INSPIRE Awards - MANAK (Million Minds Augmenting National Aspiration and Knowledge)
| Conducted by | Department of Science & Technology (DST), with National Innovation Foundation - India (NIF) |
|---|---|
| Exam type | National school innovation idea competition |
| Field | Innovation (original science-based ideas and innovations) |
| Who can apply | School students nominated by their school (recognised government or private school of any board). Students do not apply directly; the Principal or Headmaster nominates original ideas on the official portal. |
| Age / class | Class 6 to 12 on the current MANAK portal (Classes 11-12 science stream only, limited per school). Older DST pages still say Class 6-10, age 10-15. |
| How often | Annual nomination cycle by financial year |
| Stages | School idea competition and nomination; NIF shortlisting; District, State and National Level Exhibition and Project Competitions. |
| What it leads to | INSPIRE Award (cash award by Direct Benefit Transfer) for shortlisted ideas; mentoring support for prototypes; top national innovations considered by NIF for further development. |
| Talent category | Other recognised talent exams |
| Recognition | Government |
| Level | National |
| Achievement | INSPIRE Award for shortlisted students; national awards for the top innovations at the national exhibition. |
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