Bihar emerges as the frontrunner
Muzaffarpur Leads Inspire Award 2025 with Record Student Innovations: In a remarkable achievement, Muzaffarpur district of Bihar secured the first position in the Inspire Award 2025 rankings with 7,403 student submissions. The district outperformed technology hubs like Bengaluru, Jaipur, and Lucknow, marking a significant milestone for Bihar’s educational progress.
The rankings, announced on 13 September 2025 by the Department of Science and Technology (DST), highlighted the growing role of smaller districts in driving student-led innovation.
Static GK fact: The DST was established in 1971 to promote science and technology research and development in India.
Bihar’s dual representation in top ten
Alongside Muzaffarpur’s success, Vaishali district also secured a place in the top rankings, finishing sixth with 5,805 ideas. This dual presence underlined Bihar’s strengthened focus on grassroots science education.
The top five districts were Muzaffarpur (7,403), Bengaluru Urban (7,306), Bagalkot (6,826), Jaipur (6,311), and Lucknow (6,182). Uttar Pradesh districts including Hardoi, Allahabad, Pratapgarh, and Unnao also featured in the top ten list.
Static GK Tip: Bihar is home to Nalanda University, one of the world’s oldest learning centers, emphasizing its historic contribution to education.
Understanding the Inspire Award MANAK scheme
The Inspire Award – MANAK (Million Minds Augmenting National Aspiration and Knowledge) is a flagship program of the DST in collaboration with the National Innovation Foundation (NIF).
It focuses on:
- Encouraging original and socially relevant ideas.
- Offering financial support to students of classes 6 to 10.
- Providing opportunities to showcase ideas at district, state, and national levels.
Static GK fact: The Inspire Award scheme was launched in 2010 to foster innovation among young minds.
Why Muzaffarpur succeeded
The success of Muzaffarpur was the result of planned execution and coordination at the district level. Schools organized special innovation sessions, led by headmasters and science teachers, ensuring participation from both government and private institutions.
Support mechanisms included:
- Monitoring by the District Education Officer (DEO).
- Active involvement of nodal officers at block and district levels.
- Regular reviews and follow-ups to maximize submissions.
This structured approach created a strong ecosystem for student-driven innovation.
Key takeaways
The Inspire Award 2025 demonstrates how smaller districts are matching and even surpassing metropolitan centers in fostering innovation. Bihar’s performance showcases the potential of grassroots planning and collective effort in transforming student creativity into national recognition.
Static GK Tip: India observes National Science Day on 28 February to commemorate C.V. Raman’s discovery of the Raman Effect.
Static Usthadian Current Affairs Table
Muzaffarpur Leads Inspire Award 2025 with Record Student Innovations:
| Topic | Detail |
| Event | Inspire Award – MANAK 2025 |
| Announcing Authority | Department of Science and Technology (DST) |
| First Rank District | Muzaffarpur, Bihar – 7,403 ideas |
| Second Rank District | Bengaluru Urban, Karnataka – 7,306 ideas |
| Sixth Rank District | Vaishali, Bihar – 5,805 ideas |
| Collaboration Partner | National Innovation Foundation (NIF) |
| Student Eligibility | Classes 6 to 10 |
| Scheme Launch Year | 2010 |
| Objective | Promote innovation and scientific thinking among school students |
| Ranking Date | 13 September 2025 |
