursue advanced studies and research careers, contributing to the nation's scientific and technological progress.

Objective

The INSPIRE Internship program connects the nation's brightest Class X students with leading scientists and Nobel Laureates through science camps, sparking a passion for research.

Benefits

Duration of the Summer/Winter Camp:5 days (excluding the days of Journey)

Nature of the Camp:Residential except in Metropolitan Cities

For the Interns:

Each day the schedule of the Program should comprise at least two lectures cum discussion of one and a half hours in the morning hours followed by hands-on experience in the second half (i.e., 1400Hrs to 1730hrs).
The coordinator should engage students in the thinking process on issues of national importance by way of organizing sessions for interns for writing on new and innovative ideas. The following are some of the key areas of priority: Second Green Revolution; Renewable and non Renewable energy; Clean energy; Natural resources utilization for sustainability; Make in India; Swachh Bharat & Ganga Rejuvenation; Energy conservation efficiency and sustainability; Harnessing Modern Technology for the second green revolution; Dairy and Livestock Sector; Solid & Liquid Waste Management; Recycling & processing of waste to conserve resources.
The program Coordinator can organize a pre-dinner interactive session with the students on the first day and initiate discussions about the role of science and technology in the development of the nation.
A session with the participating interns on writing new and innovative ideas on the above areas. The organizer shall evaluate these ideas by the external mentors present during the 4th or 5th day and select the best three write-ups in the raking of 1st 2nd 3rd ….. 10th. The interns whose write-ups will be selected for 1st-10th rank will be awarded during the valedictory function.
Each visiting Nobel Laureate has to interact with the Interns.
Pre-dinner Discussions of INSPIRE interns with Mentors may be arranged each day.
Lab infrastructure in the area of Physics, Chemistry, Life Science, Earth Sciences Mathematical Sciences, etc., Auditorium with sound system, Guest House, Hostel accommodation for boys and girls.

For the Organizers/Mentors:

For the INSPIRE Internship camp of 5 days (excluding the Journey days), ₹ 6500/- student (as an uppermost ceiling/student) will be provided to the coordinating Institute/Department/agency to meet the INSPIRE Internship camp cost.
This cost includes travel costs (as per entitlement & actual), Boarding & Lodging, Stationary including Books & small experimental gadgets, etc., Consumables, Honorarium (to the Mentors, etc.), and organizational expenses for the Students and Indian Mentors invited for the respective INSPIRE Internship camps.
Honorarium to the mentors should be paid a maximum of ₹ 3000 per contributing day, with an upper limit of ₹ 6000 per mentor if the mentor contributes for more than one day in the entire camp duration.
For inviting a Noble Laureate to interact with the students in these Camps as an International Mentor, INSPIRE has also a provision of providing support with a maximum of ₹ 10,00,000 (all-inclusive) per Noble Laureate. Every year a maximum 50 no. of Noble Laureates can be invited to the INSPIRE Internship Camps.

Sources and references

Guidelines

Who Can Apply for INSPIRE Internship?

To participate in the INSPIRE Internship Science Camp, students must meet the following criteria:

You must be a student.
You should be among the top 1% of students in your Class X Board Examination.
You must be currently studying in Class XI, pursuing science subjects.
You should not have attended a similar science camp before.
You must be from the same State or Union Territory where the camp is being organized.

Important Note: If more top 1% students apply than the available slots for a state/UT, the highest rankers who applied will be selected.

Eligibility for Science Camp Organizers:

Universities, colleges, and academic or research institutes interested in hosting these camps need to have:

Adequate laboratory infrastructure for various science disciplines (Physics, Chemistry, Life Sciences, Earth Sciences, Mathematical Sciences).
An auditorium with a sound system and LCD projectors.
Guest house and hostel facilities for both boys and girls.
The capacity to manage the administrative and financial responsibilities of the camp.

Who Can Be a Mentor?

Mentors for these camps are typically:

Fellows of national academies.
Bhatnagar Awardees.
Scientists and academicians of national and international repute.

How to Get Involved

The application process is managed through the organizing institutes. Students are encouraged to check with their schools or nearby universities for announcements regarding the INSPIRE Internship Science Camps.

Generally, students who meet the eligibility criteria can apply through the designated organizing institution. The selection is based on merit (top 1% in Class X exams) and the applicant's pursuit of science in Class XI.

For Organizers:Institutions interested in hosting a camp need to apply to the Department of Science & Technology (DST). Specific application forms and guidelines are usually available on the official INSPIRE website.

Where to Find More Information:

For detailed application procedures and updates, please refer to the official INSPIRE program website: http://www.inspire-dst.gov.in

Documents You Might Need (For Interns):

If you're applying as a student intern, be prepared to provide the following:

Proof confirming your position among the top 1% in your Class X Board Examination.
A certificate showing your enrollment in the Science stream for Class XI.
A Bonafide Certificate issued by your educational institution.
A written declaration stating that you have not participated in a similar science camp before.

Important Reminder: If there are more top 1% students than available spots in a state/UT, the selection will be based on higher ranks among those who applied.

Reporting Requirements for Organizers:

Institutions that organize the camps must submit comprehensive reports to the Department of Science & Technology (DST). This includes:

A complete INSPIRE Internship Camp Report on an External Hard Disk.
A hard copy of the application with all uploads, including an endorsement from the Head of the Institute and the Program Schedule. A declaration confirming the residential nature of the camp is also required.
Student attendance sheets for all 5 days.
Completed registration forms for each student.
Completed feedback forms from each student.
A one-page summary of student feedback, compiled by the Program Coordinator.
Feedback from the Course Coordinator.
Videography of the 5-day program.
A list of students with their cut-off marks and addresses.
A list of mentors along with their schedule and the titles of their talks/interactions.
Details of the practical sessions conducted during the camp.
Scientific and technical write-ups from the top 10 ranked students.
Audited Utilization Certificate and Statement of Expenditure (2 copies) submitted in the DST format (Proforma 12A) within two months of the camp's completion.
Unspent balance, including interest, must be deposited via the Non-Tax Receipt Portal (NTRP) (www.bharatkosh.gov.in) immediately after finalizing accounts.

Additional Report Details (Hard and Soft Copy):

A brief report should be sent via email to [email protected], including:

A copy of the sanction order.
List of participating students with their cut-off marks from their respective education boards (State, CBSE, ICSE).
Student attendance records for all five days.
List of mentors with contact details and talk titles.
The camp's program schedule.
Student feedback summary (in the format available on the INSPIRE website).
Program Coordinator's feedback.
Innovative idea write-ups from the Top Ten winners.
Audited Utilisation Certificate (GFR 2017, 12A performa).
Statement of Expenditure.
A certificate confirming the residential nature of the camp.

Records to be Kept by the Program Coordinator:

A soft and hard copy of the report submitted to DST.
Student registration and feedback forms, including student photographs, Aadhaar Card numbers, cut-off marks, courses pursued in Class XI, and a declaration about not attending a similar camp previously.

FAQ’s

What is the main goal of organizing INSPIRE Internship camps?

The primary aim is to introduce talented young minds to the excitement of innovation, encouraging them to pursue science studies and careers in research and development.

Which institutions are eligible to host an INSPIRE Internship Science Camp?

Universities, degree colleges, and other academic or research institutes are eligible to organize these camps.

What are the requirements for a Program Coordinator?

The Program Coordinator must be a permanent faculty member or employee of the organizing institute and should have a background in science.

Who is eligible to attend these science camps?

Students who are in Class X, pursuing their Class XI studies in a science stream, and meet the specific eligibility criteria detailed on the official website can participate.

Can students in Class XII participate in the INSPIRE Internship Camp?

Yes, students in Class XII can participate if they do so before the results of their Class X examinations are announced each year.

What is the budget allocation for organizing an INSPIRE Internship Science Camp?

The maximum budget is set at ₹6,500 per student, based on the number of participants, up to the sanctioned limit. This amount covers all expenses, and no additional grants will be provided.

Is there a specific minimum or maximum number of students for a camp?

While there isn't a strict minimum or maximum limit, the preferred camp size is around 150 students. The capacity depends on the organizing institute's infrastructure, but larger camps are generally encouraged.

How many mentors are typically required for a camp?

It is recommended to invite about 10-12 eminent mentors who cover various disciplines such as Physics, Chemistry, Life Sciences, Earth Sciences, and Mathematical Sciences.

What kind of infrastructure is needed to host the camp?

Essential infrastructure includes laboratories for Physics, Chemistry, Life Sciences, Earth Sciences, and Mathematical Sciences, along with an auditorium equipped with a sound system, and guest house/hostel facilities for students.

Must the INSPIRE Internship Science Camp be a residential program?

Yes, the nature of the INSPIRE Internship Science Camp must be residential.

When can the grant money be expected after a camp is approved?

The initial grant is usually released within two months of the program's start date, following the necessary approval process. The final installment is disbursed upon submission of the camp completion report.

Do I need to wait for my bank details to be approved before applying?

If you choose bank details from the list that has already been approved by DST, you won't need to wait for individual approval of those specific details.