The Ministry of Science & Technology has intensified public investment in research, development and innovation (R&D) through a suite of flagship programmes launched over the last three years. These initiatives aim to strengthen the R&D ecosystem, attract private sector funding, and align scientific work with national priorities such as energy security, climate action and digital transformation.
Key Developments (2024‑26)
- ANRF created multiple grant schemes including PM‑ECRG, PAIR, JBG, ARG, MAHA‑EV, and AI for Science & Engineering.
- RDI Scheme with ₹20,000 crore earmarked for FY 2026‑27.
- NQM operationalised to seed industrial quantum research.
- Bio‑RIDE launched with the accompanying BioE3 policy.
- TECs created across strategic domains.
- NIDHI expanded to include quantum and AI start‑ups.
- CEST Wing drives industry‑academia projects in clean tech.
Important Facts
The government has also operationalised the Vigyan Dhara programme, set up the CSIR Innovation Complex in Mumbai, and strengthened the Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council (BIRAC) with schemes like SBIRI, PACE and the National Biopharma Mission.
Under the National Mission on Interdisciplinary Cyber‑Physical Systems, the BharatGen project targets Gen‑AI development for Indian languages.
Exam Relevance
These programmes illustrate how the government is using policy tools to build a self‑reliant scientific ecosystem (GS3). They are relevant for questions on:
- Science & technology governance and institutional architecture.
- Public‑private partnership models in R&D.
- Strategic sectors such as quantum computing, AI, biotechnology and clean energy.
- India’s ambition to achieve “Atmanirbhar Bharat” in high‑tech domains.
Way Forward
To translate funding into tangible outcomes, the Ministry should:
- Strengthen monitoring mechanisms for grant utilisation and impact assessment.
- Facilitate smoother technology transfer from labs to industry, especially for MSMEs.
- Promote interdisciplinary curricula in universities to supply skilled manpower for emerging sectors.
- Encourage regional R&D hubs to reduce concentration in a few metros.
Effective implementation of these steps will deepen India’s innovation capacity and enhance its global competitiveness.