Status of the Scheme for Promotion of Culture of Science - 6th August 2026 - Ministry of Culture - Gazette Notification PDF
Issued by Ministry of Culture
Read or download the official PDF of this gazette notification issued by the Ministry of Culture on 6th August 2026. Classified under Press Release.
Executive Summary & Key Takeaways
Executive Summary The Ministry of Culture’s Scheme for Promotion of Culture of Science (SPoCS), implemented by the National Council of Science Museums (NCSM), aims to foster scientific temper and awareness across India. As of August 6, 2026, the scheme has established a vast network of Science Cities, Innovation Hubs, and Digital Planetariums, recording over 1.68 crore visitors by March 31, 2026. Significant funding has been allocated and released through the 2025-26 financial year to support established facilities and numerous ongoing regional projects.
Key Points / Main Content
Program Objectives and Implementation
- The NCSM serves as the nodal agency for SPoCS, focusing on portraying the growth of science and technology and its application in industry and human welfare.
- The scheme promotes "scientific temper" through the establishment of Science Cities, Science Centres, Innovation Hubs, and Digital Planetariums.
- Facilities conduct science-based educational activities, exhibitions, demonstrations, and outreach initiatives to encourage student participation.
Financial Allocation and Expenditure (2023–2026)
- 2023-24: Approved allocation of 6,150.00 Lakhs with 4,217.00 Lakhs released.
- 2024-25: Approved allocation of 2,000.00 Lakhs with 1,866.95 Lakhs released.
- 2025-26: Approved allocation of 11,767.75 Lakhs with 11,757.75 Lakhs released.
Infrastructure Development Status
- Established Centres: 28 Science Centres/Museums have been established across various states and UTs, including early projects in Port Blair (2003) and recent additions like Science City, Guwahati (Phase I, 2026).
- Innovation Hubs: 51 Innovation Hubs are currently operational across the country, located in major cities such as Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, and Bangalore.
- Ongoing and Approved Projects: Multiple projects are currently in progress, including Science Cities in Dehradun and Agartala, and various Category-II and Category-III Science Centres and Planetariums in states like Karnataka, Rajasthan, and Arunachal Pradesh.
- Modernization: The scheme includes the upgradation and modernization of existing facilities in regions such as Ranchi, Shillong, Aizawl, and Dimapur.
Impact Analysis
Public and Students Impact They gain access to science-based educational activities, exhibitions, and innovation programs designed to foster scientific awareness. As of March 2026, visitor engagement reached 1,68,55,110 individuals. Action Required Participate in outreach initiatives and utilize the facilities at established Science Centres and Innovation Hubs for educational purposes.
National Council of Science Museums (NCSM) Impact As the nodal agency, NCSM is responsible for the implementation of the scheme, the management of released funds, and the oversight of ongoing projects. Action Required Continue the execution of ongoing projects listed in Annexure-B and manage the modernization and upgradation of existing regional science centers.
State and UT Governments Impact States receive regional infrastructure development, including Science Cities and Digital Planetariums, which contribute to local educational resources and human welfare. Action Required Collaborate with the Ministry of Culture and NCSM to facilitate the completion of approved projects and the modernization of established centers within their respective jurisdictions.
Key Entities Referenced
Scheme for Promotion of Culture of Science (SPoCS): A flagship initiative of the Ministry of Culture aimed at fostering scientific temper by supporting the establishment of Science Cities, Centres, and Innovation Hubs across India.
National Council of Science Museums (NCSM): An autonomous body under the Ministry of Culture serving as the nodal agency for implementing the SPoCS scheme.
Ministry of Culture: The primary administrative ministry of the Government of India overseeing the SPoCS scheme and the National Council of Science Museums.
Gajendra Singh Shekhawat: The Union Minister for Culture and Tourism who provided the official status update and expenditure details of the SPoCS scheme.
Rajya Sabha: The Upper House of the Indian Parliament where the official status report and written reply regarding the SPoCS scheme were presented.
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Ministry of Culture
Status of the Scheme for Promotion of Culture of
Science (SPoCS)
प्रव तथ: 06 AUG 2026 2:49PM by PIB Delhi
The National Council of Science Museums (NCSM), an autonomous body under Ministry of Culture,
serves as the nodal agency for implementation of Scheme for Promotion of Culture of Science (SPoCS).
This scheme is a flagship initiative of the Ministry of Culture, Government of India, aimed at fostering
scientific temper and awareness across the country for the public in general and students in particularalso
to portray the growth of science and technology and their application in industry and human welfare and
to create, inculcate and sustain a general awareness amongst the people. The scheme supports the
establishment of Science Cities, Science Centres, Innovation Hubs, and Digital Planetariums in various
regions.
The list of such Science Centres, Innovation Hubs and Digital Planetarium established so far, under
SPoCS is given in Annexure-A.
The actual expenditure incurred by NCSM during last 3(three) financial years under SPoCS is shown in
table below: -
(Rs. in Lakhs)
Sl no. Scheme name 2023-24 2024-25 2025-26
1 Scheme for Promotion of Approved 6150.00 2000.00 11767.75
Culture of Science (SPoCS) allocation
2 Fund released 4217.00 1866.95 11757.75
The list of ongoing projects undertaken by NCSM under SPoCS is given in Annexure-B.
These Science Centres conduct science-based educational activities, exhibitions, demonstrations,
innovation programmes and outreach initiatives aimed at promoting scientific temper and encouraging
student participation. As on 31.03.2026, a total of 1,68,55,110 visitors including students have visited the
Science Centres established under the Scheme for Promotion of Culture of Science (SPoCS).
This information was given by Union Minister for Culture and Tourism Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat in
a written reply in Rajya Sabha today
***
M Annadurai
Annexure-AThe details of the Science Centres that have been established under the Scheme for Promotion of
Culture of Science (SPoCS) initiatives
(State-wise)
Sl. No. Located in Science Centers/Museums Year of Establishment
State/UT
1. A & N Island Science Centre, Port Blair May 30, 2003
2. Mizoram Mizoram Science Centre, Aizwal July 26, 2003
3. Nagaland Nagaland Science Centre, Dimapur September 14, 2004
4. Manipur Manipur Science Centre, Manipur May 18, 2005
5. Arunachal Pradesh Arunachal Pradesh Science Centre, Itanagar Dec 3, 2005
6. Meghalaya Shillong Science Centre, Shillong, February 27, 2006
Meghalaya
7. Sikkim Sikkim Science Centre, Gangtok February 22, 2008
8. West Bengal Sub-Regional Science Centres, Kalimpong October 2, 2008
9. Maharashtra Sub-Regional Science Centre, Solapur February 14, 2010
10. Pimpri Chinchwad Science Centre, Pune February 8, 2013
11. Jharkhand Regional Science Centre, Ranchi November 29, 2010
12. Chhattisgarh Chhattisgarh Science Centre, Raipur July 13, 2012
13. Rajasthan Regional Science Centre, Jaipur December 29, 2012
14. Sub Regional Science Centre, Jodhpur August 17, 2013
15. Assam Jorhat Science Centre & Planetarium July 6, 2013
16. Tamilnadu Regional Science Centre, Coimbatore May 6, 201317. Karnataka Dharwad Regional Science Centre February 27, 2012
18. Regional Science Centre, Pilikula, October 01, 2014
Mangalore
19. Puducherry Dr. Abdul Kalam Science Centre & May 03, 2015
Planetarium, Puducherry
20. Odisha Bargarh Science Centre, Bargarh January 21, 2020
21. Tripura Udaipur Science Centre, Tripura February 28, 2021
22. Kerala Regional Science Centre, Kottayam July 3, 2025
23. Bihar Bodhgaya Science Centre, Bodhgaya July 20, 2023
24. Uttarakhand Regional Science Centre, Dehradun Feb 03, 2016
25. Manaskhand Science Centre, Almora March 10, 2024
26. Himachal Pradesh Palampur Science Centre, Palampur May 14, 2022
27. Andhra Pradesh Swami Jnannanda Regional Science Centre, June 26, 2025
Rajamahendravaram
28. Assam Science City, Guwahati (First Phase) March 10, 2026
The details of the Innovation Hubs that have been established under Scheme for Promotion of
Culture of Science (SPoCS) initiatives (State-wise)
Sl. No. Located in Innovation Hub Year of Establishment
State/UT
(Location/Name of the Centre) (Date of Inauguration)
1. Delhi National Science Centre, Delhi 23rd January, 2014
2. Assam Regional Science Centre, Guwahati 4th February, 2014
3. Jorhat Science Centre & Planetarium, Jorhat Inaugurated on 15th
August, 2022.Sl. No. Located in Innovation Hub Year of Establishment
State/UT
(Location/Name of the Centre) (Date of Inauguration)
4. Maharashtra Nehru Science Centre, Mumbai 24th February, 2014
5. Raman Science Centre & Planetarium, 14th February, 2017
Nagpur
6. BVB’s Muktangan Exploratory Science 28th February, 2018
Centre, Pune
7. Solapur Science Centre, Solapur 18th February, 2022
8. West Bengal Birla Industrial & Technological Museum, 23rd August, 2013
Kolkata
9. Bardhaman Science Centre, Bardhaman 10th July, 2015
10. Kalimpong Science Centre, Kalimpong 25th February, 2017
11. North Bengal Science Centre, Siliguri 16th February, 2018
12. Digha Science Centre & National Science 26th February, 2019
Camp, Digha
13. District Science Centre, Purulia 17th December, 2019
14. Kerala Regional Science Centre & Planetarium, 1st October, 2015
Calicut
15. Kerala State Science & Technology Museum, 17th February, 2016
Trivandrum
16. Uttar Pradesh Regional Science City, Lucknow 4th January, 2016
17. Uttarakhand Regional Science Centre, Dehradun 3rd February, 2016
18. Manaskhand Science Centre at Almora 10th March, 2024
19. Andhra Agastya International Foundation, Kuppam 23rd February, 2016
Pradesh
20. Regional Science Centre, Tirupati 21st May, 2017
21. Science Centre at Rajahmundry 26th June, 2025Sl. No. Located in Innovation Hub Year of Establishment
State/UT
(Location/Name of the Centre) (Date of Inauguration)
22. Tamilnadu Tamilnadu Science & Technology Centre, 5th August, 2016
Chennai
23. District Science Centre, Tirunelveli 6th September, 2017
24. Regional Science Centre, Coimbatore 28th October, 2021
25. Anna Science Centre, Trichi 28th October, 2021
26. Bihar Shrikrishna Science Centre, Patna 6th November, 2016
27. Sub-Regional Science Centre, Bodhgaya 20th July, 2023.
28. Rajasthan Birla Science Centre, Pilani 11th April, 2017
29. Sub-Regional Science Centre, Udaipur, Completed and ready for
Rajasthan inauguration
30. Regional Science Centre, Jaipur 23rd September, 2024
31. Karnataka Visvesvaraya Industrial & Technological 5th December, 2013
Museum, Bangalore
32. District Science Centre, Gulbarga 29th June, 2017
33. Pilikula Regional Science Centre, Mangaluru 7th March, 2024
34. Madhya Regional Science Centre, Bhopal 1st September, 2017
Pradesh
35. Punjab Pushpa Gujral Science City, Kapurthala 30th November, 2017
36. Gujarat Vikram A Sarabhai Community Science 27th March, 2018
Centre, Ahmedabad
37. District Science Centre, Dharampur 26th October, 2018
38. Meghalaya Shillong Science Centre, Shillong 14th June, 2019
39. Nagaland Nagaland Science Centre, Dimapur 28th September, 2018Sl. No. Located in Innovation Hub Year of Establishment
State/UT
(Location/Name of the Centre) (Date of Inauguration)
40. Odisha Regional Science Centre, Bhubaneswar 11th July, 2018
41. Sikkim Sikkim Science Centre, Gangtok 20th November, 2020
42. Tripura Sukanta Academy, Agartala 9th October, 2021
43. Mizoram Mizoram Science Centre, Aizawl 11th September, 2018
44. Arunachal Arunachal Pradesh Science Centre, Itanagar 8th December, 2018
Pradesh
45. Manipur Manipur Science Centre, Imphal 16th March, 2020
46. Goa Goa Science Centre, Panaji 1st July, 2019
47. Himachal Palampur Science Centre, Palampur 14th May, 2022
Pradesh
48. Puducherry Dr. Abdul Kalam Science Centre & 18th May, 2022
Planetarium, Puducherry
49. A & N Islands Science Centre, Sri Vijaya Puram (Port Blair) 24th October, 2024
50. Telangana Regional Science Centre, Warangal 22nd December, 2025
51. Kerala Regional Science Centre, Chalakudy 2nd March, 2026
Annexure B
Total Number of projects taken up by NCSM State-wise under the SPoCS Scheme of Govt. of India
State Ongoing/Approved Project
Arunachal Pradesh 1. Science Centre (Category-II), Namsai, Arunachal Pradesh
2. Digital Planetarium (Category-II), Namsai, Arunachal Pradesh
3. Science Centre (Category-II), Dirang, Arunachal Pradesh
4. Digital Planetarium (Category-II), Dirang, Arunachal PradeshAssam 1. Guwahati Science City, Assam (Phase-II)
2. Kokrajhar Science Centre (Sub-Regional), Assam
Chandigarh 1. Science Centre (Category-II), Chandigarh (Approved Project)
2. Digital Planetarium (Category-II), Chandigarh (Approved Project)
Chhattisgarh 1. Digital Planetarium (Category-III), Karli, Geedam, Dantewada
Haryana 1. Ambala Science Centre (Category-II), Haryana
Jammu & Kashmir 1. Srinagar Science Centre (Category-II), Jammu & Kashmir
2. Innovation Hub at Srinagar Science Centre, Jammu & Kashmir
Jharkhand 1. Upgradation/ Modernization of Regional Science Centre, Ranchi, Jharkhand
Karnataka 1. Shivamogga Science Centre (Category-II), Karnataka
2. Science Centre (Category-III), Yadgiri, Karnataka
3. Science Centre (Category-II), Raichur, Karnataka
4. Science Centre (Category-III), Chikkamagaluru, Karnataka
5. Digital Planetarium (Category-III), Chikkamagaluru, Karnataka
6. Innovation Hub at Regional Science Centre, Dharwad, Karnataka
Madhya Pradesh 1. Jabalpur Science Centre (Category-II), Madhya Pradesh
2. Innovation Hub at Jabalpur Science Centre, Madhya Pradesh
Manipur 1. Modernization of Manipur Science Centre, Manipur
Meghalaya 1.Upgradation/ Modernization of Shillong Science Centre, Meghalaya
Mizoram 1.Upgradation/ Modernization of Mizoram Science Centre, Aizawl, Mizoram
Nagaland 1. Modernization of Dimapur Science Centre, NagalandPuducherry 1. Science Centre (Category-III), Thirunallar, Puducherry (Approved Project)
2. Digital Planetarium (Category-III), Thirunallar, Puducherry (Approved
Project)
Rajasthan 1. Ajmer Science Centre (Category-II), Rajasthan
2. Kota Science Centre (Category-II), Rajasthan
3. Digital Planetarium (Category-II), Kota, Rajasthan
4. Udaipur Science Centre (Sub-Regional), Rajasthan
5. Bikaner Science Centre (Category-II), Rajasthan
6. Digital Planetarium (Category-II), Jodhpur, Rajasthan
7. Digital Planetarium (Category-II), Udaipur, Rajasthan
Telangana 1. Science Experience Centre (Category-I), Hyderabad, Telangana
Tripura 1. Up-gradation of Sukanta Academy, Agartala, Tripura
2. Science City, Agartala, Tripura
Uttarakhand 1. Dehradun Science City, Uttarakhand
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