Overview
The Ministry of Science & Technology answered a Parliament question on R&D spending. Data for FY 2019‑20 to 2023‑24 show that total GERD increased from ₹132,567 crore to ₹244,768 crore, raising the share of R&D from 0.66% to 0.84% of GDP.
Key Developments (2024‑26)
- Budget allocations for scientific departments have been raised year‑on‑year.
- Launch of a ₹1.0 lakh crore Research, Development and Innovation (RDI) Fund to spur private‑sector, high‑risk research.
- Creation of the ANRF with ₹14,000 crore from the Centre.
- National missions funded: National Quantum Mission (₹6,003.65 crore), Interdisciplinary Cyber‑Physical Systems (₹3,660 crore), Semiconductor Mission (₹76,000 crore), Supercomputing Mission.
- Promotion of PPPs and technology hubs under the above missions.
- Innovation programmes such as NIDHI, BIRAC, iDEX and TIDE 2.0 to move inventions from labs to market.
- Policy frameworks like Geospatial Policy 2022, Space Policy 2023 and BioE3 Policy 2024 encouraging private participation.
Important Facts
- Government sector R&D grew from ₹87,813 crore (2019‑20) to ₹117,861 crore (2023‑24).
- Private sector R&D rose sharply from ₹44,754 crore to ₹126,907 crore in the same period.
- India’s GII improved from 46th (2021) to 38th (2025).
- NITI Aayog highlighted India’s strong innovation efficiency – converting inputs into outputs better than many peers.
Exam Relevance
Understanding R&D trends is essential for GS‑3 (Economy) and GS‑2 (Polity) questions on science policy, budgeting, and public‑private collaboration. The data illustrate how fiscal measures translate into measurable outcomes like GERD‑GDP ratio and global rankings, a typical analytical angle in the UPSC mains. Knowledge of specific missions and policies helps answer questions on sectoral priorities, technology self‑reliance, and India’s position in the global innovation ecosystem.
Way Forward
- Maintain the upward trajectory of GERD to reach the 1% of GDP target envisaged in the Science & Technology policy.
- Deepen PPPs by creating more technology incubators and easing regulatory bottlenecks.
- Strengthen monitoring mechanisms through ANRF to ensure funds reach high‑impact projects.
- Continue policy reforms like the Geospatial and BioE3 policies to attract private capital and talent.
- Leverage improved GII ranking to negotiate better technology partnerships and attract foreign R&D investment.