Call for Proposals: Science Communication and Popularization Scheme (India)

Deadline: 30-Sep-2026

The National Council of Science and Technology Communication (NCSTC), under the Department of Science and Technology, Government of India, is inviting proposals to support science communication, STEM education, and community engagement initiatives across India. The initiative aims to connect scientific knowledge with societal action by supporting innovative projects that benefit students, educators, researchers, and communities. Proposals are invited across multiple thematic areas, including experiential STEM learning, science communication tools, Indian mathematical heritage, children’s science programs, sustainable futures, mobile science outreach, and National Science Day activities.

About the NCSTC Initiative

The NCSTC initiative aims to strengthen public understanding and engagement with science and technology across India. It seeks to support projects that make scientific knowledge more accessible, practical, and relevant to communities while encouraging students and educators to participate in STEM learning.

The initiative focuses on:

- Science communication. - STEM education. - Experiential and hands-on learning. - Community engagement. - Development of innovative learning tools. - Capacity building. - Public understanding of science and technology. - Sustainable and long-term science outreach. What Areas Does the Call Support? Proposals can be submitted across several thematic areas. Experiential STEM Learning Through Samvaad The Samvaad initiative supports experiential learning opportunities for STEM students. Projects should encourage students to engage with science through practical experiences, interaction, exploration, and learning beyond conventional classroom methods. Science and Technology Communication Tools Proposals can focus on developing innovative tools and resources that communicate scientific concepts effectively.

This includes:

- Traditional scientific toys. - Advanced scientific toys. - Educational games. - Science learning materials. - AI-based learning materials. - Other innovative science communication tools. The aim is to make scientific concepts more engaging and accessible to different audiences. Bhartiya Ganita Literacy The call also supports initiatives promoting Bhartiya Ganita literacy. Projects under this theme can help integrate India’s mathematical heritage and knowledge traditions into modern education and science communication. The focus is on creating greater awareness and understanding of Indian contributions to mathematics while connecting traditional knowledge with contemporary learning. Children Science Congress Proposals are invited for organizing the Children Science Congress at: - District level. - State level. - National level. These activities can provide children with opportunities to explore scientific ideas, develop research and problem-solving skills, and engage with science through participatory activities. Science Communication for Sustainable Futures The initiative supports science communication addressing issues that affect sustainable and safe communities.

Relevant areas include:

- Health hazards. - Safety hazards. - Environmental hazards. - Public awareness of scientific risks. - Science-based approaches to sustainable futures. Projects should help communities understand scientific information and translate knowledge into practical action. Mobile Science Labs and Science Buses Hands-on science outreach is another focus area. Proposals may include mobile science laboratories, science buses, and similar outreach models that bring practical science education directly to communities. These initiatives can help reach students and communities that have limited access to conventional science facilities. National Science Day Projects may also support the celebration of National Science Day and related science communication activities. Activities should contribute to public engagement with science and encourage broader participation in science and technology learning. Other Innovative Science Communication Ideas The call also welcomes other innovative ideas related to science communication. Applicants can propose new approaches that improve public understanding of science, strengthen STEM learning, encourage community participation, or create sustainable science communication models. Key Objectives

The initiative aims to:

- Promote public understanding of science and technology. - Strengthen STEM education. - Encourage experiential and hands-on learning. - Develop innovative science communication tools. - Engage students and communities in scientific activities. - Connect scientific knowledge with societal needs. - Promote Indian mathematical heritage through Bhartiya Ganita literacy. - Expand access to science outreach activities. - Build institutional and community capacity. - Encourage sustainable science communication initiatives. Who Can Apply? Eligible applicants include organizations and institutions based in India.

The call is open to:

- Government organizations. - Not-for-profit organizations. - Autonomous organizations. - Universities. - Research institutions. Applicants should have the institutional capacity and relevant expertise to implement the proposed science communication, STEM education, or community engagement project. Who Is Not Eligible? Industries are not eligible to apply directly for grant-in-aid under this call. Organizations should therefore ensure that their institutional status meets the eligibility requirements before preparing and submitting a proposal. What Should Proposals Include? Applicants should provide a clear and structured project proposal.

Proposals should outline:

- Project objectives. - Target beneficiaries. - Proposed methodology. - Detailed work plan. - Budget. - Expected outcomes. The proposal should clearly explain how the project will contribute to science communication, STEM education, or community engagement. Target Beneficiaries Projects may benefit different group