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INSPIRE Internship 2026: Science Camps for Top 1% Class X Students, Eligibility & How to Apply

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Quick answer

INSPIRE Internship provides 5‑day residential science camps for students who are in the top one percent of their Class 10 Board exam and studying Science in Class 11. Participants interact with Nobel Laureates, attend lectures and hands‑on lab sessions, and can present innovative ideas for awards. Organizers submit proposals online at www.online-inspire.gov.in to receive funding and conduct the camp.

At a glance

Main benefit5‑day residential science camp
Ministry / departmentMinistry Of Science And Technology
LevelCentral Government
Age16–17 years
Application modeOnline

About the scheme

The INSPIRE Internship scheme aims to attract bright school students to science by organizing short residential camps where they meet eminent scientists and Nobel Laureates, engage in lectures, discussions and practical experiments, and are encouraged to think innovatively about national challenges. The program funds eligible institutes to hold these camps and provides honoraria to mentors and support for inviting international laureates.

Benefits

  • 5‑day residential science camp (excluding journey days)
  • Interaction with Nobel Laureates and eminent scientists from India and abroad
  • Daily schedule includes lectures, discussions and hands‑on lab sessions
  • Opportunity to present innovative ideas and win awards for top‑ranked write‑ups
  • Organizers receive up to ₹6,500 per student to cover camp expenses
  • Mentors eligible for honorarium up to ₹3,000 per day (maximum ₹6,000)
  • Support up to ₹10,00,000 per Nobel Laureate invited (maximum 50 per year)

Who can apply (eligibility)

  • School student
  • Top one percent in Class 10 Board Examination
  • Pursuing Science in Class 11
  • Not attended a similar INSPIRE internship camp earlier
  • Resident of the same State or Union Territory as the organizing institute

Documents required

  • Proof of being in the top one percent in Class 10 Board Examination
  • Proof of enrolment in Science stream in Class 11
  • Bonafide certificate from the institution
  • Declaration that the applicant has not attended a similar camp earlier

How to apply

  1. 1Visit the official INSPIRE proposal portal at www.online-inspire.gov.in
  2. 2Ensure your institute meets the infrastructure and eligibility criteria
  3. 3Prepare the endorsement letter signed by the Head of Institute and obtain PFMS Unique Agency code
  4. 4Fill and submit the online proposal at least three months before the proposed camp date
  5. 5Await approval and subsequent release of the grant as per DST norms

Frequently asked questions

What is the objective of organizing INSPIRE Internship Camp?+

To reveal the joys of innovation to talented youth and encourage them to pursue science and a career in research and development.

Who can organize an INSPIRE Internship Science Camp?+

Universities, colleges, degree colleges or academic/research institutes with the required science laboratory infrastructure can organize the camp.

What is the eligibility criteria for students to participate?+

Students must be school pupils in the top one percent of their Class 10 Board exam, studying Science in Class 11, not have attended a similar camp earlier, and belong to the same State/UT as the organizing institute.

What is the maximum budget provided per student for organizing the camp?+

The organizing institute receives up to ₹6,500 per student to cover all camp expenses.

How many mentors are typically required for a camp?+

10‑12 eminent mentors covering Physics, Chemistry, Life Science, Earth Sciences and Mathematical Sciences are needed.

Is the INSPIRE Internship Camp residential in nature?+

Yes, the camp must be residential, except in metropolitan cities where non‑residential arrangements may be allowed.

NaukriZila is not a government website. Apply only on the official portal; never pay anyone to apply for a government scheme. Source: myScheme (Government of India)