Why this matters now
S&T policy and institutions are tested for the policy evolution, the new STIP and ANRF, the key research agencies, and the low-R&D-spending challenge — foundational GS-3 content.
Evolution of S&T policy
India’s S&T policy evolved through the Scientific Policy Resolution (1958) (“scientific temper”), the Technology Policy Statement (1983), and later policies (2003, 2013). The draft Science, Technology and Innovation Policy (STIP) emphasises decentralisation, inclusion, self-reliance and an open, outcome-driven research ecosystem.
Key institutions
- DST — Department of Science & Technology (coordination, funding);
- CSIR — Council of Scientific & Industrial Research (national labs);
- DBT & DSIR — biotechnology and industrial research;
- ISRO, DRDO, DAE, ICMR, ICAR — space, defence, atomic, medical and agricultural research;
- ANRF — the Anusandhan National Research Foundation, a new apex body to fund and steer research (including private funding).
R&D spending and the way forward
India’s gross R&D spending (~0.65% of GDP) is low versus peers, and is heavily government-funded. The way forward: raising R&D investment (toward 2% of GDP), boosting private-sector and university research, the ANRF, deep-tech and innovation, and reversing brain-drain to make India a global innovation hub.
UPSC angle
Know the S&T policy arc (SPR 1958 → STIP), the institutions (DST, CSIR, DBT, ISRO/DRDO/DAE, ANRF), the low R&D spend (~0.65% of GDP), and the way forward (private R&D, ANRF, deep-tech).
Frequently asked questions
What was the Scientific Policy Resolution of 1958?
India’s first S&T policy, which emphasised cultivating a “scientific temper” and building national scientific capacity.
What is the ANRF?
The Anusandhan National Research Foundation — a new apex body to fund, coordinate and promote research, including through private funding.
What are India’s major S&T institutions?
DST, CSIR, DBT, ISRO, DRDO, DAE, ICMR and ICAR, among others.
Why is India’s R&D spending a concern?
At around 0.65% of GDP it is low compared to peers and is heavily government-funded, limiting innovation capacity.