The National Curriculum Framework (NCF), 2005 prescribes that learners should be provided with the opportunity to question, enquire, debate, reflect, explore, learn by doing as well as problem solving and critical thinking. The model textbooks developed by National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) aim to generate interest for inquiry among students at school level across all stages. Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) incorporates project work in the curriculum in classes XI and XII. It also organizes annual science exhibition where research based projects qualify for participation at the national level.

University Grants Commission (UGC) has issued detailed guidelines for adoption and implementation of Minimum Course Curriculum for Undergraduate Courses under Choice Based Credit System. These guidelines provide for introduction of research component in Undergraduate programmes through a six credit Project/Dissertation. UGC is also implementing schemes such as Special Assistance Programme (SAP), Basic Scientific Research (BSR), Universities and Colleges with Potential for Excellence (UPE/CPE), Minor and Major Research Projects (MRP), Research fellowships, Research awards, Scholarships and fellowships in engineering and technology and Emeritus Fellowship for promotion and enhancement of research and developmental activities in Universities and Colleges across the country. Ministry have also launched two schemes namely Impacting Research Innovation and Technology (IMPRINT) and Uchhatar Avishkar Yojana (UAY) for promotion of research.

This information was given by the Minister of State (HRD), Shri Upendra Kushwaha today in a written reply to a Lok Sabha question.