CSIR Capacity Building Scheme to spur Research and Innovation in India

Research Future of India.

The Government of India has sanctioned the Capacity Building and Human Resource Development (CBHRD) scheme, with an outlay of Rs 2277.397 crore in the Fifteenth Finance Commission (2021-22 to 2025-26), in a massive effort towards the promotion of science and innovation. The initiative, which is being implemented by the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research (DSIR) and the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), aims at enhancing the research ecosystem in India and developing the generation of scientists in the future.

Scope and Coverage

The plan cuts across the key knowledge centers in India such as national laboratories, Institutes of National Importance, Institutes of Eminence and university. It is narrowed down to helping the youth with talent in Science, Technology, Engineering, Medical, and Mathematical Sciences (STEMM). It provides opportunities to young researchers by providing them with fellowships, grants, and awards to enable them to continue their advanced education and to make contributions to groundbreaking discoveries.

Four Pillars of CBHRD

The plan is designed based on four major elements:

• Doctoral and Postdoctoral Fellowships- providing scholars with the opportunity to conduct advanced research.
• Extramural Research, Emeritus Scientist and Bhatnagar Fellowships - sponsoring independent and sustained scientific inquiry.
• Prizes and Honours - in recognition of exceptional work in Indian science.
• Travel and Symposia Grants - encouraging domestic and international cooperation and the exchange of knowledge.

Influence on the Inno-Landscape of India.

India has been gradually improving in world scientific rankings, today, being ranked the 39th on the Global Innovation Index (2024) and the number three country in the world in scientific publication of papers. These gains are reinforced by the CBHRD scheme to strengthen the density of researchers per million population and progress in the right direction towards the UN Sustainable Development Goals.

CSIR's Leadership and Vision

It has a rich history of 84 years where CSIR is at the heart of the implementation of this programme. The bigger picture of the government is to ensure India becomes a global center of research and innovation, which will be driven by the cooperation of academia, the industry, and the research institute. The scheme not only retains the best talent, but also boasts strong career pathways making sure that India remains an innovative solution to both national and international problems.