Key Takeaways

Introduction

India International Science Festival, launched in 2015 under the vision of Hon'ble PM Shri Narendra Modi, has grown into one of India’s largest platforms for promoting scientific temper and public participation in science. It aims to highlight India’s growing position as a global science and technology leader, strengthen India’s science culture, expand public engagement, and support national goals in research, innovation and talent development. IISF functions as a platform bringing together scientists, innovators, educators, students, industry leaders, science communicators and policymakers to collaborate, exchange innovations through large-scale exhibitions and outreach activities.

 

11^th India International Science Festival (IISF) 2025: Theme and Vision

The 11th edition of IISF will be held from 06 to 09 December 2025 in Panchkula, Haryana. This flagship event will feature exhibitions, business-to-business meetings, competitions, and cultural programs that bridge the gap between laboratories and society.

The mission of IISF includes bridging traditional knowledge systems with modern scientific research thereby strengthening the link between India’s indigenous knowledge heritage and contemporary scientific inquiry.

The theme of India International Science Festival (IISF) 2025 – “Vigyan Se Samruddhi: for Aatmanirbhar Bharat” is to celebrate and advance the spirit of science-led growth for a self-reliant and prosperous India. It places science at the centre of national development and highlights the role of scientific applications in strengthening self-reliance and economic growth.

Further, IISF 2025 will focus on five broad themes:

• Science, Technology and Ecology of North-West India and the Himalayan Region;
• Science for Society and Education;
• Atmanirbhar Bharat through Science and Technology;
• Biotechnology and Bio-economy; and
• Integration of Traditional Knowledge with Modern Science.

Special sessions are also planned for women in science, schoolchildren, young entrepreneurs and early-career researchers, reinforcing the festival’s inclusive character.

 

The festival follows the broader vision of “Innovation. Aatmanirbharta. India for Global Good”, which promotes the use of research, technology and innovation to support national priorities and contribute to global progress. The theme and vision together emphasise science-led prosperity, encourage practical use of knowledge in industry and society, and reinforce India’s commitment to advancing innovation for national and global benefit.

Programmes and Key Components

IISF 2025 is expected to bring together more than 40,000 participants from India and abroad. The festival features over 150 technical and thematic sessions across science, technology, innovation and industry. The programme highlights priority domains such as Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Artificial General Intelligence (AGI), Bio-Economy, New Age Technology, Quantum Technology and Gene Editing, supported by activities for students, youth, women scientists and community outreach. It also includes sessions on the Himalayas and regional climate science, along with tracks on satellites, launch systems and space applications. These tracks feature experts from national research institutions and focus on advances shaping India’s science and technology landscape.

Participation Overview

IISF 2025 is designed as a multi-stakeholder platform. It will bring together:

• Scientists and researchers from national laboratories, universities and R&D institutions
• School and college students, teachers and young innovators
• Startups, incubators, industry leaders and investors
• Science communicators, writers and media professionals
• Women scientists and researchers from under-represented groups
• Policy-makers from the Union and State governments

The scale of the event strengthens knowledge exchange between institutions. It enables structured interactions, technology demonstrations, exhibitions and expert participation in India’s science and technology initiatives.

Institutions Involved in the IISF 2025

This year IISF 2025 will be organised by the Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES) and coordinated by Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM) Pune, aligning thematic areas with national science priorities and coordinating participation from key government agencies, research institutions and academic partners.

Partner Ministries

• The Department of Science and Technology (DST) leads major thematic tracks and provides researchers for expert sessions, drawing on frontier technologies such as quantum technologies, advanced materials, AI systems and national deep-tech programmes.
• The Department of Biotechnology (DBT) brings inputs from national bio-missions and research facilities, demonstrating current work in genomics, bio-manufacturing, health technologies and emerging areas of industrial biotechnology.
• Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) participates through its laboratories and domain specialists, demonstrating technologies across aerospace, clean energy, chemicals, materials, sensors, environmental solutions and applied engineering.
• The Department of Space exhibits frontier R&D on satellites, launch vehicles and space applications.
• The Department of Atomic Energy provides specialists and scientific material, demonstrating ongoing work in nuclear science, radiation technologies, medical isotopes, advanced instrumentation and research infrastructure.
• Vijnana Bharati (VIBHA) serves as the outreach partner, facilitating public engagement, student participation and linkages with schools, colleges and community-based science groups.

Previous Editions of IISF: Key Highlights

IISF, launched in 2015, has grown into one of the country’s largest platforms for promoting scientific temper and enhancing public participation in science. Conceived under the guidance of Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, IISF was envisioned as a national celebration of India’s scientific and technological achievements, engaging students, innovators, craftsmen, farmers, scientists, and technocrats from India and abroad.

IISF aims to bring together people and the scientific community both nationally and internationally to collaborate, interact, and experience the joy of doing science for the wellbeing of India and humanity, guided by the spirit of swadeshi. Over the years, IISF has evolved through innovative programme designs that connect science with various aspects of everyday life.

Since its inception, the festival has been hosted across major cities in India—2015 and 2016 in Delhi, 2018 in Kolkata, 2019 in Lucknow, 2020 in Chennai, 2021 in Goa, 2022 in Bhopal, 2023 in Faridabad, and 2024 in Assam. During the COVID-19 pandemic, IISF was conducted in a virtual format, ensuring continuity despite global disruptions.

Over the years, IISF has witnessed a steady rise in participation from across India and abroad, and consistently expanding its reach and impact. Each edition has strengthened its mission i.e. bridging traditional knowledge systems with modern scientific research, strengthening the link between India’s indigenous knowledge heritage and contemporary scientific inquiry.

India International Science Festival Editions	Key Highlights
10th Edition of IISF held between 30th Nov- 3rd December 2024, Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati, Assam   CSIR-NIIST, Thiruvananthapuram led the edition as a nodal agency under the theme, “Transforming India into an S&T-driven Global Manufacturing Hub”, drawing 35,000 visitors, 7,000 delegates and 10,000 students.	CSIR-SERC and M/s. Modern Prefab System Private Limited, Delhi, exchanged a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the technology transfer of the Laced Steel Concrete Composite (LSCC) system Introduction of New Events such as Sagarika – The Tale of Earth Sciences; Science beyond Borders; Science Odyssey of the North East, Vigyanika and S&T Media Conclave. Display of 10-metre high ‘real surface’ replica of Moon erected showcasing India’s advancement in Space science.
9th Edition of IISF held between 17th–20th January 2024, Faridabad, Haryana The Department of Science and Technology led the edition as a nodal agency under the theme, “Science and Technology, Public Outreach in Amrit Kaal” , drawing about 1 lakh visitors along with participation from 21 countries and 35 international delegates.	Announcement of a 50-acre Science City in Faridabad. Expo featuring over 100 stalls from government and private organisations.
8th Edition of IISF held between 21st –24th January 2023, Maulana Azad National Institute of Technology (MANIT), Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh The Regional Centre for Biotechnology, Department of Biotechnology, led the edition as a nodal agency under the theme, “Marching Towards Amrit Kaal with Science, Technology and Innovation” , bringing together 2,500 school students, 1,500 young scientists and researchers, 600 startups, and over 8,000 delegates from across the country.	Displays covering biotech and agri-tech startups along with smart and knowledge toys made by local artisans.   Events such as Artisan’s Technology Village, Vocal for Local, and VIGYANIKA, the Science Literature Festival.
7th Edition of IISF held between 10th–13th December 2021, Panaji, Goa (Hybrid) The National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research under the Ministry of Earth Sciences led the edition as a nodal agency with the theme, “Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav, Celebrating Creativity in Science, Technology and Innovation for Prosperous India” , drawing 10,000 delegates physically and 20,000 participants virtually.	12 programmes, including a major science and technology expo Science Film Festival screened 100 films from 25 countries 300 models were demonstrated by engineering students Students from the rural part of Goa got the opportunity to interact with the scientists through Science Village Festival, 200 traditional craft artisans participated in the festival and shared the traditional science. 3 Guinness World Records related to assembling model rocket kits, assembling rainwater-harvesting kits and conducting the largest single-venue space-exploration lesson.
6th Edition of IISF held between 22nd–25th December 2020, (Virtual Platform) The National Institute of Science, Technology and Development Studies (CSIR-NISTADS)  led the edition as a nodal agency under the theme, “Science for Self-Reliant India and Global Welfare” , with virtual participation from 10,000 researchers, scientists and subject experts.	41 events across nine verticals, held in India and abroad. Five Guinness World Records, including the largest science festival and mass student activities on sundial making, hand hygiene, protective mask application and nutrition lessons.
5th Edition of IISF held between 5th–8th November 2019, Biswa Bangla Convention Centre, Kolkata   The Department of Science and Technology led the edition as a nodal agency under the theme, “RISEN India – Research, Innovation, and Science Empowering the Nation.”	Featured 28 different events/programmes covering multiple domains of science and technology. Around 700 women scientist/entrepreneurs attended Women Scientists & Entrepreneurs Conclave Featured Vigyanika, which showcased science communication through drama, poetry, discussions and a science book fair curated by CSIR-NISCAIR, Vigyan Prasar and Vigyan Bharati.
4th Edition of IISF held between 5th to 8th October 2018, Indira Gandhi Pratishthan, Lucknow The National Institute of Immunology led the edition as a nodal agency under the theme, “Science for Transformation” , with the event featuring a footfall of more than 10 lakh visitors and over 20,000 registered delegates in 22 different events.	The event featured a major S&T expo showcasing institutional achievements, innovation displays and scientific outreach activities.
3rd Edition of IISF held between 13th to 16th October 2017, Indian Institute of Technology, Madras and Anna University, Chennai   The National Institute of Immunology led the edition as a nodal agency under the theme, “Science for New India” , with nearly 5 lakh visitors and more than 7,000 registered delegates participating in 16 different events.	The 3rd edition of IISF saw the making of a Guinness World Record for the Largest Biology Lesson. A total of 1049 students participated in the record-breaking session.
2nd Edition of IISF held between 7th –11th December 2016, CSIR-NPL, New Delhi   CSIR led the edition as a nodal agency under the theme, “Science for the Masses” , drawing over 5 lakh visitors, more than 10,000 delegates from R&D and science organisations, and showcasing achievements from over 300 institutions.	A unique event “Student’s Science Village” was introduced; there were more than 1900 village students and teachers take part across the country. All the participants were nominated by Hon’ble Members of Parliament from their respective adopted villages under the Pradhan Mantri Sansad Aadarsh Gram Yojana.
1st Edition of IISF held between 4th–8th December 2015, IIT Delhi   Department of Science and Technology led the edition as a nodal agency under the theme, “Think Science, Live Science”, bringing together approximately 10,000 delegates from across the country.	A catalyst-focused practical session involving 2,000 students on 7 December 2015 earned a record-breaking Guinness World Record.

Conclusion

IISF 2025 continues a decade-long national effort to place science at the centre of India’s development agenda. Since its inception in 2015, the festival has grown into a major platform for scientific exchange, innovation, outreach and public engagement, consistently expanding its scale through diverse programmes, wide participation and landmark initiatives across each edition. The 2025 festival builds on this legacy by aligning science, technology and innovation with national priorities, strengthening cooperation among ministries, research institutions, academia, industry and civil society. With its focus on frontier technologies, regional knowledge, traditional wisdom and inclusive participation, IISF 2025 reinforces India’s commitment to science-led progress and supports the country’s broader vision of Aatmanirbhar Bharat.

References

Ministry of Earth Sciences

• https://www.pib.gov.in/newsite/PrintRelease.aspx?relid=171231®=3&lang=2
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IISF 2019

• https://www.indiascienceandtechnology.gov.in/sites/default/files/IISF%20Brochure%20FINAL_12th%20Sept.pdf

Ministry of Science & Technology

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Regional Centre for Biotechnology (RCB)

• https://rcb.res.in/executive-directors-message

Department of Biotechnology (DBT)

• https://dbtindia.gov.in/sites/default/files/uploadfiles/IISF.pdf

Science India Fest

• https://www.scienceindiafest.org/  

Special Service and Features

• https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2080544®=3&lang=2

IISF 2025

• https://iisf2025.in/
  
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