CSIR ASPIRE-SHAKTI Initiative Celebrates Women Researchers in STEM

Key Facts

• Event Date: 13 July 2026
• Organiser: Council of Scientific & Industrial Research (CSIR)
• Event Location: CSIR Headquarters, Anusandhan Bhawan, New Delhi
• Presiding Authority: Dr. N. Kalaiselvi, Secretary, Department of Scientific and Industrial Research (DSIR) and Director General, CSIR
• Scheme Launch: ASPIRE-SHAKTI was launched on International Women’s Day, 8 March 2023, by the vision of Dr. Jitendra Singh, Union Minister of Science & Technology
• Project Proposals Received: 2,878 from 969 institutions nationwide
• Women Researchers Funded: 301 independent Principal Investigators selected (approximate 10% selection rate)
• Funded Research Domains:
  • Life Sciences: 152 projects
  • Engineering Sciences: 54 projects
  • Inter/Transdisciplinary Sciences: 37 projects
  • Chemical Sciences: 34 projects
  • Physical Sciences: 25 projects
• Research Outputs:
  • More than 253 publications in SCI-indexed journals
  • Over 15 patent applications filed
  • More than 20 presentations at international scientific conferences
  • More than 300 Junior Research Fellows, Senior Research Fellows, and Research Associates trained
• Future Phases: Identification of 20 to 30 outstanding projects for further support including commercialisation, and linkage with startups and innovation partners
• Observations: Lower participation from North-East region and Ladakh; calls for enhanced outreach to Tier-2 and Tier-3 city universities and colleges
• CSIR Functions Under: Ministry of Science & Technology, Government of India

Background & Context

The ASPIRE-SHAKTI initiative by CSIR Human Resource Development Group (CSIR-HRDG) was created to promote and empower women scientists in India by providing competitive financial aid as independent Principal Investigators. Envisioned by Dr. Jitendra Singh, the programme was launched on International Women’s Day in 2023 to help increase women's participation in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) research. This programme not only provides funding but also engages beneficiaries in project review sessions and compiles research outcomes under the ASPIRE-SHAKTI framework, thereby supporting innovation and growth.

The scheme has attracted a large number of proposals from across the country though disparities in regional participation exist, particularly from the North-East and Ladakh. Therefore, expansion of outreach efforts towards universities and colleges in smaller cities is encouraged.

Why This Matters for Exams / Exam Relevance

The CSIR ASPIRE-SHAKTI initiative represents a significant government effort towards gender inclusivity and empowerment in India's science and technology ecosystems. It is relevant for competitive exams focusing on current affairs, science and technology, government schemes, and women’s empowerment policies. Knowing the scheme’s purpose, launch date, implementing bodies, selection statistics, research domains supported, and outcomes can help answer questions related to government programmes fostering scientific innovation and gender equality.

Points to Remember

• ASPIRE-SHAKTI is a CSIR-HRDG women-centric research funding scheme launched on 8 March 2023 (International Women’s Day)
• It supports women scientists as independent Principal Investigators with competitive project funding
• Dr. N. Kalaiselvi serves as Secretary DSIR and Director General of CSIR and presided over the 2026 event
• The scheme received 2,878 proposals from 969 institutions, funding 301 women researchers (~10% selection)
• Funded projects majorly span Life Sciences, Engineering Sciences, Inter/Transdisciplinary Sciences, Chemical and Physical Sciences
• This initiative has produced over 253 SCI-indexed journal publications, 15+ patent applications, and trained over 300 research fellows
• CSIR functions under the Ministry of Science & Technology, Government of India
• Low participation from North-East and Ladakh regions noted; calls for increased outreach to Tier-2 and Tier-3 institutions