Department of Science and Technology (DST)

Established in May 1971, the Department of Science & Technology (DST) serves as the nodal department of the Government of India for promoting, coordinating and strengthening scientific research, technological development and innovation across the country. It plays a central role in formulating national policies on science and technology, supporting research and innovation, and fostering collaborations among academia, research institutions, industry and government.

DST promotes emerging areas of science and technology through research funding, capacity building, technology development and institutional support. It facilitates interdisciplinary research, encourages the development of indigenous technologies, and supports scientific surveys, innovation, entrepreneurship and technology commercialization to address national priorities.

The Department also oversees and supports several autonomous institutions, scientific councils, professional science academies and national programmes. It coordinates cross-sectoral science and technology initiatives, promotes international scientific cooperation, advances geospatial technologies and spatial data infrastructure, and strengthens the country's research and innovation ecosystem.