Overview On November 23, 2025 , Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh addressed the 9th Convocation of the Academy of Scientific & Innovative Research (AcSIR) . He lauded the institution, established just over a decade ago, as one of India’s fastest-growing scientific powerhouses. The Minister emphasized the importance of the 'i-PhD' program , launched by AcSIR in 2023 , as a novel academic concept linking imagination and innovation with industry. Key Developments AcSIR's Role in Academia-Industry Linkages Dr. Jitendra Singh highlighted that India is decisively moving toward academia-industry linkages, empowering young scholars to imagine, innovate, and engage with emerging industrial sectors. The 'i' in i-PhD stands not only for industry but also for imagination and innovation. Every i-PhD scholar is mandated to develop a technology relevant to translational research or StartUps, making India’s research training directly responsive to industrial needs. AcSIR as a Convergence of Science and National Aspiration Dr. Jitendra Singh stated that AcSIR represents a “wholesome whole,” a convergence of science, education, governance, and national aspiration, aligned with India’s journey toward a Viksit Bharat . He noted that AcSIR’s rapid rise reflects the growing prioritization of science and innovation under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, where scientific thinking has become central to India’s economic growth, technology missions, and global competitiveness. AcSIR's Research Ecosystem AcSIR hosts nearly 7,000 students , mentored by over 3,100 frontline scientists across 79 campuses , making it one of India’s most diverse and multidisciplinary research ecosystems. The institution has grown into a “shared national university,” drawing scholars and faculty from across disciplines and the country, serving as a platform for research dialogue, knowledge exchange, and collaborative discovery. AcSIR's Rise in Rankings and International Collaborations AcSIR’s excellence is reflected in its sharp rise in national and international rankings, including 9th in NIRF 2025 (Research Category) , top 3.5% globally in CWUR 2025 , 10th in Nature Index , and 9th in Scimago 2025 . With over 25,000 publications , numerous patents, and 831 PhDs awarded in 2024 alone, AcSIR has become India’s largest doctoral research institution in STEM. Internationally, AcSIR is expanding its footprint through collaborations with RMIT University , Deakin University , the University of Western Australia , Turku University (Finland) , University of Melbourne , AIST (Japan) , and others. UPSC Relevance This news is relevant to GS3 (Science and Technology) and GS2 (Education) . It highlights the importance of scientific research and innovation in India, as well as the role of institutions like AcSIR in fostering these areas. The emphasis on academia-industry linkages is also crucial for economic growth and technological advancement. Key Points for UPSC AcSIR's 'i-PhD' program: A model for linking academic research with industrial needs. Government's focus on science and innovation: Evidenced by the growth and success of institutions like AcSIR. AcSIR's role in developing deep-tech and climate science: Contributing to India's future technological capabilities.