IIT Delhi Concludes 4th Manasvi STEM Programme for High School Girls
On December 9, 2025, the Indian Institute of Technology Delhi (IIT Delhi) successfully concluded its fourth edition of the Manasvi STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) mentorship programme, which aimed to empower high school girls. This initiative saw the participation of around 100 girls from various government high schools, who engaged in an intensive learning programme spanning several months, from May to December 2025.
Overview of the Manasvi STEM Programme
The Manasvi programme is designed to provide mentorship and exposure to STEM resources available at the IIT Delhi campus. The initiative focuses on encouraging young girls to explore their interests in science and technology, fostering a supportive environment for their academic and personal growth.
Registration for the Next Edition
IIT Delhi has announced that registrations for the fifth edition of the Manasvi STEM programme will open in February 2026. Interested candidates can apply through the official portal at academicoutreach.iit.ac.in.
Programme Structure
The Manasvi STEM programme is divided into three distinct phases: Summer, Autumn, and Winter. Each phase is tailored to provide a comprehensive learning experience, incorporating both theoretical and practical components.
Summer Phase
The Summer phase is primarily academically oriented, featuring lectures from esteemed faculty members, researchers, and women leaders in STEM fields. This phase also emphasizes hands-on experiences, allowing participants to engage in practical activities. One notable project involved the students constructing solar lamps, which provided them with valuable skills in engineering and design.
Autumn and Winter Phases
The Autumn and Winter phases focus on hands-on learning through various activities. Participants engaged in:
- Chemistry experiments
- Physics DIY projects
- Drone demonstrations
- Student-mentor interactions
In the final phase, the girls shared their ideas related to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), showcasing their understanding and commitment to global challenges. IIT Delhi students acted as mentors, guiding the participants on how to implement their innovative ideas effectively.
Impact on Participants
The feedback from the participants highlights the transformative impact of the programme. For instance, Laxmi, a Class 9 student from KV Paschim Vihar, expressed her enthusiasm, stating, “This program opened up Physics, Chemistry, Biology, and Maths for me. IIT Delhi faculty showed me what higher studies really look like. Most importantly, it gave me the confidence that I belong in STEM.”
Similarly, Priyanshi, a Class 9 student from KV Sector-5, Dwarka, shared her experience, saying, “The program has helped me see a side of science & technology that I could never have explored if this opportunity had not been given to me. The ecstatic feeling of making solar lamps and doing things with our hands cannot be described in words.”
Future Directions
The success of the fourth edition of the Manasvi programme has prompted IIT Delhi to consider expanding its outreach. An official press release indicated that over 80% of the participants in the latest edition were from government schools. This statistic underscores the importance of inclusivity in STEM education, and IIT Delhi aims to continue fostering talent from diverse backgrounds.
Quote from IIT Delhi Officials
Somnath Baidya Roy, Dean (Planning) at IIT Delhi, emphasized the potential of young girls in STEM fields, stating, “Talent is never the barrier, belief is. You have the ability to build, innovate, and lead in STEM. With confidence and perseverance, there is no limit to how far you can go. IIT Delhi will always support your journey.”
Conclusion
The Manasvi STEM programme at IIT Delhi represents a significant step towards empowering young girls in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. By providing mentorship, hands-on experiences, and exposure to academic resources, the programme not only enhances the participants’ knowledge but also instills confidence and ambition in pursuing STEM careers. As IIT Delhi prepares for the next edition of the programme, it continues to pave the way for future generations of female leaders in STEM.
Note: The information presented in this article is based on the latest updates regarding the Manasvi STEM programme at IIT Delhi and may be subject to change as new editions are announced.
