New CSIR scheme to shape future scientists

The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, 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) with a total outlay of Rs. 2,277.397 crore for the period of the Fifteenth Finance Commission cycle (2021–22 to 2025–26).

The scheme is implemented by CSIR and is aimed at strengthening India’s research and innovation ecosystem by supporting R&D institutions, national laboratories, Institutes of National Importance, Institutes of Eminence, and universities across the country. It provides young researchers and scientists with opportunities to build careers in academia, industry, and national R&D laboratories under the mentorship of eminent scientists and professors. The scheme covers research in Science, Technology & Engineering, Medical, and Mathematical Sciences (STEMM).

The CBHRD scheme has four key sub-components:

• Doctoral and Postdoctoral Fellowships – providing financial support to young researchers.

• Extramural Research Scheme, Emeritus Scientist Scheme, and Bhatnagar Fellowship Programme – supporting independent research and recognising distinguished contributions.

• Promotion and Recognition of Excellence through Award Schemes – acknowledging high-quality research outputs.

• Travel and Symposia Grant Scheme – promoting knowledge sharing and international collaboration.

The initiative aims to increase the number of researchers per million population and is aligned with India’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) for the S&T sector. Over the past decade, India’s focus on research and development (R&D) in science and technology has helped improve its position in the Global Innovation Index (GII) to 39th in 2024, according to the World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO). India is also among the top three countries globally in scientific paper publications, as per data from the National Science Foundation (USA).

The scheme provides young researchers with funding, mentorship, recognition, and exposure to national and international research, enabling career growth in universities, industries, and R&D institutions. It also contributes to the development of a robust R&D-driven innovation ecosystem, supporting India’s position in global science and technology leadership.

This Cabinet approval marks a historic milestone for CSIR in its 84 years of service to Indian scientific and industrial research. The CBHRD scheme is expected to accelerate the country’s R&D progress, build high-quality human resources, and prepare Indian science and technology for global leadership in the 21st century.