Innovation in Science Pursuit for Inspired Research - Internship

Department of Science and Technology (DST) has opened INSPIRE Internship science camps for 2026. Under this scheme, top 1% students of Class X board exams get a chance to attend 5-day science camps during summer or winter, where they can interact with top scientists from India and abroad, including Nobel Laureates.

INSPIRE Internship is part of the INSPIRE program of DST, which works on bringing young talent towards science. Every year, around 50,000 students studying science in Class XI get selected for these camps. DST gives a grant of ₹6,500 per student to the organizing institute to cover the full camp cost.

Innovation in Science Pursuit for Inspired Research Internship - Introduction

Innovation in Science Pursuit for Inspired Research (INSPIRE) Internship gives exposure to the top 1% students at Class X board level. The scheme organizes science camps during summer or winter, giving young students a chance to interact with science icons from India and abroad, including Nobel Laureates.

By taking part in scientific activities, students build curiosity and learn to think creatively. The scheme is made for 16 to 17 year old students who are currently in Class XI, and helps them choose science subjects for higher studies. Students who have not attended a similar camp before and who apply within their own state or union territory are given preference.

Benefits

The science camps run for 5 days (excluding travel days) and are residential, except in metropolitan cities. Each day includes two 90-minute expert lectures followed by hands-on lab sessions from 1400 hrs to 1730 hrs.

Students take part in discussions on topics of national importance, such as the Second Green Revolution, clean energy, and waste management. They also take part in idea writing contests, and the best three entries are awarded during the closing ceremony. Around 10 to 12 mentors are called for each camp, covering Physics, Chemistry, Life Science, Earth Sciences and Mathematical Science.

DST allows up to 50 Nobel Laureates to be invited for INSPIRE Internship camps in a year. Each visiting Nobel Laureate interacts with students of two camps when the camps run during the same period, so that more interns get a chance to meet them.

Eligibility

For Students: You should be in the top 1% of your 10th grade board examination and currently be studying in Class XI in the science stream. You must not have attended a similar camp previously and should apply within your state or union territory.

For Organizers: Universities, colleges, or research institutes should have strong lab infrastructure, an auditorium with sound systems, and residential accommodation (hostel/guest house) to host the camp. The program coordinator should be a regular faculty member or employee of the institute with a science background. NGOs and voluntary organizations that want to organize camps must register on the NGO Darpan portal and share their approved NGO Darpan registration ID while applying.

Application Process

STEP 1 - Go to the official website at online-inspire.gov.in and register as a new organizer. Academic institutions should submit their proposal online at least three months before the planned camp dates.

STEP 2 - Attach the endorsement letter signed by your Head of Institute and include your PFMS unique agency code in the proposal. NGOs and voluntary organizations also need to give their approved NGO Darpan registration ID.

STEP 3 - Wait for the approval from DST. The grant is released after approval, and the camp should be organized only after the first installment of the grant is received by the institute.

STEP 4 - After the camp is over, submit a detailed completion report to DST within two months. This includes attendance sheets, student feedback, videography of the event, financial statements (Utilization Certificate in GFR 2017 form 12A), and any unspent balance via the Bharatkosh portal.

Documents

For Students: You should prepare your proof of ranking (top 1% in Class X), a bonafide certificate from your school, proof of current enrollment in the science stream, and a declaration that you have not attended this camp before.

For Organizers: You are required to submit the proposal online with an endorsement letter from the Head of Institute, PFMS unique agency code, and NGO Darpan registration ID (for NGOs and voluntary organizations). A detailed completion report with the Utilization Certificate has to be sent to DST within two months of the camp.

References

INSPIRE Internship Science Camp Guidelines | FAQs | Feedback Form | Contact Us

For INSPIRE Internship related queries, contact Ms. Tamanna Arora, Sc-C at tamanna.arora@nic.in or call 011-26590274. Working hours are 09:00 AM to 05:30 PM, Monday to Friday. Students can also check other DST science schemes like the INSPIRE Scholarship for Higher Education (SHE), INSPIRE Fellowship, and INSPIRE Awards MANAK on this website.

FAQ's

What is the primary objective of these camps?

The main aim is to build curiosity of talented students and encourage them to take up careers in research and development.

Who is eligible to organize these camps?

University departments, degree colleges, and recognized academic research institutes can apply to become organizers. NGOs and voluntary organizations need to register on the NGO Darpan portal first.

Is the camp residential?

Yes, all camps are residential to make sure of focused learning, except for those organized in metropolitan cities.

How is the budget handled?

DST provides a grant of up to ₹ 6,500 per student to cover all boarding, lodging, and logistical costs. No extra funding is available beyond this ceiling.

What is the preferred camp size?

While the capacity depends on your institution's infrastructure, a size of 150 students is preferred, with 10 to 12 mentors.

How can students or institutes get help?

For any query related to INSPIRE Internship, contact the program officer Ms. Tamanna Arora at tamanna.arora@nic.in or call 011-26590274 during working hours.