How to Secure a Funded Research Project from DST in India

How to Secure a Funded Research Project from DST in India: A Roadmap for Academic Success

Securing a funded research project from the Department of Science and Technology (DST), Government of India is a prestigious milestone for any academic or research institution. DST plays a pivotal role in promoting research and innovation across disciplines, including science, engineering, technology, environment, social sciences, and interdisciplinary domains.

For faculty members and researchers in Indian universities and B-Schools, winning DST funding not only boosts academic visibility but also creates opportunities for collaborative research, infrastructure development, and real-world impact. Here’s a step-by-step guide to successfully obtaining a DST-funded research project:

1. Identify the Right DST Scheme

DST offers various schemes tailored to different career stages and research areas. Some key schemes include:

Science and Engineering Research Board (SERB) – Core Research Grant (CRG)

Startup Research Grant (SRG) for early career faculty

International Bilateral Cooperation Projects

Technology Interventions for Disabled and Elderly (TIDE)

National Mission on Interdisciplinary Cyber Physical Systems (NM-ICPS)

Researchers must carefully study the scheme's objectives, eligibility criteria, funding limits, and thematic focus areas before applying.

2. Craft a Strong Research Proposal

A winning proposal is not just technically sound—it is strategically aligned with national priorities and shows potential for societal, economic, or technological impact.

Your proposal should include:

A clear research question and objectives

A review of the current state of the art

Detailed methodology and work plan

Expected outcomes, deliverables, and timeline

Budget justification and resource allocation

Potential for policy, innovation, or commercialization

DST values proposals that solve real-world problems or contribute to national missions like sustainability, digital India, or rural development.

3. Show Institutional Support and Collaborations

DST prefers projects that are backed by the institution through:

Letters of support from the head of institution or department

Availability of basic infrastructure

Clear commitment of time, space, or human resources

Collaborations with other universities, research labs, or industries—especially for interdisciplinary or translational research—significantly strengthen the proposal.

4. Use Online Portals and Submission Guidelines

DST proposals are generally submitted through SERB Online Portal (www.serbonline.in) or e-PMS portal (onlinedst.gov.in).

Applicants must:

Register and update their academic profiles (including CV, past projects, publications)

Upload documents in required formats (PDF/DOC, max sizes)

Follow strict timelines and be alert to call for proposals or expression of interest (EOI) notices

5. Follow-Up, Review, and Revisions

Once submitted, proposals go through peer review. Respond promptly to review comments or requests for clarification. Many researchers win grants in their second or third attempt—persistence and refinement are key.

Securing a DST-funded project is both competitive and rewarding. It requires strategic planning, academic rigor, and an understanding of India's developmental and technological goals. By aligning research with national priorities, building strong proposals, and demonstrating impact potential, Indian academicians can turn their research vision into funded realities.