India’s R&D Expenditure Rises to 0.84% of GDP (2023‑24) – Key Policies & Innovation Rankings
India’s total R&D spending rose to ₹244,768 crore in 2023‑24, lifting the GERD‑GDP ratio to 0.84% and prompting several high‑budget initiatives such as the RDI Fund, ANRF, and multiple national missions. The rise in GERD and improved Global Innovation Index ranking underscore the government’s push for private‑sector participation and innovation self‑reliance, a key focus for UPSC economics and policy analysis.
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). <span class="key-term" data-definition="NITI Aayog – the government’s policy think‑tank that monitors and advises on development programmes, including the GII assessm
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Key Insight
R&D spending hits 0.84% of GDP, nudging India toward the 1% target and higher innovation rank.
Key Facts
- GERD ₹132,567 cr (FY 2019‑20) से बढ़कर ₹244,768 cr (FY 2023‑24) हो गया।
- R&D का GDP में हिस्सा उसी अवधि में 0.66% से बढ़कर 0.84% हो गया।
- सरकारी R&D ₹117,861 cr तक बढ़ा; निजी R&D FY 2023‑24 तक ₹126,907 cr तक तेज़ी से बढ़ा।
- ₹1 lakh crore Research, Development and Innovation (RDI) Fund को उच्च‑जोखिम निजी अनुसंधान के लिए लॉन्च किया गया।
- Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF) को ₹14,000 cr बजट के साथ बनाया गया।
- India’s Global Innovation Index रैंक 46 (2021) से 38 (2025) तक सुधरी।
- वित्त पोषित प्रमुख मिशन: Quantum (₹6,003.65 cr), Semiconductor (₹76,000 cr), Cyber‑Physical Systems (₹3,660 cr)।
Background
The rise in GERD reflects the government's push for self‑reliance in science and technology, a core GS‑3 theme. It also ties to GS‑2 as policy reforms (missions, PPPs, ANRF) shape the institutional framework for research funding.
UPSC Syllabus
- GS3 — Developments in science and technology and their applications
- GS2 — Government policies and interventions for development
- Prelims_GS — National Current Affairs
- Essay — Science, Technology and Society
- Essay — Economy, Development and Inequality
- GS2 — Functions and responsibilities of Union and States
- Essay — Education, Knowledge and Culture
- GS2 — Issues relating to Health, Education, Human Resources
- Prelims_GS — Demographics and Social Sector
- Prelims_GS — Constitution and Political System
Mains Angle
In GS‑3, candidates can discuss how fiscal measures and institutional reforms are steering India toward the 1% of GDP R&D target and better global innovation standing.