Prayoga Institute of Education Research has commenced the 2026 cohort of Anveshana, its science research programme for students in Grades 9–12, bringing together 57 students selected from more than 850 applications received from across India.

The Bengaluru-based institute, recognised by the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research (DSIR), Government of India, said the programme was recently acknowledged by Narendra Modi during Mann Ki Baat for promoting research-led learning among school students.

The 2026 edition includes 19 projects across six domains: Green Chemistry, Advanced and Functional Materials, Food and Agriculture, Earth Sciences, Wellness, and a newly introduced theoretical research track. The theoretical track will allow students to work on computational and analytical research topics, including nanoparticle interactions, drug–protein binding mechanisms, air pollution forecasting, and network modelling.

Prayoga has also introduced a yearlong research track running from April 2026 to March 2027, offering extended mentorship and laboratory engagement. A student-initiated project category has also been launched, enabling participants to propose and develop their own research ideas with guidance from mentors.

Launched in 2021, Anveshana aims to connect school education with scientific research by providing students access to laboratories, mentorship from scientists, and opportunities to work on research projects. Since its launch, the programme has completed 37 projects involving 113 students and produced 11 international peer-reviewed journal publications, with several more underway in collaboration with institutions including Harvard University and Oxford University Press.

One recent project involved four students from rural and tribal communities — Kirat Kaur, Yamini, Reshma J V and Lakshmi G — who developed a plant extract-based method for synthesising copper oxide nanoparticles for water purification. Their work was published in Elsevier journal Sustainable Chemistry One World and later recognised by the Karnataka State Science and Technology Department at the Jawaharlal Nehru Planetarium in Bengaluru.

Speaking about the programme, Dr Venkata Krishna Bayineni, Senior Researcher at Prayoga, said Anveshana allows students to work alongside scientists on research challenges at an early stage and encourages scientific thinking and innovation.

Also Read: AONSAT 2026 becomes India’s first and largest online scholarship admission test for online degrees