Scheme for Promotion of Culture of Science (Science Cities)
A Ministry of Culture scheme that funds Science Cities, Science Centres, Innovation Hubs and Digital Planetariums to build scientific temper. It is run through the National Council of Science Museums (NCSM).
Latest Update
- Status: Institution-level scheme. States and eligible bodies propose projects; individuals do not apply.
- Update: As of July 2025, 27 Science Centres have been set up under the scheme, and these recorded over 15 lakh visitors in FY2024-25.
- Note: New projects are in progress, such as Science Cities at Guwahati, Dehradun and Agartala. States must provide land and share costs as per the guidelines.
Scheme at a Glance
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Ministry | Culture |
| Implemented by | National Council of Science Museums (NCSM) |
| Science Centre (Category I) | City or town with population of 15 lakh or more, minimum 7 acres of land |
| Science Centre (Category II) | Population between 5 and 15 lakh |
| Science Centre (Category III) | Population below 5 lakh |
| Time to build a Science City | About 54 months |
| Who applies | State governments and eligible institutions |
Key Benefits
- Central financial support to set up Science Cities and Science Centres.
- Hands-on exhibits, innovation hubs and digital planetariums for students and the public.
- The Ministry can fully fund centres in priority areas where NCSM centres do not yet exist.
- Helps spread informal science education across states.
Who Is Eligible
- Proposals come from State or UT governments and eligible bodies, not individuals.
- A Science City is preferably set in a place with no major science centre, such as a state capital or a large city, and it must be viable and financially self-sustaining.
- Science Centres are placed by city size (Category I, II and III).
- States willing to join must provide land and share costs as per the guidelines.
Documents Required
- Project proposal and detailed project report
- Land documents and proof of availability of land
- Technical feasibility report
- State government commitment for land and cost sharing
- Any other document asked by the Ministry of Culture or NCSM
How to Apply
- Read the Science City and Science Centre guidelines of the Ministry of Culture.
- The State government identifies land and prepares the project proposal.
- Submit the proposal to the Ministry of Culture and NCSM.
- The Ministry appraises and approves the project.
- NCSM sets up the centre; progress is checked against set outcome indicators.
Important Government Links
Use these official sites for forms and updates. Links may change, so verify on the portal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can an individual apply?
- No, this scheme is for institutions and state governments.
Who builds the centres?
- The National Council of Science Museums (NCSM).
How many science centres exist under it?
- 27 as of July 2025.
Who provides the land?
- The state government concerned, as per the guidelines.
Disclaimer
- Emitrawala.com is not a government website. This page is for information only and is written in our own words.
- Rules, amounts and dates can change. Always confirm on the official portal or at the concerned office before applying.
- Do not pay anyone extra for a government benefit. Apply only through official channels.
Need Help?
If you need help with the form, documents or formalities for this scheme, contact Emitrawala.com. Our team will be happy to help you.
