Innovation In Science Pursuit For Inspired Research (INSPIRE) - Internship
5-day residential science camp for top 1% Class X students · DST INSPIRE Internship · annual programme
INSPIRE Internship is a free 5-day residential science camp for Class 11 students who ranked in the top 1% in their Class 10 Board exams — 50,000 students benefit each year across India. Camps are held at universities and research institutions and expose students to leading scientists, Nobel Laureates, and hands-on laboratory experiments to spark an early interest in research careers. Camp organizers apply at online-inspire.gov.in; eligible students from the same state are then invited to attend.
About This Scheme
INSPIRE Internship is a free 5-day residential science camp for Class 11 students who ranked in the top 1% in their Class 10 Board exams — 50,000 students benefit each year across India. Camps are held at universities and research institutions and expose students to leading scientists, Nobel Laureates, and hands-on laboratory experiments to spark an early interest in research careers. Camp organizers apply at online-inspire.gov.in; eligible students from the same state are then invited to attend.
Full official description
INSPIRE INTERNSHIP aims to provide exposure to the top 1% of students at the Class X Board level by organizing Science Camps either during summer or winter which provides an opportunity for them to interact with Science icons from India and abroad, including Nobel Laureates, to experience the joys of scientific pursuit. These science camps nourish the curiosity of students in science, help them to think out-of-the-box, and attract students at an early age of 16-17 years to choose science subjects for further studies. Annually 50,000 students who are among the top one percent in their X Board Examination and pursuing science in standard XI would be benefited through summer/ winter camps. These camps would nourish the curiosity of children in science; help them to think out of the box and attract the students at an early age of 16-17 years (i.e. in XI standard) to pursue a research career.
Benefits
- Free 5-day residential science camp (boarding, lodging, and local travel covered; up to ₹6,500 per student)
- Daily lectures and hands-on lab sessions with leading Indian and international scientists, including Nobel Laureates
- Interactive evening sessions and group discussions with mentors
- Top 10 write-ups on national innovation themes recognized and awarded at the closing ceremony
💡 Why Startups Should Care
If your edtech startup targets high-potential school students or science outreach, partnering with or sponsoring INSPIRE Internship camps is a high-credibility way to reach future scientists early.
Who Can Apply (Eligibility)
- Must be a school student currently in Class 11 studying science subjects
- Must have ranked in the top 1% in Class 10 Board Examination
- Must not have attended a similar INSPIRE Internship camp before
- Must be within the same state or union territory as the organizing institution
How to Apply
- Eligible public or private universities/colleges can submit a proposal online at online-inspire.gov.in at least 3 months before the proposed camp date.
- The proposal must include an endorsement letter signed by the Head of Institute and the PFMS Unique Agency code.
- The organiser must be a regular employee of the institution.
- Students: proof of being in the top 1% in their Class X Board exam is required along with enrolment in Science in Class XI.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is The Objective Of Organizing INSPIRE Internship Camp?
The objective of organizing the INSPIRE Internship camp is to reveal the joys of innovation to the talented youth of the nation to pursue study in science and career in Research and Development.
Who Can Organize INSPIRE INTERNSHIP Camp?
Institutes/Degree Colleges/ Universities can organize INSPIRE Internship Science Camps.
What Is The Eligibility Of The Program Coordinator?
The Program Coordinator of the proposed INSPIRE Internship camp should be a regular faculty/employee of the respective Institute with a science background.
Who Can Participate In These Camps?
Students within the eligibility criteria (Given on the website http://www.inspire-dst.gov.in) in Class X of respective Education Boards and pursuing 11th in Science discipline.
Whether 12th Standard Students Can Participate In The INSPIRE INTERNSHIP Camp?
12th Students can participate in the INSPIRE INTERNSHIP Camp before the declaration of the result of class X each year.
What Is The Budget Of Organizing INSPIRE Internship Science Camp?
The maximum budget for a science camp is based on the number of participating students with a ceiling of maximum to the sanctioned strength i.e., at the rate of Rs.6500 per Student. This cost is inclusive of all expenses. No additional grant will be sanctioned beyond the norms.
What Is The Minimum And Maximum Size Of The INSPIRE Internship Science Camp?
The minimum and maximum INSPIRE Internship Science Camp limit is not there. It depends on the infrastructural capacity of the organizing institute. But the preferred camp size is 150 students participation.
How Many Mentors Need To Be Called For A Camp ?
10-12 eminent mentors covering the disciplines of Physics, Chemistry, Life Science, Earth Sciences, and Mathematical Science need to be called.
What Is The Infrastructural Requirement For Organizing The INSPIRE Internship Camp?
The infrastructural requirement for organizing the INSPIRE Internship Camp is lab infrastructure in the area of Physics, Chemistry, Life Science, Earth Sciences Mathematical Sciences etc., an Auditorium with a sound system, a Guest House, Hostel accommodation for boys and girls.
Should The Nature Of INSPIRE Internship Science Camp Necessarily Be Residential?
Yes, It should be residential in nature.
After The Approval Of INSPIRE Internship Science Camp, When Will Be The Grant Released?
The initial grant will be released within two months of the date of commencement of the Program after seeking its formal approval following the normal approval process. The final installment will be received upon receipt of the INSPIRE Internship Science camp completion report.
Do I Have To Wait For My Bank Details To Be Approved?
The bank detail submission page consists of a selected bank details list already approved by DST. If you select the required bank detail from the list, you do not have to wait for its approval.
Ready to apply?
Visit the official government portal to apply for this scheme.
Apply on myScheme.gov.inDocuments Required
For students:
- Proof of top 1% ranking in Class X Board exam
- Proof of enrolment in Science stream in Class XI
- Bonafide certificate from institution
- Declaration of not having attended a similar camp earlier