AI SummaryResearch and Development Programme in Water Sector offers Grants-in-Aid to support basic, applied and action research on water-related problems. Department of Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation under Ministry of Jal Shakti runs this central scheme for universities, laboratories, government bodies and registered NGOs working toward sustainable water management.
Proposals under this scheme are still being accepted through the Indian National Committees. Guidelines for the R&D Programme 2025 are in force, and the Ministry pushed fresh research calls in 2026, including the MAHA on Water initiative, to strengthen water research across the country.
Research and Development Programme in Water Sector
This scheme gives financial support through Grants-in-Aid for basic, applied and action research in the water sector. The Department of Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation funds project expenses such as personnel remuneration, travel, infrastructure and overheads of host institutes.
The scheme was earlier run by the Ministry of Water Resources. The nodal responsibility now rests with the Department of Water Resources under the Ministry of Jal Shakti. It is managed through the Indian National Committees and the R&D Division of the Department.
Applicants must submit a detailed project proposal covering objectives, methodology, cost estimates and expected outcomes. The Department reviews these proposals through a peer-review and committee process before a sanction order is issued. As of August 2026, the scheme is active and following the updated 2025 guidelines.
A National Workshop on R&D in Water was held on 1 June 2026 in New Delhi. It brought together the government, academia and industry and led to the launch of the MAHA on Water initiative and the BHARAT-WIN Portal, signalling a stronger push for water research in the coming years.
Key Information
| Scheme Name | Research and Development Programme in Water Sector |
|---|---|
| Level | Central |
| Nodal Ministry | Department of Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation, Ministry of Jal Shakti |
| Beneficiary Target | Universities, Institutions, Government Organizations, NGOs, Individuals |
| Benefit Type | Cash Grant-in-Aid |
| Application Mode | Offline (proposal to Indian National Committee) |
Benefits
The scheme releases funds based on project progress and requirements. Main benefits are given below.
- Remuneration for research personnel, including Junior Research Fellow at ₹25,000, Senior Research Fellow at ₹28,000 and Research Associates between ₹36,000 and ₹40,000.
- Funding for experimental consumables, full-time non-research wages and third-party laboratory services.
- Coverage of research-related travel expenses and costs of permanent equipment, software and meteorological or satellite data.
- Overhead charges for host institutes, set at 10% for educational institutions and NGOs and 8% for government laboratories.
- Contingency provision of up to 5% of the total project cost or ₹1,00,000.
Conditions
Institutes must provide full infrastructure including electricity and water. NGOs and private institutions must meet 50% of the equipment cost themselves. Overhead expenses are released only after project completion and report acceptance. Annual progress reports and utilization certificates are mandatory for renewal of funds.
Eligibility
To get funding, the applicant entity must meet certain conditions. These are listed below.
- Applicant must be an Indian academician or expert from an IIT, a recognized university, a recognized engineering college or a Water and Land Management Institute.
- Applicant must be an expert from an organization under the Department of Water Resources or a government-affiliated laboratory.
- Indian NGOs registered under the relevant Society Act or non-profit R&D institutions registered with the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research can apply.
- The proposed research must fall within the priority areas of the Indian National Committees.
- Fellowships are open to Indian citizens, with upper age limits of 28 years for JRF, 32 years for SRF and 35 years for Research Associate, with relaxations for reserved categories and women.
- Applicants must not have any ongoing research project funded by the Department of Water Resources.
Application Process
Offline Application Process
STEP 1 - Prepare a full research proposal covering objectives, methodology, budget and milestones of the study.
STEP 2 - Get certificates from at least two identified end users of the research results.
STEP 3 - Submit five physical copies along with a soft copy in PDF or Word format to the relevant Indian National Committee secretariat.
STEP 4 - The Committee reviews the proposal through peer review. The proposal may need revision based on the feedback received.
STEP 5 - Defend the proposal before the committee. If approved, the Department issues a formal sanction order.
STEP 6 - After signing the agreement and, for NGOs, executing a bond, the Department releases funds to the institutional bank account.
Support - For queries, contact the Director, R&D Division, Department of Water Resources, R.K. Puram, New Delhi. Email: watrnd-mowr@nic.in
Documents
The documents listed below are required at different stages of the process.
- At the application stage: research proposal in five copies, bio-data of Principal and Co-Principal Investigators, end-user certificates, endorsement from the Head of the Institution and quotes for equipment costing over ₹1,000. NGOs also need their Memorandum of Association, three years of audited accounts and income tax returns.
- At the release or completion stage: acceptance of terms and conditions, GFR 19-A Utilization Certificate, annual progress reports, audited expenditure statements and the final completion report with source code where applicable.
References
Guidelines for Implementation of R & D Programme in Water Sector 2025
Department of Water Resources R & D Research Page
FAQ's
What part of the equipment cost is covered for private NGOs?
NGOs and private entities must fund 50% of the equipment cost themselves; the scheme covers the remaining 50%.
Can I use grant funds for building repairs or air conditioning?
No, funds cannot be used for construction, building maintenance, vehicle purchase or air conditioners.
Are there age limits for fellowships?
Yes, the limits are 28 years for JRF, 32 years for SRF and 35 years for Research Associate, with standard government relaxations for reserved categories and women.
Can I apply if I already have an ongoing project under the Ministry?
No, the existing project funded by the Department of Water Resources must be completed before a new proposal can be made.
How are the research results validated?
Applicants must identify potential users and provide certificates from at least two end users confirming the usefulness of the research.