Science and Technology
Government Policy
Welcome to the dedicated hub for Government Policy, a cornerstone of your UPSC Civil Services Examination preparation. Understanding government policy is not merely about memorizing schemes; it is about grasping the
15 articles in this topic
Articles on Government Policy
Budget Gives Big Science Allocations, but Core Funding Gaps Remain
Context The Union Budget 2026–27 projects strong ambition in science-led growth, but experts caution that its success depends on effective delivery, timely funding, institutional autonomy, and transparent innovation financing. About In 2023-24, allocation for the Department of Biotechnology was revised down from ₹2,683.86 crore to ₹1,607.32 crore, and actual spending fell further to ₹1,467.34 crore. Likewise for the Department of Science and Technology, from ₹7,931.05 crore to ₹4,891.78 crore an
Government Lays Down Eligibility Criteria For ‘Deep Tech’ Start-ups
Context The Union Government has officially defined “Deep Tech Start-ups” through a gazette notification issued by the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT). What is deep technology? Deep tech refers to advanced and disruptive technologies that have the potential to trigger transformative change, and provide solutions for the future.
A Budget For The Deep Tech Ecosystem
Published on: 04 February, 2026 The Union Budget 2026-27 signals a strategic shift from allocating funds for technology growth to building complete technology ecosystems, with equal emphasis on infrastructure, manufacturing, and human capital for India’s deep tech ecosystem.
A Budget For The Deep Tech Ecosystem
Published on: 04 February, 2026 The Union Budget 2026-27 signals a strategic shift from allocating funds for technology growth to building complete technology ecosystems, with equal emphasis on infrastructure, manufacturing, and human capital for India’s deep tech ecosystem.
How we can bring our scientists back home
Published on: 28 January, 2026 India’s announcement to bring back around 120 Indian scientists under the Prime Minister Research Chair (PMRC) Scheme currently working overseas. It raises deeper questions about India’s research ecosystem and empowering high-quality work.
Government Eases Funding Norms to Boost Deep-Tech Start-ups
Context The Union government relaxed norms for deep-tech start-ups to avail financial assistance from the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research (DSIR). About The Centre has removed the mandatory three-year viability criterion for deep-tech start-ups to avail financial assistance of up to ₹1 crore from DSIR. The funding support is provided under the Industrial Research and Development Promotion Programme (IRDPP).
A Grand Vision and the Great Indian Research Deficit
Published on: 29th December, 2025 India’s ambitions to become a global innovation powerhouse remain constrained by limited RD spending, despite possessing one of the world’s largest pools of human capital and a rapidly growing economy.
Survey on R&D Postponed Due to Weak Response from Private Sector
Context The Ministry of Science and Technology (MoST) has postponed the publication of its latest science and technology analysis due to a weak response from private Research Development (RD) firms. Findings of the 2023 Survey In 2020–21, India spent only 0.64% of its GDP on scientific research – the lowest since 1996 (excluding defence research). Industrially developed countries such as the United States, China, Japan, Finland, South Korea, and Germany spend anywhere from 1.5% to 3.5% of their
CSIR Scheme on Capacity Building and Human Resource Development (CBHRD)
Context The Union Cabinet has approved the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research (DSIR) / Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) Scheme on “Capacity Building and Human Resource Development (CBHRD)”. About the Scheme Implementation: Managed by CSIR, the scheme will cover all RD institutions, national laboratories, Institutes of National Importance, Institutes of Eminence, and universities across India. Objective: To provide a structured platform for young researchers to b
India’s Deep-Tech Push & Bureaucratic Hurdles
Recently, during India’s Independence Day address, the Prime Minister urged the nation to shed its dependency and embrace technological sovereignty to lead in deep-tech innovation — spanning artificial intelligence, quantum computing, semiconductors, and space technology.
DoT Released Draft National Telecom Policy (NTP), 2025
Context The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has circulated Draft National Telecom Policy (NTP), 2025, for public consultation. Significance of the Policy NTP 2025 aims to boost telecom sector investment to ₹1 lakh crore annually, doubling telecom product exports and fostering innovation in emerging technologies like 5G, 6G, artificial intelligence (AI), Internet of Things (IoT), and quantum communications. The policy targets 100% 4G population coverage and 90% 5G coverage by 2030, alongsi
NITI Aayog Roadmap for Strengthening State Science & Technology Councils
In News NITI Aayog has released a comprehensive roadmap to empower State Science Technology (ST) Councils across India. Key Objectives Enhance State ST Ecosystems: Bridge the gap between scientific innovation and socio-economic development at the state level. Foster Collaboration: Improve coordination among ministries, state governments, academia, industry, and funding agencies.
Cabinet Approved Research Development and Innovation (RDI) Scheme
Context The Union Cabinet has approved the Research Development and Innovation (RDI) Scheme with a corpus of Rs. One lakh Crore. Need For the Scheme The 2024-25 Economic Survey noted that even though India has increased the gross expenditure on research and development (GERD) from approximately ₹60,196 crore in 2011 to about ₹127,381 crore in 2021, it still is a mere 0.64% of the GDP.
India Needs an Ecosystem That Better Enables Deep-tech Innovation
In News At Startup Mahakumbh, Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal criticized Indian startups for focusing on consumer-centric ventures like food delivery and boutique brands. Comparison with china Indian start-ups focus on food delivery apps, online services like betting, and influencer-driven content. India lacks significant intellectual property (IP) in cutting-edge sectors, unlike China.
R&D Budget Implementation Needs Attention
Indias research and development (RD) sector is pivotal for driving innovation, economic growth, and global competitiveness.