Policy Update
Ayushi Saha
Background
The Promotion of University Research and Scientific Excellence initiative started in 2009 by the Department of Science and Technology in India. Its core objective is to enhance the research capability of universities across India. Since its formation PURSE has played a major role in improving the existing research infrastructure and landscape, supporting over 82 universities and investments over Rupees 1227 Crores. Additional institutions are constantly being brought over under its jurisdiction. PURSE is a holistic and comprehensive scheme dedicated to improving the quality of higher education and research across India it matches global standards. Under (2024) nine more universities are being considered to be included under the umbrella scheme. Universities are involved through their doctoral and postdoctoral programs.
Functioning
This scheme was developed to bolster the development of R&D foundations in universities across India. IT recognizes the need to improve the financial and institutional structures that can help foster innovation and advance scientific knowledge in order to match the pace of advancements in the global north.
The Department of Science and Technology provides funding for universities to enhance their scientific infrastructure through initiatives like FIST (Fund for improvement of S&T Infrastructure) and CURIE (Consolidation of University Research for Innovation and Excellence) , supporting research facilities, and Sophisticated Analytical Instrument Facilities (SAIF) centers.
Programme Objective
- Provide research funding to universities based on the H Index and citations under SCOPUS journals.
- Enhance research infrastructure in high-performing universities.
- Support interdisciplinary research initiatives.
- Encourage industry-academia partnerships
- Accelerate innovation and translation of research findings.
- Improve international visibility and impact of Indian university research.
Expansion and Subsequent Phases
Following the initial implementation, the PURSE program has evolved through several phases:
- PURSE Phase I (2009-2014): During this phase, PURSE supported 14 universities providing them funds ranging from Rs 6 crores to Rs 30 depending upon the university’s performance on their research metrics
- PURSE Phase II (2014-2019): Support was extended to 44 universities based on revised criteria and expansion of funding structures
- PURSE Phase III (2020 onwards): Currently the Department of Science and Technology under Purse has spent Rs 1227 crores supporting over 82 universities across the country.
The selection criteria have been periodically refined while emphasizing on the quality of publications and demonstrable research impact in addition to quantitative metrics. PURSE is holistic because it targets strengthening the overall research ecosystem instead of narrowing it down to projects or individual researchers.
Selection Criteria
The PURSE program employs a data-driven approach to university selection, using the following key metrics:
- H-index: A measure reflecting both the number of publications and their citation impact
- Citation count: Total citations received by publications from the university
- Publications in high-impact journals: The number and percentage of papers published in top-indexed journals
- Research output trends: Improvement in research metrics over time
The DST periodically reviews bibliometric data from SCOPUS and Web of Science databases to identify eligible universities.
Funding Categories
Universities are typically categorized into bands based on their research performance:
- Category A: Universities with the highest H-index and citations (funding up to Rs. 30 crores)
- Category B: Universities with strong research metrics (funding up to Rs. 15 crores)
- Category C: Universities with good research metrics (funding up to Rs. 6 crores)
Exact funding amounts and categories have been adjusted in each phase of the program based on available budgets and evolving priorities.
Performance
Impact
The PURSE program has demonstrated a significant impact across multiple dimensions:
- Enhanced Research Output: According to DST reports, there has been an average increase of 25-40% in universities receiving PURSE funds over the five-year period following the grant.
- Improved Research Quality: Analysis of citation patterns indicates a 30-35% increase in average citations per paper for PURSE-funded universities.
- Infrastructure Development: Across participating universities over 200 new research facilities have been developed.
- Human Resource Development: Approximately 2,500 research scholars and post-doctoral fellows have received support through PURSE-funded projects.
Qualitative Impact
Purse has contributed to enhanced research culture, interdisciplinary research collaborations and industry-academia partnerships. Which has led to international recognition of work done in Indian universities by contemporaries in the global north.
Comparative analysis
Looking at initiatives done by other countries such as Germany, the UK, and China, Germany’s initiative aims to create elite universities via competitive funding. China aims to develop world-class universities, and the UK has performance-based funds. Purse is focused on increasing biometrics and research outputs.
PURSE complements other major research funding schemes in India:
- DST-FIST (Fund for Improvement of S&T Infrastructure): Targets departmental infrastructure
- RUSA (Rashtriya Uchchatar Shiksha Abhiyan): Broader focus on overall university development
- Institutions of Eminence: Targets comprehensive institutional excellence
Emerging Issues
Despite its success, the PURSE program continues to face criticism.
Concentration of Resources
While PURSE is a well-meaning approach, critics argue that resources are diverted to well-funded institutions, widening the gap between the top universities and other regional universities. Most regional universities do not have the structure or infrastructure to meet the eligibility criteria for this program.
Metrics-Based Selection
The overreliance on journals and metrics may not capture other relevant dimensions such as-
Disciplinary Bias
Current metrics favor STEM disciplines, disadvantaged humanities and social sciences where books, local publications, and non-indexed sources dominate. Region-specific research with high societal relevance often lacks visibility in global databases.
Language and Publication Bias
The dominance of English and Western journals excludes quality research in regional languages and indigenous methodologies, leading to underrepresentation of India-specific issues.
Quality vs. Quantity
Metrics may encourage excessive publication, self-citation, or use of predatory journals, compromising quality. The focus on short-term citations neglects long-term or theoretical research impact.
Undervaluation of Innovation
Current metrics overlook patents, technology transfers, startups, and policy influence—key indicators of applied research and societal impact.
Interdisciplinary Research Challenges
Collaborative research faces attribution issues and benefits unevenly from citation networks, making impact assessment complex.
Temporal and Disciplinary Variations
Citation norms and publication timelines vary by field; slower-cycle disciplines like math or ethnography are disadvantaged.
Socioeconomic Impact Overlooked
Research aligned with Sustainable Development Goals or community engagement may be impactful but remain uncited in academia.
Suggested Alternatives
- Altmetrics (social media, policy citations)
- Societal Impact Reviews
- Innovation Metrics (patents, startups)
- Expert Peer Review
- Mission-Based Evaluation (e.g., Digital India)
- Regional Relevance (local language publications, community impact)
Sustainability Concerns
Universities struggle to sustain costly equipment and facilities after PURSE funding ends, questioning the initiative’s long-term viability.
Regional Imbalance
Universities from economically disadvantaged states may not receive support due to their strict criteria.
Way Forward
Based on program evaluations and stakeholder feedback, suggested enhancements could strengthen the PURSE program:
- Diversified Metrics: Incorporate additional performance indicators beyond H-index and citations
- Thematic Focus: Align funding with national research priorities and societal challenges, especially for social sciences and humanities
- Sustainability Mechanisms: Develop transition plans for maintaining facilities beyond funding periods
- Broader Impact Assessment: Evaluate socioeconomic impacts of research in addition to academic metrics
Conclusion
The PURSE program boosts research in Indian universities by supporting infrastructure and encouraging interdisciplinary collaboration. It aligns with India’s “Viksit Bharat” vision, strengthening local research capabilities and fostering innovation to address national and global challenges.
References
- Kumar, S., & Prakash, A. (2019). “Impact of DST’s PURSE Program on Research Output and Citation Impact: A Comparative Analysis.” Current Science, 116(12), 1997-2005.
- Ministry of Human Resource Development. (2019). “All India Survey on Higher Education 2018-19.” Government of India.
- Basu, A., & Vinu, R. (2019). “Funding Patterns and Research Quality: A Comparative Analysis of Elite and Non-Elite Universities in India.” Research Evaluation, 28(4), 365-377.
- Department of Science and Technology. (2020). “Promotion of University Research and Scientific Excellence (PURSE).” Government of India. Retrieved from https://dst.gov.in/scientific-programmes/scientific-engineering-research/purse
- Raghunath, S., & Bala, V. (2020). “Research Funding in Indian Universities: Patterns, Challenges and Implications.” Higher Education for the Future, 7(2), 139-154.
- Department of Science and Technology. (2021). “Science, Technology, and Innovation Policy.” Government of India.
- University Grants Commission. (2021). “Annual Report 2020-21.” Government of India.
About the Contributor: Ayushi Saha is research intern at IMPRI, a psychology undergraduate and metal health advocate.
Acknowledgement: The author sincerely thanks Aasthaba Jadeja and IMPRI fellows for their valuable contribution.
Disclaimer: All views expressed in the article belong solely to the author and not necessarily to the organisation.
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