Department of Science & Technology (DST) was established in May 1971, with the objective of promoting new areas of Science & Technology and to play the role of a nodal department for organizing, coordinating and promoting S&T activities in the country. DST is providing funding in the areas listed below (please click the hyperlink for the schemes available in the individual area)
Fund For Improvement of S&T Infrastructure (FIST) (DST)
Considering the present status of the S&T sector in the universities and related academic institutions who are in dire need for strengthening the existing S&T infrastructure support with adequate funding and associated flexibility, Government of India in the year 2000 announced a major new initiative titled "Fund for Improvement of S&T infrastructure in universities & higher educational institutions (FIST)" to rebuild the Science & Technology infrastructure in the country.
Eligibility: For University / Academic Institutions, the support will be considered for the 'Department / School / Center' as a unit. All Science (including Medical & Agriculture) and Engineering Departments/ Centres having strong postgraduate teaching and research programs which have existed for at least 3 years or more in universities and other higher educational institutions are eligible. The Department/ Centre/ School already supported under FIST Program may submit fresh proposal after completion of the ongoing project provided such projects completed in all respects and obtained `Completion Certificate’ whose copy may be attached in the current proposal. Progress of ongoing project of the Department/ Centre/ School will be monitored as per monitoring schedule of the Program and any additional requirements will be considered as a part of that exercise.
For More Details:
Forms and Formats available at:
Advertisement & guidelines for new proposals:
Nano Mission (DST)
The Nano Mission is an umbrella programme for capacity building which envisages the overall development of this field of research in the country and to tap some of its applied potential for nation’s development. In brief, the objectives of the Nano-Mission are:
Basic Research Promotion
Infrastructure Development for Nano Science & Technology Research
Nano Applications and Technology Development Programmes
Human Resource Development
International Collaborations
How to apply: The Nano Mission receives proposals for financial support throughout the year. In other words, there is no last date for applying for financial support. Decisions on various funding applications are taken periodically. Currently, financial support for the following R&D activities is available —
R&D projects from individual scientists or a group of scientists. Normal duration of such projects will be 3 years.
Establishment of centres of excellence and sophisticated research facilities. Normal duration for such projects will be 5 years.
Joint Institution-Industry Linked projects for development of products and devices utilizing nanotechnology. In such projects, partial financial contribution by the participating industry is desirable. For the participating industry, DSIR’s SIRO recognition is desirable. Normal duration for such projects will be 3-5 years.
Launching M.Sc./M.Tech. programmes in Nano Science and Technology in government institutions.
INSPIRE fellowship aims at enhancing research fellowships for doctoral studies and opening up partnerships with private sector for topping the Government's efforts in nurturing talents for scientific research. This scheme is applicable to Basic and Applied sciences as well as Medicine, Agriculture etc. with provision of multiple entries. The fellowship will be offered to (1) University 1st Ranker in a particular subject at PG level examination in Basic and Applied Science courses as well as (2) INSPIRE scholar, who have secured aggregate marks of 65 % are above at the 2 year MSc or 5 year Integrated MSc/MS
For More details:
Inspire Faculty Scheme (DST)
INSPIRE Faculty Scheme opens up an 'Assured Opportunity for Research Career (AORC)' for young researchers in the age group of 27-32 years. It is expected to augment high quality scientific manpower in scientific and educational institutions. It provides attractive opportunities to young achievers for developing independent scientific profiles and intends helping them emerge as S&T leaders in the long term. The Scheme offers contractual research positions. It provides career opportunities, but it is not a guarantee for tenure positions after 5 years.
Eligibility: Indian citizens and people of Indian origin including NRI/PIO status with PhD (in science, mathematics, engineering, pharmacy, medicine, and agriculture related subjects) from any recognized university in the world.
Those who have submitted their PhD Theses and are awaiting award of the degree are also eligible.
The upper age limit at the time of awarding the offer should be 32 years for considering support for a period of 5 years.
Candidates who are employed (in any form i.e. permanent, contractual) with any organization within India will be eligible to apply. However, they will be considered only for the Research
Grant component of the INSPIRE Faculty Award scheme.
For More details:
Women Scientists Scheme (WOS-A): (DST)
The 'Women Scientists Scheme (WOS-A)' of the Department of Science and Technology is aimed to provide opportunities to women scientists and technologists for pursuing research in basic or applied sciences in frontier areas of science and engineering (like (1) Physical Science; (2) Chemical Science; (3) Mathematical Science; (4) Life sciences; (5) Earth Sciences; (6) Atmospheric Sciences; (7) Engineering Sciences). A special provision has been made under this Scheme to encourage those women scientists who have had breaks in their careers. Persons already in employment need not apply.
For Details & Formats:
Women Scientists Scheme (WOS-B): (DST)
This scholarship is specially intended to encourage women scientists involved in research and application of innovative solutions for various societal issues. This scholarship would be made available to the aspiring women scientists willing to work for the search, design, adaptation and demonstration of Science and Technological skills and techniques for improving the income generating activity and reducing drudgery of weaker sections of our society in different occupations, capacity building on the societal programs at the grassroot level etc.
The minimum essential qualifications are PG degree equivalent to M.Sc in basic or Applied Science, B Tech in Engineering Science and MBBS or other equivalent professional qualifications. The desirable qualifications are PhD in Basic or Applied Science, M.Tech in Engineering Science and MD/MS, DM/MCH in Medical Science from recognized Universities. Cut off age for the candidate is 50 years. The candidates should also have working experience and linkages with the relevant organization to carry out research on R&D projects of societal relevance.
Women Scientists Scheme (WOS-C): (DST)
This category is mainly focused to provide an opportunity to women scientists for self-employment by utilizing their specialized domain knowledge in areas such as patenting, proof reading, science journalism, technical translation, clinical pathology labs, medical transcription etc. The objective of this scholarship is to create a large pool of trained women workforce with experience in the diverse areas mentioned above and building up a professional network.
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National Science & Technology Management Information System (NSTMIS) (DST)
The National Science & Technology Management Information System (NSTMIS) division of the Department of Science & Technology (DST) is the nodal agency for collection, analysis and dissemination of vital S&T information at the national level.
The Scheme: The division sponsors research projects/studies to interested investigators / organizations under the NSTMIS Scheme. The broader areas where studies could be taken up in the sponsored mode are S&T investment, S&T infrastructure, S&T output, S&T databases, S&T manpower, R&D productivity/efficiency etc.
Some of the areas in which the research proposal/ studies could be submitted are given as below:
Human Resources in S&T
R&D Infrastructure/ Resources
S&T Studies in Higher Education Sector
Mobility of S&T Professionals
R&D and Innovation
IPR Management
Scientometric Studies in S&T
The pertinent themes / sub-areas to be addressed under these areas for submission of research proposals under the NSTMIS Scheme are listed at the NSTMIS website.
Who can apply: Scientists, Technologists, Statisticians, Economists, Sociologists, Development/ Planning/ Policy Experts, Management Specialists etc. from academic/ research institutions, registered societies, and consultants may submit their proposals in a prescribed format.
Call for research proposals:
For Guidelines:
Formats are available:
Drugs & Pharmaceutical Research (Collaborative R&D Projects) (DST)
Recognising the profound influence of R&D on the prospects and opportunities for the growth of the Indian Drug Industry, Department of Science and Technology (DST), Government of India mounted the programme on drug development during 1994-95 for promoting collaborative R&D in drugs and pharmaceuticals sector with the following specific objectives:
To synergise the strengths of publicly funded R&D institutions and Indian Pharmaceutical Industry.
To create an enabling infrastructure, mechanisms and linkages to facilitate new drug development.
To stimulate skill development of human resources in R&D for drugs and pharmaceuticals; and
To enhance the nation's self-reliance in drugs and pharmaceuticals especially in areas critical to national health requirements.
Any Indian company/firm engaged in drug development manufacturing jointly with:
National laboratory under CSIR, ICMR, etc.
University department/other academic institution such as IIT, IISc., etc.
other publicly funded R&D Institution
For More Details:
Instrumentation Development Programme (DST)
Instrumentation is one of the major areas of Science & Technology which makes a great impact on vital sectors of national activities such as education, scientific research, industry, agriculture, medicine and health etc. The Department of Science & Technology (DST) has been promoting the area of Instrumentation through its Instrumentation Development Programme (IDP).
The programme focuses on strengthening indigenous capability for research, design, development and production of instruments in the country leading to fulfillment of the following objectives: -:
Indigenous development and production of instruments,
Continuous updating of the technology of instruments to keep pace with technology improvements taking place globally, and
Innovations in the area of instrumentation.
Activities supported under IDP: Programmes to support and sustain development and production of indigenous and affordable instruments are evolved and supported under the IDP. The following types of activities are evolved and supported under IDP:
a) Project support to scientists and technologists
The Instrument/technology development programmes are supported with mandatory industry participation so as to facilitate easy absorption of technology and commercial production of the developed instrument/technology.
b) Project Formulation
The following activities are supported under IDP for evolving well defined co-coordinated Research & Development projects involving Scientists/Technologists; Industries and Experts:
Cluster of Projects Meetings on identified Themes in Thrust Areas
Brainstorming Sessions/Discussion Meetings in Specialized Areas of national importance
c) Creation of National Facilities
For submission of project proposals and financial assistance:
For More Details:
Natural Resources Data Management System(NRDMS) (DST)
This programme is a multi-disciplinary and multi-institutional R&D programme of the Department of Science and Technology, aimed at developing methodologies for building and promoting the use of spatial data management and analysis technologies in local area planning. In the context of NRDMS, any natural resource, which is important for local area development, is relevant for study. For developing necessary inputs for local planning strategies, NRDMS is supporting several academic and R & D Institutions with projects specially focusing towards the need of local level planning. Emphasis is being given on spatial data management and analysis technology for natural resources management to carry out R & D related to informatics especially the geo-informatics for finding solutions to local specific problems related to natural resources and provide necessary information to the planners to make objective decisions.
R&D areas of NRDMS:
Land & Water Management
Watershed Management
Natural Disaster Mitigation
Panchayat Level Resource
Energy Planning
Microwave Remote Sensing
GIS in Local Level development
Ground Water Studies
Software Development by R & D Groups
For more on R& D Programs:
For Project Guidelines/Formats:
Technology Systems Development Programme (DST)
The Programme has two major objectives:
Development and integration of technologies in identified areas.
Promote application of advanced technology for improving the performance,value addition and exportability of various products.
Areas Promoted:
Glass Technology Upgradation
Development of Technology for Bio-fuels
Structure Technology for Distress Diagnostics etc
Information and Communication Technology Systems For Application in Rural Areas
Water Purification
Bio-molecular Electronics and Conducting Polymers
For more details on proposals:
Science for Equity Empowerment and Development (SEED) (DST)
Science for Equity, Empowerment and Development (SEED) Division has been set up under the Department of Science and Technology, established with the broad objectives of providing opportunities to motivated scientists and field level workers to take up action oriented and location specific projects aiming towards socio-economic upliftment of poor and disadvantaged sections of the society through appropriate technological interventions especially in the rural areas. Under this program efforts have been made to associate concerned National Labs or other specialist S&T institutions with each major program so as to build-in expert input, utilize national S&T infrastructure and link it up with grassroots S&T interventions/initiatives.
For Ongoing & Future Programmes:
Guidelines, Terms and Conditions:
State Science & Technology Programme (DST)
While continuing the catalytic role in encouraging the State Government's initiatives, the department would launch certain programmes of importance identified through various consultations pro-actively. The department would strive to evolve and support certain joint programmes focusing on multi-sectoral area based approach to rural / regional development in co-operation with multiple State & Central Institutions, NGO's and State S&T Councils. These areas would be so identified where S&T intervention could significantly improve the existing socio-economic conditions. Demonstration and Field trials of socially relevant technologies would specially be encouraged. Interaction between State S&T Councils in similar ecological zone has been initiated and would be promoted further in future to facilitate joint S&T Programme formulation.
DST would welcome proposals having clearly established linkages of S&T to overall development of the state. The area identified should have potential to contribute in socio-economic upliftment of the people of state. DST encourages formulations of proposals through consultative process and interested organisations are welcome to discuss ideas, concepts, proposed activities etc. relevant to state needs.
Guidelines and Format for Submitting of Project Proposals:
