RPTUAS Scheme 2026: Revamped Pharma Technology Upgradation Assistance Scheme

Central government runs the Revamped Pharmaceuticals Technology Upgradation Assistance Scheme (RPTUAS) to help small and medium pharma companies upgrade their manufacturing units to meet the Revised Schedule-M and World Health Organization Good Manufacturing Practices (WHO-GMP) quality standards. Department of Pharmaceuticals launched this scheme in March 2024 under the umbrella Scheme for Strengthening of Pharmaceuticals Industry (SPI).

Under RPTUAS, eligible pharma units can get an incentive of 10% to 20% of their investment, subject to a maximum of ₹2 crore, depending on their average turnover in the last three years. The scheme has a total financial outlay of ₹300.10 crore for the financial years 2024-25 and 2025-26.

RPTUAS Scheme for Small and Medium Pharma Companies

RPTUAS is the revamped version of the earlier Pharmaceutical Technology Upgradation Assistance Scheme (PTUAS). The earlier scheme offered an interest subsidy of 6% on loans up to Rs 8 to 10 crore for a period of three years. The revamped version changed this to a credit-linked incentive based on the investment made by the pharma unit.

The main aim of the scheme is to help existing pharma companies upgrade their production facilities so that they can comply with the Revised Schedule-M and WHO-GMP standards. This helps Indian pharma companies compete in the global market and raise the quality of medicines produced in the country.

Pharma units with a proven track record can use the incentive to buy new machinery and upgrade their plants. The scheme is part of the larger SPI umbrella scheme, which also covers common facilities for pharma clusters and other support for the sector.

Incentive under RPTUAS

The incentive under the scheme depends on the average turnover of the pharma unit during the last three years. The incentive is paid as a percentage of the investment made by the unit for technology upgradation.

• Units with an average turnover of Rs 1 crore to Rs 50 crore get an incentive of 20% of their investment.
• Units with an average turnover of Rs 50 crore to Rs 250 crore get an incentive of 15% of their investment.
• Units with an average turnover of Rs 250 crore to Rs 500 crore get an incentive of 10% of their investment.

In all cases, the total incentive is subject to a maximum of Rs 2 crore per unit. The incentive amount is released only after the unit gets certification from the drug regulatory authority for compliance with the Revised Schedule-M and WHO-GMP standards.

Who can apply

Existing pharmaceutical manufacturing units with an average turnover of less than Rs 500 crore over the last three years are eligible to apply under the scheme. The unit must have a proven track record and must be looking to upgrade its facilities to meet the Revised Schedule-M and WHO-GMP quality standards.

How the scheme is being implemented

As per the latest update from the Department of Pharmaceuticals, projects of 255 pharma companies have been approved under RPTUAS for a total amount of Rs 248.20 crore. This includes five units in the state of Tamil Nadu with a total grant of Rs 5.92 crore.

As on 31 January 2026, out of the 255 approved companies, the Scheme Steering Committee has approved the payment of incentives to the tune of Rs 18.25 crore to 19 pharma companies. The payment is made only after the drug regulatory authority confirms that the unit meets the Revised Schedule-M and WHO-GMP standards.

Official links

For the latest guidelines, notifications and updates on RPTUAS, visit the official website of the Department of Pharmaceuticals at pharma-dept.gov.in/schemes. The department also shares updates and press releases on the scheme through the Press Information Bureau.

FAQ's

What is RPTUAS?

RPTUAS stands for Revamped Pharmaceuticals Technology Upgradation Assistance Scheme. It is a central government scheme that helps small and medium pharma units upgrade their facilities to meet WHO-GMP and Revised Schedule-M quality standards.

How much incentive can a pharma unit get?

A pharma unit can get an incentive of 10% to 20% of its investment, subject to a maximum of Rs 2 crore, based on its average turnover in the last three years.

Who is eligible for RPTUAS?

Existing pharmaceutical manufacturing units with an average turnover of less than Rs 500 crore over the last three years are eligible to apply under the scheme.

Where can I find the latest details of the scheme?

The latest details, guidelines, notifications and FAQs are available on the official website of the Department of Pharmaceuticals at pharma-dept.gov.in.