Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the role of DST in societal development?
   A large numbers of interdisciplinary project of multisectoral nature are supported leading to technological empowerment and capacity building for sustainable livelihood. DST also has programmes to help S&T personnel towards self-employment and entrepreneurship.
2. How does the DST programme help students to start up their ventures?
   Programmes like Science and Technology Entrepreneurs Park (STEP) and Technology Business Incubator (TBI's) help the students in their startup by providing necessary support in the form of infrastructure, technical input and academic linkages.
3. What is the critical role of DST?
   The DST is the nodal department of Government in India for the co-ordination of overall R&D programmes of the Government. The Department is responsible for conceptualization and implementation of S&T programmes. It formulates S&T policy and advices Government on matters related to S&T.
4. Is their any scheme for infrastructural development of R&D institutions?
   Yes, there is a fund available for improvement of S&T infrastructure for R&D institutions under its FIST programme. For further information click here
5. How does DST supports state level S&T ?
   DST has established state S&T councils in almost all states in the country for planning, coordinating and monitoring S&T activities at state level
6. Is their any web portal for information dissemination?
   Several portal are available, Mention of these portals are made at appropriate places in this website. Some of the useful portals are TIMEIS, NSTEDB, Vigyan Prasar, Science and Society etc
7. Is their any programme available for young scientists?
   Yes, Young Scientists can take up R&D Programme, through institutions
   Eg: Young Scientist Scheme under SERC Programmes
8. In which fields R&D support is available?
   For Physical Science, Mathematical Science, Chemical Science, Life Science and Engineering Science
9. Are there any programs for young students at school level?
   Kishore Vigyan Prothoshan Yojana is available for 10th and +2 students to take up the Research Development as a Carrier. For more information click here
10. Is any support available for commercialization of indigenous technology?
    Technology Development Board is supporting for the commercialization of indigenous technology by providing grants as well as soft loans .For Further Information click here
11. What is the role of DST in Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) ?
    DST is providing assistance to S&T community for patenting their research work, nationally as well as internationally through Patent Facility Cell.
12. What are specific S&T programmes under National Common Minimum Programme?
    Under this programme DST is strengthening S&T Infrastructure, specialized research facility in high priority areas and S&T mission schemes.
13. Does DST recognize exceptional efforts made under S&T in general?
    Recognition is given through the national award in the fields of S&T entrepreneurship science popularization, technology development, S&T for women
14. Does DST celebrate in a special occasion to felicitate outstanding scientist?
    28^th Feb has been designated as National Science Day and 11^th May as Technology Day. On both these occasions national awards are given to outstanding scientists.
    
15. What support a Scientist/ Technologist / Research Fellows can get on acceptance of their paper in a scientific event abroad?
    The Department of Science &Technology through its SERC programme provides financial assistance through its scheme "International Travel Support Scheme (ITS)" for enabling Scientist/ Technologist / Research Fellows to participate in events abroad. For further information on the necessary guidelines and formats for the same,
    click here.
16. Are there any programmes for facilitating collaboration / Exchange Visits programme with any country?
    The department has Bi-lateral agreements with considerable number of countries in specified areas. The collaborative project / Exchange Visits are available as instruments for the Indian scientists. For further information, click here.
17. Are there any special programme to encourage Women Scientist?
    The department has initiated a women scientist scheme in the ninth five year plan
    For further information, click here.
18. What are the programmes available for Indian scientist working abroad. Who would like to come back and continue their work in India?
    The department has the following programme for support research in basic and applied areas:-
    • Swarana Jayanti Fellowships
    • Fast Track Scheme For Young Scientists (FAST)
    • Science & Engineering Research Council
19. What are the different training programmes available for Scientists and Technologists working with the Govt. of India?
    The Department of Science and Technology in consultation with the Department of Personnel & Training and Planning Commission has embarked upon an ambitious project of human resource development for scientific and technical personnel to meet the challenges of national development and international competitiveness. For further information, click here
20. What type of support Department of Science & Technology can provide for organizing National or International Seminar/ Conference / Workshops/ Discussion Forums in the country?
    The department has a specific programme for supporting National or International Scientific and Technological events in the country organized by Academic Institute/ National Research & Development Institute or Scientific & Technology Professional bodies. For further information, click here.
21. What are the analytical instrument facilities available to the researchers in the country?
    The Department of Science & Technology has set up Sophisticated Analytical Instrument facility in different parts of country to provide analytical instrument support to the researchers in the country. Currently this facility is being used by more than 6000 users. For further information, click here.
22. Does the department ensure induction of exceptionally bright and motivated students to career in research?
    The Department has initiated a National Programme of Fellowship in Science and Engineering and Medicine to attract exceptionally bright & highly motivated students in career research. This programmes which inducts students at various stages starting from 10+2 level assists its students not only to realize their potential but also to ensure the availability of best scientific talent for the National Laboratories & Academic Institutions. For further information, click here.
23. What is the support available from DST for building new avenues for educational institutions by enhancing infrastructure for research and development?
    The department has initiated a scheme "Fund for Improvement of S&T infrastructure - (FIST)" in academic & educational institutions. The scheme is intended to provide basic infrastructure and other enabling facilities for carrying out research and development activities. For further information, click here.
    
    The department also provides support under the "Intensification of Research in High Priority Areas - IRHPA" in academic institutions. For further information, click here.