INSPIRE programme of the Department of Science and Technology

How to Approach

The question asks for notes on the INSPIRE programme. A good answer will define INSPIRE, detail its various components (BA, SHE, IDP, etc.), highlight its objectives and achievements, and briefly mention its impact on the Indian science and technology landscape. The answer should be concise, sticking to the 50-word limit, and focus on the core aspects of the programme. Structure the answer by first introducing the programme and then briefly outlining its key components.

Model Answer

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Introduction

The Innovation in Science Pursuit for Inspired Research (INSPIRE) programme, launched by the Department of Science and Technology (DST) in 2008, aims to attract talented students to basic sciences and foster original research. It addresses the declining interest in science careers by providing scholarships and mentorship opportunities. INSPIRE seeks to build a critical mass of scientists and innovators in the country.

INSPIRE operates through several components:

INSPIRE Components:

INSPIRE Scholarship for Higher Education (SHE): Provides scholarships to meritorious students pursuing undergraduate and postgraduate degrees in basic sciences.
INSPIRE Basic Science Internship (SBI): Offers short-term research internships to high school students.
INSPIRE Science Internship for Class XI (SIXI): Similar to SBI, but targeted at Class XI students.
INSPIRE Doctoral Fellowship (IDF): Supports PhD scholars in basic sciences.
INSPIRE Faculty Award (IFA): Recognizes and supports young faculty members engaged in research.
INSPIRE IDP (Innovative Design and Prototype): Encourages students to develop innovative projects.

The programme has significantly increased enrolment in basic sciences at the undergraduate level. It has also fostered a research culture among young students, leading to increased publications and patents. INSPIRE’s impact is visible in the growing number of students pursuing careers in scientific research.

Conclusion

INSPIRE is a crucial initiative by DST to revitalize basic sciences in India. By nurturing talent and providing opportunities for research, it aims to build a strong scientific foundation for the nation’s future. Continued investment and expansion of the programme are essential to achieve its long-term goals and address the challenges in the Indian S&T ecosystem.

Answer Length

This is a comprehensive model answer for learning purposes and may exceed the word limit. In the exam, always adhere to the prescribed word count.

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Additional Resources

Key Definitions

Basic Sciences

Disciplines concerned with fundamental principles and theories underlying natural phenomena, including physics, chemistry, biology, and mathematics.

DST

Department of Science and Technology, a ministry of the Government of India responsible for coordinating scientific and technological activities in the country.

Key Statistics

As of 2023, INSPIRE has supported over 3.5 lakh students across its various components.

Source: Department of Science and Technology (DST) Annual Report 2023-24 (Knowledge Cutoff: Dec 2023)

The INSPIRE SHE scholarship provides up to ₹80,000 per annum to selected students.

Source: DST INSPIRE SHE Guidelines (Knowledge Cutoff: Dec 2023)

Examples

INSPIRE Internship Impact

Many students who participated in INSPIRE internships have gone on to pursue PhDs at prestigious institutions like IISc and IITs, demonstrating the programme’s effectiveness in identifying and nurturing talent.

Frequently Asked Questions

▶What is the main objective of the INSPIRE programme?

The primary objective is to attract talented students to basic sciences and encourage them to pursue research careers, thereby strengthening the scientific base of the country.

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