Model Question and Answers for APSC | Scientific research in Indian universities is declining, because a career in science is not as attractive as our business operations, engineering or administration, and the universities are becoming consumer oriented. Critically comment.

Ans: India has made significant progress in the field of science and technology in the past few decades. However, it is true that scientific research in Indian universities has been declining in recent years.

There Are Several Reasons For This Decline.

• One of the main reasons for the decline in scientific research in Indian universities is the lack of attractiveness of a career in science compared to other fields such as business operations, engineering, or administration.

• The lack of financial incentives, poor job security, and limited opportunities for growth and development are some of the reasons why students are not attracted to careers in science.

• Another reason for the decline in scientific research is the consumer- oriented nature of universities. Many universities have become focused on providing students with degrees and diplomas rather than promoting research and innovation.

• This trend is partly driven by the government's push to increase the number of graduates in the country. This focus on quantity over quality has led to a decline in the quality of education and research.

• To increase the volume of research studies and provide incentives for the same, Government has introduced many schemes/programmes, including the following:

• Prime Minister Research Fellowship (PMRF) Scheme for promotion of research in the frontier areas of science & technology. It seeks to incentivize a maximum of 3,000 most talented students from recognized Universities/Institutions who will be selected as per PMRF guidelines to enrol in the Ph.D program in IITs/IISc/IISERs/CUs.

• The University Grants Commission (UGC) is providing financial assistance to the Ph.D scholars under the schemes of Junior Research Fellowship (JRF) and Senior Research Fellowship (SRF) in Science, Humanities and Social Sciences (NET) etc.

• Scheme for Trans-disciplinary Research for India’s Developing Economy (STRIDE) for Humanities and Human Sciences.

• Impacting Research Innovation and Technology (IMPRINT) for technical research.

• Impactful Policy Research in Social Science (IMPRESS) for social sciences research.

• Scheme for Promotion of Academic and Research Collaboration (SPARC) for joint research with Foreign Universities; and

• National Doctoral Fellowship (NDF) scheme to promote research culture and collaborative research between Institute and Industries leading to start-ups in AICTE institutions.

In conclusion, the decline in scientific research in Indian universities is a complex issue that requires a multi-pronged approach to address. While the government has taken steps to promote research and innovation, there is still a long way to go to make a career in science as attractive as other fields. Universities need to focus more on promoting research and innovation, and students need to be encouraged to pursue careers in science. Only by working together can we ensure that India continues to make progress in the field of science and technology.