Session 2: Anusandhan and Prime Minister’s Research Fellows (PMRF): Nurturing India’s Next Generation of Academic and Industry Leadership

Background

As emphasized in the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, Research and Development (R&D) is central to transforming India into a knowledge-driven economy. The policy recognizes that the global knowledge landscape is undergoing rapid transformation, driven by breakthroughs in science and technology, the proliferation of big data, and the rise of artificial intelligence and machine learning. These advancements present unprecedented opportunities for India’s growth and global competitiveness. At the same time, complex global challenges—such as climate change, pandemics, and economic globalization—demand innovative, research-based solutions across sectors.

NEP 2020 calls for the creation of research-intensive universities and Multidisciplinary Education and Research Universities (MERUs) to foster high-quality, cross-disciplinary research. It advocates for ending institutional silos by forming HEI clusters, enhancing resource efficiency, and promoting collaboration. The policy also encourages the establishment of incubation centers, frontier research hubs, and stronger industry-academia linkages. In this context, the National Research Foundation (NRF) is envisioned as a key enabler, supporting peer-reviewed research, mentoring, and infrastructure development. By embedding a culture of innovation and inquiry within HEIs, NEP 2020 positions R&D as a cornerstone for national development, resilience, and global leadership.

As we engage with diverse stakeholders at the Akhil Bharatiya Shiksha Samagam, it is essential to explore how collaborative research can drive innovation and translate the vision of NEP 2020 into actionable outcomes.

Recent Announcements:

The Union Budget 2025–26 reflects a strong commitment to innovation, with Rs.20,000 crore allocated to support private sector-led R&D. A Deep Tech Fund of Funds was launched to empower startups in emerging fields such as AI, robotics, and quantum computing. Additionally, Rs.100 crore was earmarked for the National Geospatial Mission to modernize infrastructure planning and land records. To nurture research talent, 10,000 Prime Minister’s Research Fellowships were proposed for premier institutions like IITs and IISc. The expansion of Atal Tinkering Labs and the establishment of National Centres of Excellence for AI-driven skilling further demonstrate the government’s commitment to fostering scientific temper and future-ready skills. Investments in energy R&D, including small modular reactors, highlight the budget’s focus on sustainable innovation.

What has India achieved till now?

Achievements in R&D India’s performance in the Global Innovation Index (GII) has significantly improved, rising from 81st in 2015 to 39th in 2024.

  • Ranked 3rd in 2022 (from 7th in 2010) in terms of total number of Science and Engineering publications as per the National Science Foundation (NSF) database of the United States.
  • 6th position (in 2022) in number of patent applications from 8th position (in 2013) as per WIPO.
  • 3rd rank in terms of number of PhDs awarded in Science and Engineering (S&E) as per ‘Research and Development Statistics at a glance 2022-23.
  • Gross Expenditure on Research & Development (GERD) more than doubled from Rs. 60,196.75 Crore in 2010-11 to Rs. 127,380.96 Crore in 2020-21.
  • Over 2,871 Universities/Institutions have established R&D cells, while 16,067 Institution Innovation Councils (IICs) have been set up to strengthen the startup ecosystem.
  • IDEA Labs have been launched to promote experiential learning, STEM education, and industry linkages, with 423 HEIs receiving funding.
  • The Smart India Hackathon 2024 saw participation from 2,600 HEIs, 295,422 students, and 55,795 ideas submitted across 254 problem statements.
  • The One Nation One Subscription scheme has provided access to over 13,000 e-journals from 30 major publishers to more than 6,300 government HEIs, benefiting 1.8 crore students, faculty, and researchers.
  • 93 CFIs, including 22 Central Universities, 22 NITs, and 20 IITs, have incubated or supported startups.
  • Patent filings have surged by 115% since 2014–15, reaching 92,168 in 2023. HEIs alone filed 23,306 patents in 2022–23, a 158% increase from the previous year, accounting for 25% of total patents filed.
  • The Anusandhan National Research Foundation Act, 2023, established NRF with a Rs.50,000 crore hybrid financing model to democratize research funding. NRF supports peer-reviewed grants, mentorship, infrastructure, and inclusive research—including in regional languages.
  • The Prime Minister’s Research Fellowship (PMRF) continues to attract top talent to PhD programs, offering up to Rs.80,000/month and Rs.2 lakh/year in research grants. Under PMRF 2.0, announced in Budget 2025–26, 10,000 fellowships will be awarded over five years with an outlay of Rs.8,313 crore.

Key Discussion Points

  • Operationalizing the Anusandhan National Research Foundation (NRF) to centralize and democratize research funding.
  • Mobilizing Rs.36,000 crore through private and philanthropic engagement.
  • Funding high-quality doctoral research in frontier areas like AI, quantum technology, and sustainability.
  • Strengthening R&D clusters and promoting knowledge sharing among HEIs.
  • Enhancing research in CFHEIs aligned with national development priorities.
  • Developing models to track patents granted, not just filed, to assess innovation impact.
  • Ensuring widespread participation in NIRF to evaluate institutional performance and provide targeted support for improvement.
  • Creating structured Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) for co-funded research and commercialization.
  • Incentivizing industry participation through tax credits, patent support, and co-innovation platforms.

Relevant Documents

Last Updated by admin on Friday, 22 August 2025 - 12:52pm