Maharashtra third in research papers, second in patent applications: NITI Aayog scoreboard

NITI Aayog has recently released the India Science and Technology Scoreboard. According to it, Maharashtra ranks third in the country in research publications and second in patent applications. In 2024-25, the state recorded 28,947 research publications and 8,567 patent applications.

Tamil Nadu led in research publications with 44,611, followed by Uttar Pradesh with 29,298. Maharashtra came third, ahead of Karnataka (27,970) and Delhi (24,417). In patent applications, Tamil Nadu was first with 16,048, Maharashtra second with 8,567 and Karnataka third with 8,413.

Research in Maharashtra is concentrated mainly in pharmaceuticals, medical technology and healthcare, followed by critical minerals and mining. The report also looks at how research in the state is supported by government and private funding.

The private sector bears about 45 per cent of research spending in the state. The Maharashtra government's contribution is only 16 per cent. The state's share in funding for research in government laboratories is just 8.5 per cent. Government funding for research at academic institutions is about 19 per cent.

Kiran Kondabagil, director of the Agharkar Research Institute, said the distribution of research institutions across the state is a major concern. According to him, Pune, Mumbai and, to some extent, Nagpur have strong institutions, but students in the rest of Maharashtra do not find it easy to reach well-equipped laboratories and the guidance of experienced researchers. Many colleges lack research infrastructure, and do not have teachers who are themselves doing research.

Kondabagil said opportunities should be distributed more evenly. He suggested that students of district-level colleges be offered internships at major research institutions, that teachers in smaller towns receive mentoring, and that the laboratories and equipment of established institutions be opened to students and researchers from other colleges.

Young people building careers in research face their own difficulties. PhD programmes run long, stipends are low compared with private-sector salaries, fellowship payments are irregular and permanent jobs are few. The rapid growth of artificial intelligence has added to students' confusion about choosing a career in research.

Kondabagil said Maharashtra has several national research institutions and colleges with a strong research tradition, but more effort is needed to increase the number of researchers and publications. According to him, Maharashtra has more higher-education students than Tamil Nadu, yet trails that state in both researchers and publications.