Indian Science Congress to be Replaced by the ESTIC

Indian Science Congress Latest News

• The Indian Science Congress has been replaced by the Emerging Science, Technology and Innovation Conclave (ESTIC), with its first edition scheduled for November 2025 in New Delhi.

Introduction

• For over a century, the Indian Science Congress (ISC) has been the premier platform for Indian scientists, researchers, and policymakers to deliberate on national scientific priorities. 
• Established in 1914, the ISC grew into a prestigious event inaugurated annually by the Prime Minister, bringing together global and Indian experts. 
• However, over recent years, concerns over its effectiveness, controversies in its sessions, and institutional disputes have diminished its relevance.
• In 2025, the government announced a new approach with the Emerging Science, Technology and Innovation Conclave (ESTIC), scheduled to be held in November. 
• This marks a historic transition in India’s science policy ecosystem, signalling a move toward a more structured, innovation-driven forum aligned with national priorities like Viksit Bharat 2047.

‹ ›

Achievements and Issues with the Indian Science Congress

• Achievements
  • Platform for Scientific Exchange: The ISC played a crucial role in creating a scientific community in pre- and post-Independence India.
  • Global Participation: It hosted Nobel Laureates, international scholars, and top Indian scientists.
  • Policy Influence: Many national science policies were shaped through discussions at ISC sessions.
  • Public Engagement: It popularised science among school and college students through exhibitions and public lectures.
• Issues
  • Erosion of Academic Quality: Over time, the ISC faced criticism for allowing unscientific and controversial statements by some participants.
  • Reduced Relevance: Its role as a serious forum for science policy and research exchange declined.
  • Institutional Conflict: Disputes between the Department of Science and Technology (DST) and the Indian Science Congress Association (ISCA), which organised the event, led to funding cuts.
  • COVID-19 Disruptions: After the pandemic, only the 2023 edition was held, with no physical conferences thereafter.
• The growing disconnect between ISC and India’s contemporary science needs created the ground for ESTIC.

The Emerging Science, Technology and Innovation Conclave (ESTIC)

• Overview
  • The first ESTIC will be held at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, from November 3-4, 2025, and is expected to be inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. 
  • Organised by the DST in collaboration with all science-related ministries, ESTIC aims to become India’s leading forum for advancing innovation-driven research.
• Key Features
  • Thematic Sessions: 11 technical sessions will focus on frontier areas such as space, biotechnology, deep-tech, and renewable energy.
  • Innovation Showcase: 75 exhibition stalls will be set up by deep-tech startups.
  • Global Participation: Nobel Laureate Andre Geim (Physics, 2010), French space expert Jean-Yves Le Gall, and Japanese biologist Professor Masaru Tomita are among the confirmed international guests.
  • Government Involvement: Unlike the ISC, ESTIC will involve direct participation from all science-related ministries, including atomic energy, IT, and space.
  • Prime Minister’s Presence: PM’s attendance at the inaugural underlines the strategic importance given to ESTIC.
• Objectives
  • To showcase cutting-edge research and technology breakthroughs.
  • To align India’s science innovation ecosystem with the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047.
  • To provide a serious global platform for scientists and innovators, different from IISF (India International Science Festival), which is designed more as a science popularisation event.

Significance of the Transition

• Replacing ISC with ESTIC represents:
  • Policy Modernisation: Moving from a general science gathering to a high-level innovation conclave.
  • Focus on Innovation: Prioritising applied research and startup-driven technology ecosystems.
  • Global Leadership: Positioning India as a key player in international science and technology networks.
  • Institutional Clarity: Shifting control directly to DST reduces friction with external associations like ISCA.

Source: TH