Schools facing issues or requiring support can reach out to the support system, which includes technical support contact information and a helpline. The support is available from 09:30 AM to 6:00 PM, Monday to Friday, at the following contact points: 02764-261139, 096384 18605, and inspire@nifindia.org.

Nominations for the scheme are sent by schools by 31st July, followed by shortlisting in August. The INSPIRE Award of ₹10,000 is disbursed by 15th September. Mentorship workshops and prototype development funds are allocated by 1st November. The National Level Exhibition and Project Competition (NLEPC) is typically held in the first week of December.

The Festival of Innovation & Entrepreneurship is an event where the top 60 national winners from the NLEPC participate. This platform allows them to showcase their innovative projects and engage with the entrepreneurial ecosystem, fostering their creative and entrepreneurial spirit.

Students receive an INSPIRE Award of ₹10,000, which is disbursed directly into their bank accounts through the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) scheme. Additionally, they get mentoring and fund support for prototype development. The top 60 awardees participate in the Annual National Level Exhibition and Project Competition (NLEPC), with further opportunities for national awards, ideation, and entrepreneurship support.

The selection of ideas/innovations is based on factors such as novelty, social applicability, environment friendliness, user friendliness, and comparative advantage over existing similar technologies. These criteria ensure that the selected ideas are not only innovative but also have practical relevance.

All schools in the country, regardless of Central or State Board affiliation, are eligible to participate. Each school can nominate 2-3 students every year.

To be eligible, students should be in the age group of 10-15 years and enrolled in classes 6th to 10th.

Schools are actively involved in the scheme by nominating 2-3 best original ideas/innovations of their students. They encourage students to identify local problems and devise solutions in the form of projects. These projects may align with National Flagship programs, fostering a connection between local issues and national initiatives like Swachh Bharat, Digital India, and others.

The primary objective of the INSPIRE scheme, particularly the INSPIRE Awards - MANAK, is to inspire and motivate students in the age group of 10-15 years, who are studying in classes 6 to 10. The goal is to cultivate creativity and innovative thinking among school children by encouraging them to come up with one million original ideas/innovations rooted in science and societal applications.

The scheme allows for flexibility, enabling the use of the school's email ID even if there are changes in authority.

DLEPC and SLEPC play vital roles in shortlisting student projects, ensuring that the best ideas receive recognition and support.

Yes, students with projects having patent potential receive support to navigate the patent application process.

Yes, the scheme includes checks and balances to prevent misuse of funds and ensures that awards are used for the intended purposes.

Students should provide a detailed and specific project title and a clear summary that outlines the project's purpose, problem it addresses, and its advantages. This ensures a proper evaluation.

The scheme is open to all schools, irrespective of board affiliation, ensuring that students from various educational backgrounds can participate.

NIF shortlists a significant number of ideas during the selection process and offers mentoring support to students for prototype development.

The scheme evaluates ideas based on criteria such as novelty, originality, and their potential to address social needs, fostering creative thinking.