Industrial R&D Promotion Programme: Recognition Of In-House R&D Units
The Department of Scientific and Industrial Research (DSIR) grants official recognition to in-house R&D units of Indian corporate companies, making them eligible for central government fiscal incentives and R&D funding from agencies like DST, DBT, CSIR, and ICMR — many of which require DSIR recognition as a prerequisite. Apply online through the DSIR portal at dsir.gov.in and email the application to DSIR's R&D division.
About This Scheme
The Department of Scientific and Industrial Research (DSIR) grants official recognition to in-house R&D units of Indian corporate companies, making them eligible for central government fiscal incentives and R&D funding from agencies like DST, DBT, CSIR, and ICMR — many of which require DSIR recognition as a prerequisite. Apply online through the DSIR portal at dsir.gov.in and email the application to DSIR's R&D division.
Full official description
The Department of Scientific & Industrial Research (DSIR) is operating a scheme called "Recognition of In-House R&D Units" with the objective of granting recognition & registration to in-house R&D units established by the corporate industry. The In-house R&D units are expected to be engaged in innovative research & development activities related to the line of business of the firm, such as the development of new technologies, design & engineering, process/product/design improvements, development new methods of analysis & testing; research for increased efficiency in the use of resources, such as capital equipment, materials & energy; pollution control, effluent treatment & recycling of waste products or any other areas of research. This is the only scheme in the entire government set-up for benchmarking industrial R&D.
DSIR is the nodal department for granting recognition to in-house R&D units established by corporate companies, Scientific and Industrial Research Organizations (SIROs) and registration to publicly funded research Institutions like universities, IITs, IISc, and Regional Engineering College (RECs) other than hospitals.
Benefits
- Official DSIR recognition — the only government benchmark for industrial R&D in India
- Eligibility for central government fiscal incentives for R&D activities
- Access to R&D funding from DST, DBT, CSIR, ICMR, ICAR, TDB, and other agencies (DSIR recognition is a prerequisite for many of these)
- Enhanced credibility with investors, partners, and government procurement
Who Can Apply (Eligibility)
For Corporate Companies:
- Must be registered under the Companies Act (1956 or 2013) and at least 3 financial years old
- Must have a steady revenue source for at least 2 years
- Must be engaged in manufacturing, production, or technical services
- R&D unit must NOT be in a residential area and must occupy at least 1,000 sq. ft.
- R&D unit must be fully operational at the time of application, with defined time-bound programs
- Must maintain separate books of accounts for R&D expenditure, reported in annual accounts
For Biotech Startups:
- Must be conducting high-end research with potential for IP generation and revenue
- Must have qualified R&D manpower and basic infrastructure
- Must have a clear business model and documented sources of funding
- Must provide MOU/collaboration documents with incubator centers or technology parks
How to Apply
Step 1: The companies desirous of seeking recognition for their in-house R&D units should apply to DSIR online through the DSIR website or through the Portal.
Step 2: After successful submission of the online application, the companies are required to submit a cover letter, a completely filled-in application form (signed by Managing Director / any Director on Board) along with requisite Annexures in pdf format (in a single attachment less than 20 MB) to the email of Dr. P.K. Dutta, Scientist ‘G’ and Head RDI, DSIR (pkdutta@nic.in)
NOTE 1: It is informed that the companies interested to apply for DSIR in-house R&D recognition for their in-house R&D unit(s) need not submit the hard copy of the application to DSIR. NOTE 2: For any software-related problems please write to: dsirsupport@tekmindz.com or by clicking on the customer support on the right-hand top corner.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is The Objective Of The "Recognition Of In-House R&D Units" Scheme?
The objective of the "Recognition of In-House R&D Units" Scheme is to grant recognition & registration to in-house R&D units established by the corporate industry.
What Shall Be The Engagements Of The In-House R&D Units?
The In-house R&D units are expected to be engaged in innovative research & development activities related to the line of business of the firm.
What Are Some Examples Of Engagements In The Research For Increased Efficiency In The Use Of Resources?
Some examples of engagements in the research for increased efficiency in the use of resources are: capital equipment, materials & energy; pollution control, effluent treatment & recycling of waste products or any other areas of research. This is the only scheme in the entire government set-up for benchmarking industrial R&D.
What Is The Full Name Of SIRO?
The full name of SIRO is "Scientific and Industrial Research Organization".
Which Publicly Funded Research Institutions Are Covered In This Scheme?
The following publicly funded research Institutions are covered: universities, IITs, IISc, and Regional Engineering College (RECs) other than hospitals.
Other Than The Fiscal Incentives, What Other Benefits Are Provided Through This Scheme?
The In-house R&D units recognised by DSIR are eligible for these incentives (wherever applicable). Also, for receiving funds for R&D from other government departments and agencies such as DST, DBT, Deity, MoEF, MNRE, MoFPI, CSIR, ICMR, ICAR, and TDB where recognition to the in-house R&D centre by DSIR is a requirement.
What Is The URL Of The Call Letter For Renewal Of Recognition?
The URL of the Call Letter For Renewal Of Recognition is: https://dsir.gov.in/sites/default/files/2022-11/rdiren23le.pdf
In What Domains Should The Companies Seeking Recognition For Their In-House R&D Units Be Engaged In?
The companies seeking recognition for their in-house R&D units should be engaged in manufacturing or production or in rendering technical services.
What Is The Infrastructure-Related Eligibility Criteria For Corporate Industries?
Independent infrastructure for research activities and adequate technically qualified manpower should be available (Minimum area for the R&D activities should be at least 1000 sq. ft.).
Is A Hard Copy Of The Application Required To Be Sent To DSIR?
It is informed that the companies interested to apply for DSIR in-house R&D recognition for their in-house R&D unit(s) need not submit the hard copy of the application to DSIR.
To Whom Should The Application Be Sent?
The companies are required to submit a cover letter, a completely filled-in application form (signed by Managing Director / any Director on Board) along with requisite Annexures in pdf format (in a single attachment less than 20 MB) to the email of Dr. P.K. Dutta, Scientist 'G' and Head RDI, DSIR (pkdutta@nic.in)
Ready to apply?
Visit the official government portal to apply for this scheme.
Apply on myScheme.gov.inDocuments Required
- Complete one e-application (.pdf, generated by the system) signed by the MD/whole-time Director of the company.
- A walk-in CD containing a corporate presentation, a presentation covering the R&D unit & its activities.
- Latest annual report of the company.
- A note on the R&D activities of the R&D unit(s), highlighting the ongoing & proposed research activities, and details of past achievements/ completed research projects.
- A brief write-up on some of the major past achievements, and ongoing and future projects.
- Details of scientific personnel working in the R&D unit(s) along with qualifications & designation.
- Details of infrastructure available for research giving the date of installation & value of all major facilities.
- Layout drawing of the R&D unit vis-à-vis the plant/production unit.
- A copy of the memorandum & Articles of Association of the company (in case of newly formed companies).