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Scheme for Promotion of Academic and … — Govt Scheme for UPSC | Vaidra
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Scheme for Promotion of Academic and Research Collaboration

Ministry of EducationactiveeducationLaunched: 2018-09-01

About the Scheme

A Government of India initiative launched in 2018 under the Ministry of Education to improve the research ecosystem of India's higher education institutions by facilitating academic and research collaboration between Indian institutions and the best institutions in the world. It aims to boost the research profile and global standing of Indian universities.

Target Beneficiaries: 600 joint research proposals involving Indian HEIs, international faculty/researchers (4+ per project), PhD/post-doc students, and global academic partners from 28 selected nations for 2-year collaborative research programs

Implementing Agency: Ministry of Education (MoE), Government of India, with IIT Kharagpur serving as the National Coordinating Institute.

Official Website →

✦Key Features

  • Facilitates collaboration between top Indian HEIs and leading international universities.
  • Supports long-term research visits by distinguished foreign faculty to Indian institutions.
  • Funds joint research projects, workshops, conferences, and publications in identified thrust areas.
  • Focuses on creating a strong research environment and promoting a culture of innovation.
  • Identifies specific thrust areas for research to address societal needs and global challenges.

✓Eligibility Criteria

  • Indian Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) recognized by UGC/AICTE are eligible to participate.
  • Faculty members from eligible Indian HEIs can propose collaborative projects.
  • Foreign faculty/researchers from top-ranked international universities are eligible as collaborators.
  • Research proposals must align with the identified thrust areas of the SPARC scheme.

★Benefits

  • Access to international research expertise, advanced infrastructure, and global best practices.
  • Significant enhancement in the quality and quantity of research output from Indian HEIs.
  • Opportunities for faculty and student exchange, fostering global academic exposure.
  • Improved global ranking and reputation of participating Indian institutions.
  • Development of a strong and sustainable research culture within India.

▶Application Process

  • Indian HEIs submit detailed research proposals through the designated SPARC online portal.
  • Proposals undergo a rigorous evaluation process by expert committees based on merit, relevance, and potential impact.
  • Selected proposals receive approval and funding allocation from the Ministry of Education.
  • Project implementation begins, with regular progress monitoring and reporting.
  • Research outcomes are expected to be disseminated through publications, conferences, and other platforms.

₹ Budget Allocation

500

Funding Ratio (Centre:State): 100% Central funding for approved projects (budget for travel, scholarship, and research materials).

UPSC Relevance

GS Paper: GS2

Prelims Relevance7%
Mains Relevance8%

Syllabus Tags

National Education Policy (NEP) 2020Internationalization of Higher EducationResearch & Development in IndiaAcademic Exchange ProgramsGlobal University RankingsInnovation Ecosystem in IndiaScience and Technology Policy

Historical Context

Launched in 2018 to address the lack of international research exposure among Indian PhD students.