Key Indian Science and Technology Bodies

India’s science and technology administration is built around a set of apex bodies, mission-led institutions and research councils. Together, they guide policy, fund research, support strategic technologies and coordinate work across civilian, industrial, space, atomic and defence sectors.

For Prelims revision, the most useful points are the names of the institutions, their legal/administrative position, and the current leadership or governance structure wherever relevant.

Apex Policy and Funding Framework

• Office of the Principal Scientific Adviser (PSA): The PSA is the primary scientific adviser to the Government of India and coordinates the Prime Minister’s Science, Technology and Innovation Advisory Council (PM-STIAC). Prof. Ajay Kumar Sood is the PSA and Chairperson of PM-STIAC.
• PM-STIAC: This council helps direct and monitor the implementation of major scientific missions and strategic initiatives.
• Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF): Established under the ANRF Act, 2023, the ANRF seeds, grows and facilitates research and development across universities, colleges and research institutions. Dr. Shivkumar Kalyanaraman is the Chief Executive Officer (CEO).
• ANRF governance: The Governing Board is headed by the Prime Minister as President, while the Union Minister of Science & Technology and the Union Minister of Education serve as Vice Presidents. The Executive Council is chaired by the Principal Scientific Adviser.
• SERB merger: The ANRF has completely subsumed the Science and Engineering Research Board (SERB).
• Department of Science and Technology (DST): DST is the nodal department for organising, funding and introducing new areas of science and technology in India. Prof. Umesh V. Waghmare is the Secretary of DST.

Strategic Space, Atomic and Defence Leadership

• Department of Space (DoS): The DoS implements India’s space policies through the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO).
• ISRO leadership: Dr. V. Narayanan has served as Chairman of ISRO and Secretary of the Department of Space since January 14, 2025. The ISRO Chairman also serves as Chairman of the Space Commission.
• Department of Atomic Energy (DAE): The DAE functions under the direct executive charge of the Prime Minister and manages nuclear power technology, radioisotopes and nuclear medicine.
• Atomic Energy Commission (AEC): Dr. Ajit Kumar Mohanty serves as Secretary of the DAE and Chairman of the AEC. His tenure was extended in April 2026 until April 11, 2027.
• Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO): DRDO works under the Department of Defence R&D (DDR&D) in the Ministry of Defence to strengthen self-reliance in defence technologies.
• DRDO leadership: Rajesh Kumar Singh, IAS, the Union Defence Secretary, holds additional charge as Chairman of DRDO and Secretary of DDR&D since May 31, 2026.

Industrial and Biotechnology Research Councils

• Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR): CSIR is India’s premier industrial research organisation and runs a large network of national laboratories.
• CSIR leadership: The Prime Minister of India is the ex-officio President of CSIR. Dr. N. Kalaiselvi is the Director General of CSIR and Secretary of the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research (DSIR); her tenure was extended in July 2026 until February 28, 2027.
• Department of Biotechnology (DBT): DBT supports the development and application of biotechnology in health, agriculture and environmental sectors.
• DBT leadership: Dr. Rajesh S. Gokhale is the Secretary of DBT and Director General of the Biotechnology Research and Innovation Council (BRIC).
• Biotechnology Research and Innovation Council (BRIC): BRIC is a centralized scientific society created to unify 14 autonomous research institutions under DBT for better synergy, shared infrastructure and resource use.

National Frontier Missions and Digital Platforms

• National Quantum Mission (NQM): The NQM coordinates research and development in quantum technologies, including quantum computing, communication, chemistry and cryptography.
• NQM funding: The mission has an approved financial outlay of ₹6003.65 crore for the period from 2023–24 to 2030–31.
• Thematic Hubs (T-Hubs): The mission is executed through four specialised T-Hubs covering Quantum Computing, Quantum Communication, Quantum Sensing and Metrology, and Quantum Materials and Devices.
• TRL Compass Platform: Launched in June 2026, this platform was developed by the Office of the PSA and the Data Security Council of India (DSCI) to standardise Technology Readiness Level (TRL) assessments across Indian academic and research sectors.

Key Prelims Takeaways

• PSA role: The Principal Scientific Adviser coordinates PM-STIAC and advises the Government of India on scientific matters.
• ANRF structure: The ANRF Governing Board is headed by the Prime Minister, while the Executive Council is chaired by the PSA.
• ANRF and SERB: ANRF has subsumed SERB and now serves as the main framework for promoting research and development.
• Space administration: The Department of Space implements policy through ISRO, and the ISRO Chairman also heads the Space Commission.
• Atomic energy: The DAE works under the direct executive charge of the Prime Minister.
• CSIR and DBT: CSIR is the premier industrial research body, while DBT drives biotechnology development and BRIC integration.
• Quantum mission: The NQM operates through four T-Hubs and focuses on key quantum technology domains.