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30 July 2026

India's R&D spending trends

This data provides critical, quantifiable evidence on India's R&D landscape and the structural shift toward private sector investment, which is highly relevant for GS3 questions on science, technology, and economic development.

1 min read Day 1 of 3 2 questions 2 prelims

Notes

  • India's Gross Expenditure on Research and Development (GERD) reached 0.83% of GDP in 2021-22, crossing the 0.8% threshold for the first time since 2009-10.
  • GERD in absolute terms rose from ₹1.27 lakh crore in 2020-21 to ₹2.45 lakh crore in 2023-24.
  • A structural shift has occurred: private industry contribution to GERD rose from 36.4% in 2020-21 to 51.8% in 2023-24, surpassing government spending for the first time.
  • Industry R&D spending in absolute terms increased from ₹46,400 crore in 2020-21 to ₹126,800 crore in 2023-24.
  • Government science spending (DST, DBT, DAE, ISRO) has shown only incremental growth, suggesting the surge in GERD is primarily private-sector driven.
  • The Department of Science and Technology (DST) compiles data via the National Science and Technology Management Information System (NSTMIS).
  • The 2022-23 NSTMIS survey expanded its scope to include multinational companies and enterprises outside the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research (DSIR) recognition scheme.
  • India's R&D-to-GDP ratio remains lower than major scientific powers like China (2.4%), Japan (3.3%), South Korea (4.8%), and the US (3.5%).

Part of a longer story

This is day 1 of 3 in Trends in India's Research and Development Expenditure, which has been running since 30 July 2026. Reading it whole is usually worth more than reading today alone — the exam asks how something developed.

Questions

  1. Analyze the significance of the shift in India's R&D landscape where private industry contribution has surpassed public expenditure. What are the implications for India's innovation ecosystem? 150 words
    Attempt this — 150 words in 8 min
    0 / 150 words 8:00
  2. Despite having a large scientific workforce, India's R&D-to-GDP ratio has historically trailed behind major global economies. Discuss the structural challenges in India's research ecosystem and the role of private sector participation in bridging this gap. 250 words
    Attempt this — 250 words in 11 min
    0 / 250 words 11:00

Prelims

  1. Which organization is responsible for compiling India's official Research and Development (R&D) statistics?

  2. In the context of India's R&D expenditure, what does the term 'GERD' stand for?

Syllabus

Topics

Sources

250words.in · https://250words.in/daily/2026-07-30/india-s-r-d-spending-trends