The Scheme for Promotion of Culture of Science (SPoCS) is a major initiative by the Ministry of Culture, Government of India, aimed at encouraging scientific temper and making science accessible to all. As of mid-2025, the scheme has facilitated the establishment of 27 Science Centres across the country. It also supports the development of Science Cities, Innovation Hubs, Digital Planetariums, and other science-focused infrastructure. The objective is to create informal learning spaces that inspire curiosity, promote innovation, and engage the general public, particularly students and young learners.
SPoCS is implemented by the National Council of Science Museums (NCSM), an autonomous body under the Ministry of Culture. NCSM is responsible for planning, supervising, and supporting the projects undertaken as part of the scheme. These centres typically include interactive exhibits, mobile science exhibitions, workshops, and digital learning tools. Innovation Hubs focus on fostering creativity and problem-solving skills, while planetariums offer immersive experiences in astronomy and space science.
The scheme places a strong emphasis on reaching underserved and remote areas. Towns with populations under five lakh are given priority, with special attention to the North-Eastern region, including states like Nagaland, Sikkim, Mizoram, and Arunachal Pradesh. For such areas, the Ministry provides up to 90 percent of the project cost to promote equitable development.
Since its inception, SPoCS has recorded more than 15 lakh visitors in the 2024–25 period, reflecting its wide appeal. Activities such as science demonstrations, outreach programs, and hands-on workshops are regularly held to maintain engagement and awareness.
Project locations are chosen based on regional needs and demographic considerations. Financial assistance is tailored to the location, with priority areas receiving substantial support. Detailed funding guidelines and selection criteria are publicly available on the Ministry of Culture’s official website.
(With inputs from agencies)
