India is projected to surpass the United States in the number of scientific publications by 2029, as announced during a National Science Day function on February 28, 2025.

About National Science Day

• National Science Day is celebrated annually on February 28 to commemorate the discovery of the Raman Effect by Sir C.V. Raman in 1928.
  • For this breakthrough, he received the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1930. 
• The first National Science Day was observed in 1987, promoting scientific awareness and innovation across India.
• Theme for 2025: “Empowering Indian Youth for Global Leadership in Science & Innovation for VIKSIT BHARAT.”
• Objectives of National Science Day Celebration: 
  • Encourages scientific temper and the application of science in daily life.
  • Showcases India’s scientific achievements and technological advancements.
  • Promotes STEM education and engages young minds in scientific research.

India’s Global Position in Science and Technology

• Ranked 39th in the Global Innovation Index 2024.
• 6th in global Intellectual Property (IP) filings, as per WIPO 2024 report.
• Network Readiness Index (NRI) 2024: Improved ranking to 49th, from 79th in 2019.
• Future projection: India to surpass the U.S. in scientific publications by 2029.

Key Scientific Achievements in 2024

• National Quantum Mission (NQM): ₹6003.65 crore investment for research in quantum computing, communication, and materials.
• National Supercomputing Mission (NSM): A total of 33 supercomputers with a combined computing capacity of 32 petaflops have been deployed in the country till November , 2024 under National Supercomputing Mission with a target of 77 PetaFlops using indigenous technology.
• BharatGen Initiative: Development of India’s first multimodal, multilingual Large Language Model (LLM) for AI.
• Geospatial Science Expansion: Spatial Thinking programs in 116 schools, with expansion planned.
• Climate Research: Four new Centres of Excellence for risk mapping of floods and droughts.

Government Initiatives to Boost Scientific Research

Research & Development (R&D) Initiatives

• Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF) 2023: Supports research and young scientists.
• PM Early Career Research Grant (PMECRG): Funding for young researchers.
• EV Mission: Innovation in electric vehicle technology.
• Inclusivity Research Grant (IRG): Supports SC/ST researchers.

Technology & AI Development

• National Mission on Interdisciplinary Cyber-Physical Systems (NM-ICPS):
  • Funding of eight startups in quantum computing and AI.
  • Establishment of Technology Translation Research Parks (TTRPs).
• Technology Development Board (TDB): ₹220.73 crore funding for innovation-driven startups.

Science Education and  Talent Development

• INSPIRE Program: Encouraging young talent in science:
  • 34,343 INSPIRE Scholars and 3,363 INSPIRE Fellows supported in 2024.
  • Expansion to Class 11 and  12 students in 2025.
• Vigyan Jyoti Program: STEM education for girls, benefiting 29,000+ students across 300 districts.
• WISE-KIRAN Program: Supporting women in research with:
  • WISE-PhD & Postdoctoral Fellowships.
  • Women’s International Grants (WINGS) for global research exposure.

Budget Allocation for Science and Research

• Department of Science & Technology (DST): Budget increased 926%, from ₹2,777 crore (2013-14) to ₹28,509 crore (2024-25).
• Department of Space (DOS): Grew 139%, from ₹5,615 crore (2013-14) to ₹13,416 crore (2024-25).

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