DST MANAK (Million Minds Augmenting National Aspiration and Knowledge) Award
National science innovation award executed jointly by DST and National Innovation Foundation (NIF) granting ₹10,000 to school students to build original scientific prototypes.
Quick Eligibility Snapshot
₹Benefits & Entitlement Breakdown
📊Budget Allocation & Beneficiary Reach
Funded under Central Sector Science & Technology Development Allocation
Official Budget Document ↗Over 5,000 scientists, researchers, and students supported annually
As of: 2026-01-20PIB / Official Citation ↗Verified Eligibility Criteria
Targeted at scientific researchers, students, faculty, and scholars with verified academic credentials.
Required Documents Checklist
Verify readiness before applying for DST MANAK (Million Minds Augmenting National Aspiration and Knowledge) Award. Check off your papers or print this list before visiting your local CSC / Cyber Cafe.
Mandatory Documents(3)
Check off as readyKeep self-attested photocopies and clear digital scans (100 KB – 200 KB, PDF/JPG format) ready to avoid portal upload timeouts.
Worried About Application Rejection for DST MANAK (Million Minds Augmenting National Aspiration and Knowledge) Award?
Over 30% of applications on official portals get delayed or rejected due to minor certificate authority mismatches or unseeded bank accounts. Our civic research desk compiles a verified 1-page Scheme Blueprint tailored to your state and profile.
- ✓Valid issuing authority rules (Tehsildar/SDM)
- ✓Aadhaar-DBT bank seeding verification
- ✓Direct official portal guide (no middlemen)
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Application Effort & Process Friction
Readiness assessment derived from official prerequisites, mandatory documentation, and submission channels.
Effort scores reflect portal accessibility, mandatory document burden, and physical verification requirements.
How to Apply
- 1
Schools conduct internal idea competitions for students of Classes 6 to 10.
- 2
School principals upload the best 2 to 3 original student ideas on the E-MIAS web portal.
- 3
National Innovation Foundation (NIF) screens entries based on novelty and societal relevance.
- 4
₹10,000 is directly disbursed via DBT to build prototypes for District Level Exhibitions (DLEPC).
✅Before You Begin — Pre-Application Checklist
⚠️Common Rejection Reasons — Avoid These
Non-compliance with educational degree thresholds, incomplete research proposal, or lack of institutional endorsement.
Official Government Application Portal
You will be redirected to the secure official portal: www.inspireawards-dst.gov.in
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Get Scheme Blueprint (₹49)→Frequently Asked Questions (Officially Sourced)
Verified answers sourced directly from official circulars, gazettes, and portal FAQs. Never AI-invented.
Who can nominate students for the INSPIRE MANAK award?
Only recognized schools (Government, Private, Navodaya, Kendriya Vidyalaya) through their designated school principals.
Source: Official Scheme FAQ ↗How many nominations can each school submit per academic year?
Each school can nominate 2 to 3 best innovative science project ideas from students in classes 6 to 10.
Source: Official Scheme FAQ ↗What happens to national winners of INSPIRE MANAK?
Top 60 national winners showcase their prototypes at the Festival of Innovation and Entrepreneurship (FINE) at Rashtrapati Bhavan and receive mentorship for patent filing.
Source: Official Scheme FAQ ↗Can I track my DST MANAK (Million Minds Augmenting National Aspiration and Knowledge) Award application status?
Application status for DST MANAK (Million Minds Augmenting National Aspiration and Knowledge) Award can typically be tracked through the official portal at www.inspireawards-dst.gov.in using your Aadhaar number, application reference number, or registered mobile number. Alternatively, contact the scheme helpline or visit your nearest Common Service Centre (CSC).
What should I do if my DST MANAK (Million Minds Augmenting National Aspiration and Knowledge) Award payment is delayed or rejected?
First, verify your Aadhaar-bank account seeding status on the NPCI mapper (npci.org.in). If seeding is confirmed and payment is still pending, register a complaint on the Central Public Grievance Redressal System at pgportal.gov.in. You may also file an RTI application at rtionline.gov.in to obtain official rejection reasons within 30 days.
Is there an income tax implication for receiving DST MANAK (Million Minds Augmenting National Aspiration and Knowledge) Award benefits?
Agricultural income and certain welfare subsidies may be exempt from income tax under Section 10 of the Income Tax Act, 1961. Tax treatment varies by scheme type and beneficiary income level. Consult a certified tax practitioner or visit incometax.gov.in for scheme-specific tax guidance.
Common Rejection Reasons & Warnings
Non-compliance with educational degree thresholds, incomplete research proposal, or lack of institutional endorsement.
Editorial Verification & Change Log
| Date | Field | Description / Update | Source Citation |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026-10-19 | scheme_type | cs | Official Source ↗ |
| 2026-09-28 | initial_verification | Baseline verification of guidelines, eligibility parameters, research grants, and official portal links. | Official Source ↗ |
| 2026-09-28 | initial_verification | Baseline verification of guidelines, eligibility parameters, research grants, and official portal links. | Official Source ↗ |
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Application Window & Deadlines
Annual regular call announced on DST/SERB/CSIR/DBT portal
🛟Grievance & RTI Channels
Scheme Intelligence
How is this calculated? ↗Verified 7d ago from .gov.in source
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📅Scheme Milestone Timeline
Baseline verification of guidelines, eligibility parameters, research grants, an...
Official Source ↗Baseline verification of guidelines, eligibility parameters, research grants, an...
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Official Helpline & Nodal Offices
INSPIRE MANAK Division, Department of Science and Technology & NIF India, Gandhinagar, Gujarat 382650
INSPIRE MANAK Division, Department of Science and Technology & NIF India, Gandhinagar, Gujarat 382650
Helpline: 079-23265888
Jurisdiction: NationalNotice a Discrepancy?
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Verification Metadata
Last verified by Eligo researchers on 2026-10-12 against official government documentation.
Eligo is an independent information platform unaffiliated with any government body. Always confirm latest terms directly on the official portal.