In February 2026, the Department of Science and Technology (DST) launched a brand-new national mission called Mission सह-SANKALP (SCSP).

If you are searching whether this is a student fellowship — it is not exactly that.

It is a Call for Proposals (CFP) designed to integrate Science & Technology solutions into rural livelihood systems, especially for Scheduled Caste (SC) communities.

The mission is being implemented in collaboration with the Office of the Principal Scientific Adviser to the Government of India.

🚀 What is Mission सह-SANKALP?

The full form is:

Science and Advanced Networks for Knowledge-driven Action for Livelihood Promotion

The mission focuses on Aspirational Blocks identified by NITI Aayog.

The idea is simple but powerful:

Use Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) to create scalable livelihood models that improve socio-economic conditions of SC communities.

Instead of giving short-term grants, this mission aims to build long-term sustainable ecosystems.

📅 Key Dates – 2026 Cycle

Call for Proposals Started: February 6, 2026
Last Date to Apply: March 15, 2026
Project Duration: Up to 5 years
- 3 years implementation
- 2 years sustainability phase

Deadline is strict, so institutions should not wait last week.

✅ Who Can Apply? (Eligibility)

This is not for individual students.

It is a proposal-based funding program.

Eligible applicants include:

Academic & R&D Institutions (IITs, NITs, IISERs, Central/State Universities)
Government Science & Technology Organizations
Autonomous Bodies under Central or State Government
Registered NGOs (with at least 3 years of S&T project experience)
- Must be registered on NGO Darpan portal

If NGO does not have prior S&T experience, proposal may get rejected.

💰 Scope of Funding & Focus Areas

Mission सह-SANKALP supports projects working on:

1️⃣ Technology Assessment & Localization

Adapting existing technologies to rural realities.

2️⃣ Livelihood Mapping

Studying local resource base, skills, and technology gaps.

3️⃣ Capacity Building

Training communities in:

Manufacturing
Maintenance
Marketing
Entrepreneurship

4️⃣ AI & Data Modeling

Creating district-level data systems for livelihood planning and visualization.

Projects must clearly show measurable social impact.

📝 How to Apply

Applications must be submitted online through the official DST e-PMS portal: https://onlinedst.gov.in/login.aspx

Website: onlinedst.gov.in

Applicants must follow the specific Mission सह-SANKALP proposal template available on the portal.

Incomplete or wrongly formatted proposals may not be considered.

📧 Contact for Queries

For clarification, applicants may contact:

Dr. Anuradha Pughat
Scientist ‘D’
Email: [email protected]

Important Clarification

Mission सह-SANKALP is:

✔ A long-term national S&T mission
✔ Focused on inclusive rural growth
✔ Proposal-driven funding

It is NOT:

✖ A student scholarship
✖ An individual fellowship
✖ A short-term internship