Research Institutes in India: A Complete List

Research Institutes in India: Pursuing a career in research can be a rewarding and fulfilling experience, and obtaining a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) degree is often the first step towards achieving this goal. If you are considering embarking on a Ph.D. journey and are based in India, you may be wondering which institutes offer the best research programs.

Whether you are looking for a comprehensive research program with a strong emphasis on practical learning, or a more theoretical approach that allows you to delve deep into the nuances of your chosen field, you are sure to find a research institute that meets your needs in India. This blog post will take a closer look at some of the top research institutes in India, highlighting their key features and offering some insights into what sets them apart from the rest.

Research Institutes in India

In India, research institutes are organizations that conduct research in various fields, such as science, technology, engineering, medicine, agriculture, and social sciences. These institutes are typically funded by the government, private companies, or non-profit organizations, and their research is often focused on issues relevant to India and the broader global community. Research institutes in India often have partnerships with universities and other research organizations in India and around the world. They may also provide education and training to students and researchers.

List of All Research Institutes in India

1. Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI), New Delhi
2. Central Rice Research Institute (CRRI), Cuttack, Odisha
3. Central Food Technological Research Institute (CFTRI), Mysuru, Karnataka
4. Central Institute of Freshwater Aquaculture (CIFA), Bhubaneswar, Odisha
5. Central Institute of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants (CIMAP), Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh
6. Indian Institute of Chemical Technology (IICT), Hyderabad, Telangana
7. Indian Institute of Petroleum (IIP), Dehradun, Uttarakhand
8. Indian Institute of Spices Research (IISR), Kozhikode, Kerala
9. Indian Institute of Sugarcane Research (IISR), Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh
10. Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee (IITR), Roorkee, Uttarakhand
11. Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM), Pune, Maharashtra
12. Indian Veterinary Research Institute (IVRI), Izatnagar, Uttar Pradesh
13. National Aerospace Laboratories (NAL), Bengaluru, Karnataka
14. National Agri-Food Biotechnology Institute (NABI), Mohali, Punjab
15. National Chemical Laboratory (NCL), Pune, Maharashtra
16. National Centre for Biological Sciences (NCBS), Bengaluru, Karnataka
17. National Centre for Cell Science (NCCS), Pune, Maharashtra
18. National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), New Delhi
19. National Centre for Medium Range Weather Forecasting (NCMRWF), Noida, Uttar Pradesh
20. National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research (NCPOR), Goa
21. National Centre for Radio Astrophysics (NCRA), Pune, Maharashtra
22. National Centre for Seismology (NCS), New Delhi
23. National Centre for Trade Information (NCTI), Noida, Uttar Pradesh
24. National Dairy Development Board (NDDB), Anand, Gujarat
25. National Geophysical Research Institute (NGRI), Hyderabad, Telangana
26. National Institute of Animal Nutrition and Physiology (NIANP), Bengaluru, Karnataka
27. National Institute of Immunology (NII), New Delhi
28. National Institute of Industrial Engineering (NITIE), Mumbai, Maharashtra
29. National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro Sciences (NIMHANS), Bengaluru, Karnataka
30. National Institute of Ocean Technology (NIOT), Chennai, Tamil Nadu
31. National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER), Hyderabad, Telangana
32. National Institute of Plant Genome Research (NIPGR), New Delhi
33. National Institute of Science Communication and Information Resources (NISCAIR), New Delhi

Medical Research Institutes in India

1. All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Delhi
2. Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), Delhi
3. National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS), Bangalore
4. Christian Medical College (CMC), Vellore
5. Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER), Chandigarh
6. National Institute of Cholera and Enteric Diseases (NICED), Kolkata
7. National Institute of Nutrition (NIN), Hyderabad
8. National Institute of Virology (NIV), Pune
9. Sanjay Gandhi Postgraduate Institute of Medical Sciences (SGPGIMS), Lucknow
10. Translational Health Science and Technology Institute (THSTI), Faridabad

Physics Research Institutes in India

1. Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bangalore
2. Tata Institute of Fundamental Research, (TIFR) Mumbai
3. Institute of Physics (IOP), Bhubaneswar
4. Physical Research Laboratory (PRL), Ahmedabad
5. Saha Institute of Nuclear Physics (SINP), Kolkata
6. Institute of Physics (IOP), Hyderabad
7. Harish-Chandra Research Institute (HRI), Allahabad
8. National Physical Laboratory (NPL), Delhi
9. Institute of Physics (IOP), Guwahati
10. Indian Institute of Astrophysics (IIA), Bangalore
11. Institute of Plasma Research (IPR), Gandhinagar
12. Institute of Mathematical Sciences (IMSc), Chennai
13. National Centre for Radio Astrophysics (NCRA), Pune
14. Institute of Technology (IIT), Kanpur
15. Indian Institute of Geomagnetism (IIG), Mumbai

Agricultural Research Institutes in India

1. Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI), New Delhi
2. National Dairy Research Institute (NDRI), Karnal
3. Central Institute for Cotton Research (CICR), Nagpur
4. Central Institute for Research on Buffaloes (CIRB), Hisar
5. Central Institute of Fisheries Education (CIFE), Mumbai
6. Central Institute of Freshwater Aquaculture (CIFA), Bhubaneswar
7. Central Institute of Horticulture (CIH), Medziphema
8. Central Institute of Post-Harvest Engineering and Technology (CIPHET), Ludhiana
9. Central Institute of Temperate Horticulture (CITH), Srinagar
10. Central Rice Research Institute (CRRI), Cuttack
11. Indian Institute of Maize Research (IIMR), New Delhi
12. Indian Institute of Oilseeds Research (IIOR), Hyderabad
13. Indian Institute of Pulses Research (IIPR), Kanpur
14. Indian Institute of Soil Science (IISS), Bhopal
15. Indian Institute of Spices Research (IISR), Kozhikode
16. Indian Institute of Vegetable Research (IIVR), Varanasi
17. Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), New Delhi
18. National Research Centre on Camel (NRCC), Bikaner
19. National Research Centre on Meat (NRCM), Hyderabad
20. National Research Centre on Yak (NRCY), Dirang

Plant Research Institutes in India

1. Indian Institute of Horticultural Research, Bangalore
2. National Research Centre for Citrus, Nagpur
3. Indian Institute of Spices Research, Calicut
4. Indian Institute of Wheat and Barley Research, Karnal
5. Indian Institute of Maize Research, New Delhi
6. Indian Institute of Oilseeds Research, Hyderabad
7. Indian Institute of Vegetable Research, Varanasi
8. Indian Institute of Tobacco Research, Rajahmundry
9. Indian Institute of Pulses Research, Kanpur
10. Indian Institute of Rice Research, Hyderabad

Rice Research Institute in India

1. Central Rice Research Institute (CRRI), Cuttack, Odisha
2. Directorate of Rice Research (DRR), Hyderabad, Telangana
3. Indian Institute of Rice Research (IIRR), Hyderabad, Telangana
4. Rice-Wheat Consortium (RWC) for the Indo-Gangetic Plains, Delhi
5. Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR)-Directorate of Maize Research (DMR), New Delhi
6. Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR)-Central Institute of Freshwater Aquaculture (CIFA), Bhubaneswar, Odisha
7. Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR)-National Institute of Abiotic Stress Management (NIASM), Malegaon, Maharashtra
8. Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR)-Central Institute of Agricultural Engineering (CIAE), Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh
9. Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR)-Central Soil and Water Conservation Research and Training Institute (CSWCRTI), Dehradun, Uttarakhand
10. Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR)-Central Rainfed Upland Rice Research Station (CRURRS), Biswanath Chariali, Assam

Sugarcane Research Institute in India

1. Central Institute for Subtropical Horticulture (CISH), Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh
2. Central Sugarcane Breeding Institute (CSBI), Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu
3. Indian Institute of Sugarcane Research (IISR), Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh
4. Indian Sugar Mills Association (ISMA), New Delhi
5. National Sugar Institute (NSI), Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh
6. Sugarcane Breeding Institute (SBI), Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu
7. Sugarcane Research Station (SRS), Cuttack, Odisha
8. Tamil Nadu Agricultural University (TNAU), Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu

Tea Research Institute in India

1. Tea Research Association, Tocklai Tea Research Institute, Jorhat, Assam
2. Central Institute of Subtropical Horticulture, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh
3. Central Tea Research Institute, Tinsukia, Assam
4. Indian Tea Research Association, Kolkata, West Bengal
5. National Research Centre for Tea, Jorhat, Assam
6. Tea Research Institute, Valparai, Tamil Nadu
7. Tea Research Institute, Coonoor, Tamil Nadu
8. Tea Research Foundation, Valparai, Tamil Nadu
9. Tea Research Association, Thengal Manor, Assam
10. Tea Research Institute, Conoor, Tamil Nadu

Best Research Institutes in India

1. Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Delhi
2. Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bangalore
3. National Institute of Technology (NIT), Calicut
4. Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Kanpur
5. National Chemical Laboratory (NCL), Pune
6. Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Roorkee
7. Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Bombay
8. Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Kharagpur
9. Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Madras
10. Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Guwahati

Top Research Institutes in India

1. Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bangalore
2. Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Bombay, Mumbai
3. Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kanpur, Kanpur
4. Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), Delhi
5. National Chemical Laboratory (NCL) Pune, Maharashtra
6. Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) BHU, Varanasi
7. Indian Institute of Petroleum (IIP), Dehradun, Uttarakhand

Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bangalore

The Indian Institute of Science (IISc) is a premier research institute located in Bangalore, Karnataka, India. It was founded in 1909 with the support of Jamsetji (Jamshedji) Tata and is one of the country’s oldest institutes of its kind. The Institute strongly focuses on research and has made significant contributions in various fields such as science, engineering, and technology.

The Institute has produced several notable alumni who have made significant contributions in their respective fields. Some of the notable research areas at IISc include materials science, biochemistry, computer science, electrical engineering, and more.

Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Bombay, Mumbai

The Indian Institute of Technology Bombay (IIT Bombay) is a public technical and research university located in Mumbai, Maharashtra, India. The Institute was established in 1958 and has become a leading institution in science, technology, engineering, and more. It is one of the oldest and most prestigious institutes of its kind in the country.

It is known for its strong emphasis on research and innovation. Some of the notable research areas at IIT Bombay include computer science, electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, chemistry, and more. The Institute has produced several notable alumni who have made significant contributions in their respective fields.

Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kanpur, Kanpur

The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kanpur is a premier technical institute located in Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh. Established in 1959, it is one of the oldest institutes of its kind in India. The Institute is known for its excellent academic programs and research facilities in various fields, including engineering, science, technology, and management.

It is consistently ranked as one of the top engineering institutes in India. It is known for producing some of the country’s top engineers and scientists. IIT Kanpur has strong collaborations with leading research institutes and industries nationally and internationally.

Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), Delhi

The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) is a national organization that conducts and supports biomedical research in India. It is headquartered in New Delhi and is an autonomous body under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.

The ICMR’s mission is to enhance India’s health research capacity and promote the translation of research findings into improved health care and public health. The council has some research institutes and centers across the country, including the National Institute of Cholera and Enteric Diseases, the National Institute of Nutrition, and the National Institute of Occupational Health.

The ICMR also collaborates with various national and international organizations and is involved in a range of research activities, including infectious diseases, non-communicable diseases, nutrition, reproductive health, and environmental health. The ICMR is a recognized leader in medical research in India and is highly regarded internationally.

National Chemical Laboratory (NCL) Pune, Maharashtra

The National Chemical Laboratory (NCL) in Pune, Maharashtra, is a premier research institute in India focusing on chemical and related sciences. It is one of the oldest research institutes in India, having been established in 1950 by the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR). NCL conducts research in various areas, such as catalysis, chemical biology, chemical engineering, materials science, and organic chemistry.

It also strongly focuses on applied research to translate its findings into practical applications. NCL has a number of state-of-the-art research facilities, including advanced instrumentation, specialized research laboratories, and a pilot plant. It also has a strong collaboration network with various academic and industrial partners within India and internationally.

Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) BHU, Varanasi

The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) BHU is a public technical and research university located in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India. It is one of the 23 IITs established by the Government of India. IIT BHU is known for its strong programs in engineering, science, and technology and is highly ranked among engineering schools in India.

IIT BHU has a strong focus on research and has several research centers and institutes, including the Department of Energy and Environmental Engineering, the Department of Biomedical Engineering, and the Center for Nanotechnology and Advanced Materials. The Institute also collaborates with several other research institutions and universities in India and abroad.

Indian Institute of Petroleum (IIP), Dehradun, Uttarakhand

The Indian Institute of Petroleum (IIP) is a national laboratory and a constituent institute of the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), an autonomous organization under the Ministry of Science and Technology in India. IIP is located in Dehradun, Uttarakhand and is dedicated to research and development in the field of petroleum and energy-related technologies.

The Institute is known for its contributions to developing advanced technologies for the exploration, production, and utilization of hydrocarbons and for its work on renewable energy sources and energy efficiency. The Institute has several research divisions and centers, including the Division of Petroleum Engineering, the Division of Chemical Sciences, and the Center for Energy Studies. IIP also has partnerships and collaborations with various industries, research organizations, and academic institutions within India and abroad.

Video Credit: Monu Mishra

FAQs on Research Institutes in India

1. What is a research institute in India?

A research institute in India is a scientific organization dedicated to conducting research in various fields such as science, technology, engineering, and medicine. Their primary focus is to advance knowledge and understanding in their respective fields through research and development activities. The government or private organizations typically fund these institutes.

2. What are some examples of research institutes in India?

Some examples of research institutes in India include the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), and the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO).

3. How can I get involved with a research institute in India?

There are several ways to get involved with a research institute in India. One way is to apply for a job or internship at the Institute. Many research institutes in India have ongoing research projects. They frequently hire researchers, scientists, and other professionals to work on these projects.

Another way to get involved is to apply for a research grant or fellowship, which allows individuals to conduct independent research at the Institute. Some institutes also offer opportunities for students to do their thesis or dissertation research at the Institute.

4. What kind of research do research institutes in India focus on?

Research institutes in India focus on various topics and fields, including basic and applied research in science, technology, engineering, and medicine. Some institutes focus on specific research areas, such as biotechnology, nanotechnology, or renewable energy. In contrast, others have a more general focus and conduct research in multiple areas.

5. Are there any eligibility criteria for joining a research institute in India?

Eligibility criteria for joining a research institute in India vary depending on the Institute and the position you are applying for. In general, however, most research institutes in India require applicants to have a relevant degree (such as a bachelor’s, master’s, or Ph.D.) and relevant research experience or skills. Some institutes may also require applicants to pass an interview or a selection process.