Lok Sabha Question No. 1732 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-12-10
Subject: Science Stream Scheme
Ministry: SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
Asked by: Shri Mohibbullah

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY DEPARTMENT OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY LOK SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 1732 ANSWERED ON 10/12/2025

## SCIENCE STREAM SCHEME

## 1732. SHRI MOHIBBULLAH:

Will the Minister of SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY be pleased to state:

- (a) the details of the primary objective of the Science Stream Scheme and the manner in which it is proposed to be achieved;
- (b) the details of the key performance indicators used to evaluate the success of projects funded under the Science Stream Scheme; and
- (c) whether  the  Science  Stream  Scheme  addresses  the  needs  and priorities  of  marginalized  and  underrepresented  groups  in  science  and research and if so, the details thereof?

## ANSWER

## MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) OF THE MINISTRY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY AND EARTH SCIENCES (DR. JITENDRA SINGH)

- (a) The Department of Science and Technology is implementing Innovation in Science Pursuit for Inspired Research (INSPIRE)- Million Minds Augmenting National Aspiration and Knowledge (MANAK); INSPIRE Scholarship for Higher Education (SHE) and Vigyan Jyoti programmes with an objective to attract meritorious youth to study basic and natural sciences at the college and university level and to pursue research careers in both basic and applied science areas including engineering, medicine, agriculture and veterinary sciences. The ultimate aim of these science stream programs is to expand the R&D base of the country.

INSPIRE MANAK (Million Minds Augmenting National Aspiration and Knowledge)  scheme  is  implemented  with  objectives  (i)  to  attract  young students to study science and pursue research career (ii) to promote creative thinking and foster a culture of innovation among them. The INSPIRE MANAK Scheme intends to target young students in the age group of 10-17 years and studying in class VI to XII. All schools in the country, recognized by the District /  State  Education  authorities,  whether  Government  or  private,  aided  or  unaided, run by Central Government or State Government or local bodies, and having classes 6 to 12 are eligible to nominate 5 students from their schools, during the financial year. The nominations are sought from schools, by the Department, during specific period of the year, through online mode at E-MIAS portal (www.inspireawards-dst.gov.in ).

The nomination process includes submitting of basic details of the students,  bank  account  details,  along  with  a  brief  idea/  synopsis  of  the proposed  model/project.  These  online  nominations  are  scrutinized  on  the basis of the idea provided by the students and the selected students receive of project/model/showcasing of idea and participation at exhibitions organized at three levels viz. District, State and National. The financial assistance under this  scheme  is  being  transferred  directly  into  the  bank  accounts  of  the financial assistance of Rs.10,000/each, for preparation students through Direct Benefit Transfer.

Scholarship for Higher Education (SHE) aims to enhance the rate of attachment  of  talented  youth  to  undertake  higher  education  in  science intensive programs by providing scholarships and mentoring through summer offers 12,000    Scholarships  every  year  @  Rs  0.80  lakh  per  year  for  undertaking Bachelor and Masters level education in natural and basic sciences for the attachment with leading researchers. The scheme talented youth in the age group of 17-22 years.

Vigyan Jyoti program encourages meritorious school girls to pursue careers in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM). The program primarily targets girls from classes 9 th  - 12 th , especially those from underrepresented regions, to bridge the gender gap in STEM education and careers. Vigyan Jyoti also focuses on building confidence, leadership skills, and communication abilities, helping girls excel academically and socially. By nurturing talent at the school level, Vigyan Jyoti helps create a pipeline of future women scientists, promotes gender equality in STEM, and encourages girls to aim for higher education and research careers.

- (b) Yes, the key performance indicators are being used to evaluate the success of scholarship/projects funded under these Science Stream Schemes.

The key performance indicators for evaluating the INSPIRE MANAK program include the innovativeness of ideas, as well as students' research and innovative aptitude in science and technology. Nominations are received from  students  across  India,  representing  diverse  backgrounds.  The  large number  of  participating  students  demonstrates  wide  engagement  among schools  and  learners.  Each  year,  about  one  million  ideas  are  received nationwide.  A  rigorous  screening  process  is  conducted  based  on  novelty, originality,  and  innovativeness.  From  these  submissions,  approximately 50,000 students are selected to participate in a three-tier competition at the District,  State,  and  National  levels.  Students  selected  for  the  State-level competition  receive  mentoring  support  for  prototype  development  and potential commercialization.

The  key  performance  indicators  for  evaluating  the  INSPIRE-SHE program include the selection of students who rank within the top 1% of their respective  Central  or  State  Boards.  For  continuation  of  the  scholarship, scholars are required to maintain consistent academic performance, securing at least First Class (60%  marks)  annually. In addition, students are encouraged  to  undertake  a  short-term  summer  internship  of  6-8  weeks  to conduct research at any reputed academic organization across the country. The research projects are evaluated by the respective research supervisors, and  upon  successful  completion,  mentorship  support  is  provided  to  the students. Each year, mentorship support is extended to ~4000 scholars who successfully complete their research projects. INSPIRE-SHE has thus created a  substantial  academic  and  research  talent  pool  for  pursuing  careers  in Science and Technology.

The  Vigyan  Jyoti  Program  plays  a  pivotal  role  in  increasing  the participation  of  girls  in  STEM  and  addressing  the  underrepresentation  of women  in  higher education and research in technology, engineering, mathematics,  and  high-energy  physics.  Activities  such  as  student-parent counselling, role model interactions, visits to knowledge partners (IITs, NITs, CSIR labs), STEM sessions, tinkering activities, and resource distribution have significantly enhanced girls' interest in STEM. Hands-on tinkering activities have improved conceptual understanding. Academic support sessions have strengthened preparation for competitive examinations. Mentoring by scientists and STEM professionals has inspired girls to envision future careers in STEM fields.

## (c) Yes,  Science  stream  schemes  do  cater  the  marginalized  and underrepresented  groups  in  science  and  research,  and  the  details  are  as follows:

| Financial Year   | INSPIRE- MANAK   | INSPIRE- MANAK   | INSPIRE- MANAK   | INSPIRE- SHE   | INSPIRE- SHE   | INSPIRE- SHE   | Vigyan Jyoti   | Vigyan Jyoti   | Vigyan Jyoti   |
|------------------|------------------|------------------|------------------|----------------|----------------|----------------|----------------|----------------|----------------|
| Financial Year   | SC               | ST               | Female           | SC             | ST             | Female         | SC             | ST             | Female         |
| 2022-23          | 6614             | 4051             | 22150            | 621            | 153            | 5025           | 3470           | 3285           | 17859          |
| 2023-24          | 7767             | 4461             | 22687            | 622            | 105            | 4725           | 4823           | 3261           | 23149          |
| 2024-25          | 8803             | 4692             | 26127            | 881            | 143            | 5784           | 5961           | 3950           | 29437          |

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