Research and Development Programme in Water Sector 2026: Funding for Water Research

At a glance

About the scheme

The Research and Development Programme in Water Sector is a central scheme launched by the Ministry of Water Resources. It aims to support innovative research to solve water-related problems through grants-in-aid for various types of research. The scheme funds experiments, personnel, travel, and infrastructure, with funds released in instalments based on progress. Applications are accepted offline by submitting physical copies to the relevant Indian National Committees.

Benefits

• Grants-in-Aid for Basic, Applied, and Action Research.
• Remuneration for research personnel, including ₹25,000/- to ₹40,000/- monthly.
• Funds for experiments, consumables, wages, and third-party services.
• Travel expenses for research-related journeys.
• Infrastructure funding for equipment, software, and data.
• Overhead charges at 10% for educational and NGO institutes, 8% for government labs.
• Contingency budget up to 5% or ₹1,00,000/-.
• Funds transferred directly to the institute's bank account.
• Funds released in instalments based on work progress.

Who can apply (eligibility)

• Academicians or experts working in recognised Indian Institutes of Technology, universities, engineering or agricultural colleges, Water and Land Management Institutes.
• Experts from organisations under the Ministry of Water Resources or from recognised R&D institutes or laboratories of Central or State Governments.
• Applicants from Indian Non-Governmental Organisations registered under the Society Act.
• Applicants from recognised Indian Private R&D institutions registered with the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research.

Who cannot apply

• Funding cannot be used for construction, maintenance, or repair of buildings.
• Funds cannot be used to purchase vehicles or air conditioners.
• Foreign travel expenses are not covered.
• Research staff salaries for regular employees or honorariums are not funded.
• Funds cannot be used for procurement of vehicles or air conditioners.

Documents required

• Complete research proposal (five copies and soft copy).
• Brief bio-data of Principal Investigator and Co-Principal Investigator.
• Views of at least two end-users with certificates.
• Endorsement from the Head of the Institution.
• Undertaking from collaborating institution (if applicable).
• Proforma invoices or quotations for equipment costing over ₹1,000/-.
• Copy of Memorandum of Association and Rules (for NGOs).
• Audited accounts for last three years (for NGOs).
• Income Tax Returns for last three years (for NGOs).
• Affidavit of not being blacklisted (for NGOs).

How to apply

1. 1Read the guidelines and prepare a detailed research proposal.
2. 2Identify and obtain certificates from at least two end-users.
3. 3Get the proposal recommended and endorsed by the Head of the Institute.
4. 4Submit five physical copies and soft copies of the proposal to the relevant Indian National Committee.
5. 5The committee reviews and may ask for revisions.
6. 6Present the proposal before the committee for approval.
7. 7Upon approval, execute a bond with two sureties if NGO.
8. 8The Ministry releases funds after acceptance of terms and conditions.

Frequently asked questions