The Scheme “Fund for Improvement of S&T Infrastructure (FIST)” is intended to provide basic infrastructure and enabling facilities for promoting R&D activities in new and emerging areas and attracting fresh talents in universities & other educational institutions. It is considered as complimentary support for enabling Departments/ Centres/ Schools/ Colleges to pursue research activities more effectively and efficiently.
About the Fund for Improvement of S&T Infrastructure (FIST)
- DST is restructuring the immensely successful Fund for Improvement of S&T Infrastructure (FIST) programme to orient it towards the goal of Atmanirbhar Bharat by creating R&D infrastructure not only for R&D activities in academic organizations but also for use by the start-ups/ manufacturing industries/ MSMEs.
- Appropriate mechanisms including use of the FIST facilities through multiple shifts have been communicated to the beneficiaries through a public notice to promote optimal utilization of these resources.
- The beneficiary organizations need to display a Public Notice exhibiting the FIST Logo to represent the face of the restructured FIST Program.
- They also need to connect with the I-STEM (Indian – Science Technology and Engineering Facilities Map) portal to display the utility and availability of slots of different facilities in their premises, for sample analysis by researchers outside the host organization.
- Nature of Support: Fund for Improvement of S&T Infrastructure (FIST) will provide optimal infrastructure facilities for post-graduate and higher research, such as, renovation of existing laboratory space (no fresh constructions) and cold room, modernization of laboratories involved in PG and higher research, acquisition of essential equipment, up-gradation of existing facilities, networking & computational facilities including software & databases, scientific & technical books (no journals), maintenance & refurbishing of existing and new facilities etc.
- The facilities provided under the Program are intended to support the efforts of the Department as a whole or a number of faculty members in the Department. Proposal towards individual R&D support would not be accepted under this Scheme.
- The synergy and focus of research may preferably be aligned to National Missions/ priorities.
Duration, Eligibility & Type of Support
- Duration:
- The duration of support for each FIST Project will be for a period of 5 years.
- Eligibility:
- For University / Degree awarding Academic Institutions, the support will be considered for the ‘Department / School / Centre’ as a unit. All Science [under Life Sciences only traditional/ basic biological areas and excluding proposals that are pertaining to areas under modern biology (including Biotechnology, Molecular Biology, Immunology, Disease Biology etc.)] and Engineering Departments/ Centres having strong PG research programs which have existed for at least 5 years or more in universities and other higher educational institutions recognized or regulated by UGC/ AICTE and/or MHRD/ State Education Department.
- Educational organizations under the aegis of other Ministries/ Depts./ Agencies are excluded from the scope of FIST 2023 support.
- It may be noted that all such Department/ Centre/ School that have already received support under FIST Program must ensure submission of all relevant documents towards final settlement and closure of the concerned project after completion of the ongoing project tenure and obtain the ‘Project Completion Certificate’.
- For College, the support to ‘College as a whole’ shall be considered for the post-graduate S&T departments only and not for other Departments i.e., Humanities, Management, Commerce etc. In addition, NITs/ IITs/ Schools/ Centres/ University Constituent Colleges are not eligible to apply under Level ‘A’.
- Further eligibility parameters and criteria for considering a proposal for support under FIST Program are based on the type of support and are provided, subsequently.
- Type of Support: Currently, there are four types of support corresponding to four different levels. These are as follows:
- Level ‘A’ (Academic-PGC): Proposals from active PG Colleges (Govt./ Govt. aided/ Private) (having eligibility as specified for Level-A) shall be considered for a maximum support of up to Rs. 1.50 crores for establishing research facilities for the S & T for 5 years duration.
- Level ‘B’ (Basic R&D Depts.): Proposals from relatively small but active post-graduate S&T Department from different Universities (having eligibility as specified for Level-B) and degree awarding academic Institutions requiring moderate funding for improving quality of research. The support would be up to Rs 3.0 crores for 5 years duration for augmentation of research facilities to a Department/ School/ Centre.
- Level ‘C’ (Contemporary R&D Depts.): Proposals from well-established S&T Department from State/ Central Universities and degree awarding academic Institutions (having eligibility as specified for Level-C) with high repute requiring substantial funding (upper limit – Rs.5.0 crores for 5 years duration) for acquiring state-of-the-art equipment & setting up laboratories for conducting internationally competitive research.
- Level ‘D’ (Distinguished R&D Depts.): Proposals from well established, internationally competitive S&T Department from State/ Central Universities and degree awarding academic Institutions (having eligibility as specified for Level-D). The upper limit of funding support would be Rs 10.0 crores for 5 years duration) for acquiring only state-of-the-art very sophisticated equipment/ facilities.
Outcomes / Outputs of Fund for Improvement of S&T Infrastructure (FIST)
- Over a span of twenty-one rounds, from FIST 2000 to FIST 2021, the FIST Advisory Board (FISTAB) has played a crucial role in fostering academic and research growth by recommending financial support to a vast network of 3072 departments and PG colleges.
- The allocated budget of approximately Rs 3130.82 crores was distributed strategically to numerous institutionsmainly for Equipment, Networking & Computational Facilities, Infrastructure and Maintenance of the facilities., with each round witnessing an increase in the number of departments and colleges benefitting from the program.
- This consistent support has significantly contributed to the advancement of scientific and technological endeavours across various universities and colleges, fuelling innovation and progress in India’s educational landscape.
- Many FIST supported facilities connected with the I-STEM (Indian – Science Technology and Engineering Facilities Map) portal to display the utility and availability of slots of different facilities in their premises, for sample analysis by researchers outside the host organization.
- Activities pertaining to Scientific Social Responsibility (SSR) have also been introduced under the restructured FIST to make the program connect with more inclusive approach towards the different sections of the society.
- During this year, more than 703 fresh proposals have been received in seven subject areas which are in the process of evaluation.
Key Pointers for the Fund for Improvement of S&T Infrastructure (FIST) Scheme
- Launched by – Department of Science & Technology (DST), Government of India.
- Objective – Strengthening R&D infrastructure in higher education institutions and research labs.
- Focus Areas – Science, Engineering, Medicine, and Agriculture.
- Funding Levels – Based on institution category (Level 0, 1, 2, and 3) for different research capabilities.
- Eligibility – Universities, Colleges, and Research Institutions engaged in S&T research.
- Support Provided – Equipment, Networking, Computational Facilities, and Infrastructure.
- Implementation – Grants-in-aid for a period of 5 years.
- Recent Updates – Check for the latest funding cycles and changes in eligibility criteria.
Way Forward
The FIST program should focus on sustained funding, industry collaboration, and integrating emerging technologies. Expanding support for interdisciplinary research, monitoring impact, and promoting regional equity will enhance its effectiveness. Strengthening digital infrastructure and fostering innovation-driven projects can further boost India’s scientific and technological capabilities.
Conclusion
The FIST program strengthens scientific research by enhancing infrastructure in universities and institutions. It fosters innovation, boosts research capabilities, and supports technological advancements. By providing essential facilities, FIST ensures sustained growth in India’s science and technology ecosystem, empowering researchers and institutions to contribute effectively to national and global scientific progress.
