Cabinet Greenlights DSIR/CSIR “Capacity Building & Human Resource Development” Scheme

In a major move to advance India’s research and innovation ecosystem, the Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi has approved the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research (DSIR) scheme titled “Capacity Building and Human Resource Development (CBHRD)”. With a total outlay of ₹2,277.397 crore, the scheme will be implemented over the 15th Finance Commission period (2021–22 to 2025–26) by the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR). This ambitious initiative seeks to empower young scientists, promote excellence in STEMM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Medical, and Mathematical) disciplines, and build a world-class R&D workforce for India’s future.

About the Scheme

• The CBHRD scheme aims to enhance scientific capacity and human resource development by covering a wide spectrum of research and academic institutions including national laboratories, Institutes of National Importance, Institutes of Eminence, and universities across the country.
• It focuses on nurturing young talent and fostering academic-industrial collaboration to create a robust innovation-driven ecosystem in the country.
• Importantly, it also contributes to India’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by increasing the number of researchers per million population.

Key Components

The umbrella scheme consists of four key sub-schemes, each addressing a critical area of capacity building,

• Doctoral and Postdoctoral Fellowships: Provides support to young researchers to pursue advanced studies under expert guidance.
• Extramural Research, Emeritus Scientist, and Bhatnagar Fellowship Schemes: Encourages senior scientists and collaborative projects through prestigious fellowships and research grants.
• Promotion and Recognition of Excellence through Awards: Rewards outstanding contributions in scientific research.
• Travel and Symposia Grants: Supports participation in conferences, workshops, and academic exchanges to enhance knowledge sharing.

This structure ensures that talent at every stage of the scientific career ladder — from aspiring scholars to accomplished experts — is supported and incentivized.

Significance of the Scheme

India has made steady progress in global scientific rankings. With dedicated government support for R&D, the country now ranks 39th in the Global Innovation Index 2024. India is also among the top three countries in terms of scientific publication output, highlighting the growing strength of its knowledge economy.

By offering structured support through CBHRD, the government aims to,

• Expand the national research talent pool
• Foster innovation-led growth
• Improve global competitiveness in science and technology
• Bridge the gap between academic research and industry applications

These outcomes are crucial for India’s transition into a high-tech, self-reliant economy.

Implementation and Budget Highlights

• Total Allocation: ₹2,277.397 crore over five years (2021–26)
• Implementing Body: CSIR under DSIR
• Institutions Covered: All major academic and research institutions in India

Sub-scheme features,

• Doctoral/Postdoctoral grants and fellowships
• Senior researcher support through Emeritus and Bhatnagar Fellowships
• Travel and symposium grants
• Excellence awards and recognitions

Notably, the Bhatnagar Fellowship provides financial support of up to ₹40 lakh annually, in addition to research grants of ₹25 lakh per year, ensuring that India’s most distinguished scientists continue to contribute meaningfully.

Key Takeaways

• Scheme name: Capacity Building and Human Resource Development (CBHRD)
• Total outlay: ₹2,277.397 crore (2021–22 to 2025–26)
• Implemented by: CSIR under DSIR
• Includes: Fellowships, research grants, awards, travel grants
• Supports: Young researchers, senior scientists, academic collaborations
• Goal: Strengthen India’s STEMM workforce and boost innovation capacity