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Introduction

India ranks third among the most attractive investment destinations for technology transactions in the world. Modern India has had a strong focus on science and technology, realising that it is a key element for economic growth. India is among the topmost countries in the world in the field of scientific research, positioned as one of the top five nations in the field for space exploration. The country has regularly undertaken space missions, including missions to the moon and the famed Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV).
India is likely to take a leading role in launching satellites for the SAARC nations, generating revenue by offering its space facilities for use to other countries.
Applications & Effects of Science & Technology in India | Science & Technology for UPSC CSE

Market size

India now ranks 39th among 133 countries in the Global Innovation Index (GII) 2024, marking a significant improvement from its 81st position in 2015. The Government is extensively promoting research parks technology business incubators (TBIs) and (RPs), which would promote the innovative ideas till they become commercial ventures.
India’s gross expenditure in R&D was forecast to reach US$ 96.50 billion in 2020. By 2022, R&D expenditure is targeted to reach at least 2 per cent of the country’s GDP. The engineering R&D and product development market in India is forecast to post a CAGR of ~12% to reach US$ 63 billion by 2025, from US$ 31 billion in 2019.
IT spending in India is estimated to reach US$ 93 billion in 2021 (7.3% YoY growth) and further increase to US$ 98.5 billion in 2022.
India's National Artificial Intelligence Strategy prepared by NITI Aayog outlined a way forward to harness the potential of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in different fields. Accenture offers a framework for assessing the economic effect of AI for selected G20 countries in its latest AI research studies and forecast that AI will raise India's annual growth rate by 1.3% points by 2035.
India ranked 39th in the Global Innovation Index for 2024. In the Bloomberg Innovation Index, 2021, India ranked 50th in terms of innovations. In South Asia, India is the only country to be represented on the index. India ranks 10th in the Global Cybersecurity Index 2020 that was launched by the International Telecommunication Union.

Developments/Investments

With support from the Government, considerable investment and development has incurred in different sectors such as agriculture, healthcare, space research, and nuclear power through scientific research. For instance, India is gradually becoming self-reliant in nuclear technology.

Recent Developments

Some of the recent developments in the field of science and technology in India are as follows:

  • In November 2024, the Ministry of Science and Technology and the Ministry of Earth Sciences, in association with Vijnana Bharati (VIBHA), organized the 10th India International Science Festival (IISF) at IIT Guwahati. The theme was "Science and Technology: Transforming India into a Global Manufacturing Hub."

  • In March 2024, ISRO launched the INSAT-3DS satellite to enhance weather forecasting, disaster warning, and climate monitoring capabilities. It was launched using GSLV-F14 from Sriharikota.

  • In July 2023, ISRO successfully launched Chandrayaan-3 and made history by becoming the first country to land near the Moon’s South Pole.

  • In September 2023, India launched Aditya-L1, its first solar mission, to study the Sun’s corona and solar winds, marking a major milestone in heliophysics research.

  • In October 2023, the Indian government launched the National Quantum Mission (NQM) to nurture a quantum technology ecosystem with a budget outlay of ₹6,000 crore by 2031.

  • In January 2024, DRDO successfully tested the Agni-V missile with MIRV (Multiple Independently Targetable Reentry Vehicle) technology, enabling a single missile to target multiple locations.

  • In February 2024, India launched Anusandhan National Research Foundation (NRF) with a ₹50,000 crore budget for five years to boost high-impact scientific research in both public and private sectors.

  • As of 2024, over 75% of the top 100 global R&D firms have established research centers in India, reinforcing the nation’s position as a global innovation hub.

  • In April 2024, the Indian Space Association (ISpA) announced its roadmap for boosting private space launches, satellite manufacturing, and space-based applications.

  • India and Denmark continue to strengthen their Green Strategic Partnership through joint initiatives like the Smart Laboratory on Clean Rivers (SLCR) in Varanasi for river rejuvenation using sustainable technologies.

  • In December 2023, the Atal Innovation Mission launched a nationwide campaign to scale up Atal Tinkering Labs and integrate AI-based learning modules for school-level innovation.

  • In 2024, the Deep Ocean Mission entered its next phase with successful deployment of Matsya-6000, a manned submersible designed to explore 6,000 meters deep under the sea.

  • As of early 2025, India operates 30+ gamma radiation processing plants for food preservation and medical sterilization, with increasing private sector participation.

  • The Department of Science and Technology and NASSCOM continue their Lab2Market initiative in 2024 to bridge research institutions with industry, focusing on AI, semiconductors, and biotechnology.

  • In 2023–24, India’s patent filings saw a year-on-year increase of over 17%, continuing the upward trend in innovation since 2014.

  • The DRDO has continued enhancing anti-drone technology with AI-based autonomous interception systems deployed for border and defense use.

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The Union Budget 2025-26

​Under the Union Budget 2025–26, the Government of India has significantly increased allocations to key science and technology departments, reflecting a strong emphasis on research, innovation, and energy advancement.​

  • Ministry of Science and Technology
    The Ministry has been allocated ₹38,613.32 crore (approximately US$ 4.8 billion), marking a substantial increase from the ₹14,794.03 crore allocated in 2021–22. 
  • Department of Atomic Energy (DAE)
    The DAE has received ₹24,049.10 crore (approximately US$ 2.9 billion), up from ₹18,264.89 crore in 2021–22.
  • Department of Science and Technology (DST)
    The DST's allocation has risen to ₹28,508.90 crore (approximately US$ 3.6 billion), a significant increase from ₹6,067.39 crore in 2021–22. 
  • Ministry of Earth Sciences
    The Ministry has been allocated ₹2,500 crore (approximately US$ 325 million), up from ₹1,897.13 crore in 2021–22. 
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The Road Ahead

India continues to assert itself as a global leader in industrialisation, scientific research, and technological innovation. With the substantial increase in budget allocations for science and technology, the country is poised to make major strides in key sectors.

Significant progress is expected in nuclear energy, as the Department of Atomic Energy receives record funding to expand India’s nuclear capacity with a focus on clean and sustainable energy. The government has also emphasized the role of quantum technology, semiconductors, and AI-based innovations, investing heavily through mission-driven programs.

Nanotechnology remains a transformative force, particularly in pharmaceuticals, where advancements are accelerating drug discovery and targeted therapies. In agriculture, the government is promoting a tech-driven Green Revolution 2.0, encouraging smart farming, biotechnology applications, and climate-resilient practices through digital infrastructure and scientific interventions.

India’s evolving Science, Technology and Innovation Policy (STIP) has now moved beyond the 2013 and 2020 frameworks. The STI Policy 2021 (Draft)—expected to be formalized soon—builds on a vision of inclusivity, decentralization, and transparency. It incorporates mechanisms like dynamic policy cycles, periodic evaluations, stakeholder


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FAQs on Applications & Effects of Science & Technology in India - Science & Technology for UPSC CSE

1. What are the applications of science and technology in India?
Ans. Science and technology have various applications in India. They are extensively used in sectors such as agriculture, healthcare, communication, transportation, and education. For instance, in agriculture, science and technology are used for crop improvement, soil testing, pest management, and precision farming. In healthcare, they are used for medical research, disease diagnosis, and treatment advancements. In communication, science and technology have enabled the development of mobile phones, internet connectivity, and satellite communication. In transportation, they have led to the development of electric vehicles and improved infrastructure. In education, science and technology have facilitated e-learning, online courses, and access to educational resources.
2. How has science and technology influenced agriculture in India?
Ans. Science and technology have greatly influenced agriculture in India. They have led to the development of improved crop varieties through techniques like hybridization and genetic engineering. These advancements have increased crop yields and improved resistance to pests and diseases. Additionally, technologies like drip irrigation, precision farming, and soil testing have enhanced water and nutrient management, resulting in efficient resource utilization. Furthermore, remote sensing and satellite imagery have enabled better monitoring of crop health and weather patterns, aiding in decision-making for farmers. Overall, science and technology have played a crucial role in modernizing and improving the agricultural sector in India.
3. What are the effects of science and technology on healthcare in India?
Ans. Science and technology have had significant effects on healthcare in India. They have contributed to medical research, leading to the development of new drugs, vaccines, and treatment methods. Advanced diagnostic tools and imaging techniques, such as MRI and CT scans, have revolutionized the diagnosis of diseases. Telemedicine, enabled by technology, has expanded access to healthcare services, especially in remote areas. Additionally, electronic health records and data analytics have improved patient management and healthcare delivery. Overall, science and technology have enhanced the quality and accessibility of healthcare in India.
4. How has science and technology transformed communication in India?
Ans. Science and technology have brought about a transformation in communication in India. The advent of mobile phones and the internet has revolutionized the way people connect and communicate. Mobile phones have provided widespread access to communication, even in remote areas. The internet has facilitated instant messaging, email communication, and access to a vast amount of information. Social media platforms have enabled people to connect, share ideas, and collaborate. Furthermore, advancements in satellite communication have improved connectivity in rural and remote regions. Science and technology have made communication faster, more efficient, and more accessible for people across India.
5. How have science and technology influenced education in India?
Ans. Science and technology have had a significant influence on education in India. They have facilitated the development of e-learning platforms, online courses, and educational apps, providing access to quality education beyond traditional classrooms. Technology-enabled classrooms equipped with smart boards and audio-visual aids have enhanced the learning experience. Virtual reality and augmented reality technologies have made learning more interactive and immersive. Additionally, science and technology have made educational resources easily accessible through digital libraries and online databases. They have also enabled distance learning and remote education, allowing students to pursue education from anywhere. Overall, science and technology have transformed the way education is delivered and accessed in India.
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