Are you a young science enthusiast in school who dreams of becoming a scientist, innovator, or researcher? The INSPIRE Internship Program 2025, under the Department of Science & Technology (DST), Government of India, is your gateway to an exciting scientific journey. Designed for the brightest Class 11 students across India, this prestigious internship nurtures innovation and curiosity at an early age.
About the Program
INSPIRE (Innovation in Science Pursuit for Inspired Research) is a flagship scheme of DST aimed at attracting talent towards science. One of its components, the INSPIRE Internship Camp, is a 5-day residential science camp conducted in partnership with universities and national labs.
During the camp, selected students interact with top scientists, attend lectures, do practical experiments, and get inspired by Nobel-level ideas. The aim is to inculcate scientific temper, research orientation, and critical thinking skills.
The program is fully funded by DST, including accommodation, meals, learning kits, and travel reimbursements.
Useful Summary
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Program Name | INSPIRE Internship Science Camp 2025 |
| Conducted By | Department of Science & Technology (DST), Govt. of India |
| Organized Through | Host Universities, IITs, NITs, IISERs, National Labs |
| Start Date | Varies by host institute (April–December 2025) |
| Apply By | 1–2 months before the scheduled camp date |
| Duration | 5 days |
| Stipend | Fully Sponsored (Free of Cost) |
| Perks | Travel reimbursement, food, accommodation, certificate |
| Location | PAN India (different states & institutions) |
| Mode | Residential (Offline only) |
Who Can Apply?
Eligibility Criteria:
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Indian Nationals only
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Students currently studying in Class 11 (Science Stream)
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Must have scored top 1% in Class 10 board exams (state/CBSE/ICSE)
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OR
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Students who are NTSE, KVPY, or JEE (Advanced) qualifiers are also eligible
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Must have taken science subjects (PCB/PCM) in Class 11
✅ Each state has its own cutoff marks and eligibility list, available through respective education boards or SCERT websites.
Terms of Engagement
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Students stay in a residential setting for 5 days
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Participate in lab experiments, field visits, lectures, and science exhibitions
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Guidance by eminent scientists, professors, and research scholars
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Students receive INSPIRE Learning Kit, Internship Certificate, and Travel Allowance
Number of Seats: Approx. 100 students per camp, across 200+ camps in India annually
Essential Documents
Students must provide:
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Class 10 Marksheet (for merit verification)
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School Bonafide Certificate
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Passport-size Photographs
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Aadhar Card/ID Proof
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Parental Consent Form (usually provided by host institute)
📌 Documents are submitted via school or directly to the organizing institute.
How to Apply (Offline/Online Process)
Option 1: Through School Nomination
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DST notifies State Nodal Officers (SCERTs/School Boards)
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Eligible students are shortlisted based on Class 10 merit list
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Schools receive nomination letters
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Students fill the form and submit to their school principal/teacher coordinator
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Final selection is done by the host university/college
Option 2: Direct Application to Host Institute
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Visit the host institute’s website (e.g., IISER, NIT, or central universities)
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Look for INSPIRE Internship Camp 2025 Notification
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Download and fill application form
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Submit via email/post as per the instructions of the institute
🔗 Examples of host institutes:
Status Check (If Any)
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Selected students receive official emails, letters, or school communication
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No centralized portal is available
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Follow host institute updates via their official websites or notice boards
Important Dates & Links
| Event | Tentative Date |
|---|---|
| Official DST Notification | April 2025 |
| State-Level Shortlisting | April–July 2025 |
| Internship Camp Dates | June to December 2025 |
| Duration | 5 Days (Residential) |
🔗 Official DST INSPIRE Website: https://www.inspire-dst.gov.in
📍 Main Office Address:
Department of Science & Technology,
Technology Bhavan, New Mehrauli Road,
New Delhi – 110016
FAQs
Q: Is the INSPIRE Internship free of cost?
Yes, it is 100% free, including food, accommodation, travel, learning kits, and mentoring.
Q: Who can apply for INSPIRE Internship?
Class 11 science stream students in the top 1% of Class 10 board exams or those who have cleared NTSE/KVPY/JEE Advanced.
Q: How many students are selected for each camp?
Each camp typically selects 100 students, with hundreds of camps organized PAN India.
Q: Can I apply online?
Usually, the application is through school nomination or direct to host institute. Some institutions offer online forms on their websites.
Q: Will I get a certificate?
Yes, a DST-recognized certificate is awarded upon successful completion of the camp.