Apply for science innovation awards till September 15

The Higher Education Department of Chamba has issued directives to all schools regarding the INSPIRE-MANAK (‘Innovation in Science Pursuit for Inspired Research-Million Minds Augmenting National Aspiration and Knowledge) Award scheme, allowing students to submit applications until September 15, 2025.

The initiative aims to encourage innovative ideas among school students for the academic session 2025-26.

According to the guidelines, students from classes 6 to 10 studying in government or private schools recognized by the Central or State Board can apply through their respective schools. Each selected student will receive a grant of ?10,000 to develop their science-based innovative project or model.

Students studying in class 6 and above can submit their ideas online through the INSPIRE Award MANAK portal www.inspireawards-dst.gov.in by September 15. The school principals are responsible for registering the students’ entries and ensuring that their ideas are uploaded in both Hindi and English.

INSPIRE district nodal officer Rakesh Thakur said even if a student was selected in previous years but couldn’t participate at the district level due to unavoidable reasons, they can still submit a new application. The ideas must be original, creative, and not copied from any online or offline sources. Submissions should focus on science and technology-based innovations that offer practical solutions to day-to-day problems, especially those faced by people in rural areas.

The Education Department has instructed nodal officers and principals to motivate students to apply in large numbers and ensure that no eligible student is left out of the opportunity.