NCERT Launches PRAYAS to Foster Research Attitude Among School Students

Innovative ideas often come from young minds, and to nurture this creativity, the National Council of Education, Research and Training (NCERT) has launched a new initiative titled Promotion of Research Attitude Among Young and Emerging Students (PRAYAS) for the academic year 2025–26.

The programme is an extension of the INSPIRE Awards and invites students of classes 9 and 10 to take up local issues, analyze their causes scientifically, and propose practical solutions. Covering 372 schools and over 48,000 students in the district, PRAYAS aims to strengthen critical thinking, problem-solving skills, and early research experience.

To encourage participation, NCERT has announced attractive cash awards. Selected student researchers will receive Rs 50,000 each, with an additional Rs 10,000 reserved for female students. Teachers and experts from higher educational institutions guiding the projects will also be awarded Rs 20,000.

Each school can submit one project focusing on social, technological, or public issues. These projects will be guided by teachers in physics, chemistry, biology, or mathematics, along with support from external subject experts. Proposals must be submitted through the NCERT website http://ncern.nic.in by September 17 using the application code 919121000153. Results are scheduled to be announced on October 15, and projects must be completed within a year.

Last year, 1,600 research samples were submitted under the initiative. With PRAYAS, NCERT now seeks to expand this culture of inquiry across schools and help young learners channel their creativity into meaningful innovation.

District Science Officer D. Kalidas described PRAYAS as “a valuable opportunity for students to advance their research skills and build pathways to future careers in science.” He also urged teachers to identify students with innovative ideas and guide them in making significant contributions to society.