The INSPIRE Internship program, launched under the INSPIRE Scheme by the Department of Science and Technology (DST), Government of India, aims to nurture scientific talent among the top 1% of Class X Board students. By organizing Science Camps during summer or winter, the scheme provides an opportunity for students to interact with renowned scientists, including Nobel Laureates. These camps are designed to spark curiosity, foster innovative thinking, and motivate students aged 16-17 to pursue science for higher studies and research careers.
Each year, 50,000 students who rank among the top 1% in their Class X Board Examinations and pursue science in Class XI benefit from these camps.
Benefits
For Interns:
- Duration of Camp: 5 days (excluding travel days).
- Nature of Camp: Residential (except in Metropolitan Cities).
- Program Structure:
- Morning Sessions: Two lectures with discussions (1.5 hours each).
- Afternoon Sessions: Hands-on experience (2:00 PM to 5:30 PM).
- Pre-Dinner Discussions: Interactive sessions with mentors and Nobel Laureates.
- Innovative Idea Competitions: Interns submit ideas on national priority areas like Renewable Energy, Swachh Bharat, Ganga Rejuvenation, Green Revolution, etc.
- Awards for Best Ideas: Top 10 interns are awarded during the valedictory function.
- Laboratory Visits: Exposure to state-of-the-art labs in Physics, Chemistry, Life Sciences, etc.
For Organizers/Mentors:
- Financial Support:
- ₹6,500 per student as the upper ceiling for camp expenses.
- Includes travel, boarding, lodging, stationery, books, experimental gadgets, and honorarium for mentors.
- Honorarium for Mentors:
- ₹3,000 per contributing day (maximum ₹6,000 per mentor).
- Support for Nobel Laureates:
- ₹10,00,000 (all-inclusive) per Nobel Laureate (up to 50 Nobel Laureates per year).
Eligibility
For Interns:
- Must be a school student.
- Must be among the top 1% in their Class X Board Examination.
- Must be pursuing science in Class XI.
- Must not have attended any similar INSPIRE camp earlier.
- Must belong to the same State/Union Territory where the camp is being organized.
Note: If the number of top 1% students exceeds the allocated seats, top rankers will be selected based on their applications.
For Science Camp Organizers:
- Universities, Colleges, or Academic/Research Institutes with:
- Adequate science laboratory infrastructure.
- Auditoriums with sound systems and LCD projectors.
- Hostel facilities for boys and girls.
- The institution must assume administrative and financial responsibility for the camp.
For Mentors:
- Academy Fellows, Bhatnagar Awardees, renowned scientists, and academicians of national and international repute.
Application Process
For Organizers:
- Submit an online proposal at www.online-inspire.gov.in three months in advance from the proposed camp date.
- Include an Endorsement Letter signed by the Head of the Institution and PFMS Unique Agency Code.
- The organizer must be a regular employee of the institution.
For Interns:
- Interns are nominated by their schools based on Class X Board Examination results and are selected by the State/UT education boards.
Documents Required
For Interns:
- Proof of being in the top 1% of Class X Board Examination.
- Proof of enrollment in Class XI Science Stream.
- Bonafide Certificate from the school.
- A declaration confirming the student has not attended a similar camp earlier.
For Organizers:
- Endorsement Certificate from the Head of the Institution.
- Program Schedule and details of mentors.
- Attendance records of students (5 days).
- Student Registration and Feedback Forms.
- List of top-performing students with their innovative ideas.
- Videography of the 5-day camp.
- Audited Utilization Certificate and Statement of Expenditure (submitted within 2 months post-camp).
- Unspent balance to be deposited via www.bharatkosh.gov.in.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: What is the objective of organizing the INSPIRE Internship Camp?
The objective is to nurture scientific curiosity among the top 1% Class X students, providing them exposure to scientific research and interactions with eminent scientists.
Q2: Who can organize INSPIRE Internship Camps?
Universities, colleges, and research institutions with adequate science infrastructure can organize these camps.
Q3: What is the eligibility of the Program Coordinator?
The coordinator must be a regular employee of the organizing institution with experience in managing scientific programs.
Q4: Who can participate in these camps?
Students among the top 1% in Class X Board Exams, pursuing science in Class XI, and nominated by their schools.
Q5: Can Class 12 students participate in INSPIRE Internship Camps?
No, the camps are exclusively for Class 11 science students.
Q6: What is the budget for organizing the INSPIRE Internship Science Camp?
₹6,500 per student is allocated to cover camp expenses, including travel, accommodation, and mentor honorarium.
Q7: How many mentors need to be called for a camp?
The camp should include renowned mentors, including Academy Fellows, scientists, and Nobel Laureates.
Q8: Should the INSPIRE Internship Science Camp necessarily be residential?
Yes, the camps are residential (except in Metropolitan Cities).
Q9: After approval of the INSPIRE Internship Science Camp, when will the grant be released?
The grant is released after approval of the proposal and completion of necessary documentation.
Q10: Do I have to wait for my bank details to be approved?
Yes, PFMS bank details must be approved before the grant is disbursed.