ISRO RESPOND Basket 2025: Learn about ISRO’s call for academic research proposals, I-GRASP submission deadline 31 Jan 2026, and opportunities for universities and researchers to contribute to India’s space missions.
ISRO Launches RESPOND Basket 2025: Calls for Academic Research Proposals
Introduction: India’s Space Agency Strengthens Academia Linkage
The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has officially released the RESPOND Basket 2025, inviting research proposals from universities, academic institutions, and recognised research bodies across India. The announcement was made during the ISRO–Academia Day held at ISRO Headquarters in Bengaluru on 16 December 2025, marking a significant step in reinforcing collaborative research between India’s premier academic institutions and its national space programme.
What is the RESPOND Basket 2025?
The RESPOND Basket is an annual catalog of priority research problem statements identified by ISRO and the Department of Space (DoS). These problem statements reflect urgent and mission-driven research needs in various domains of space science, technology and applications, such as launch vehicles, satellite technology, propulsion systems, space science, remote sensing, advanced materials, artificial intelligence and quantum technologies.
The 2025 edition comprises 125 research topics covering a wide array of high-impact areas linked to ISRO’s current missions and future plans. Researchers, faculty members, and scientists from recognised universities and research institutions are encouraged to submit their project proposals online through the I-GRASP portal by 31 January 2026.
Objectives and Scope of RESPOND 2025
ISRO’s RESPOND programme aims to:
- Bridge the gap between academic research and space mission needs.
- Encourage innovation and application-oriented research.
- Develop skilled human resources for the Indian space ecosystem.
- Support ISRO’s expanding mission portfolio, including upcoming projects such as Gaganyaan crewed missions, lunar explorations, Venus orbiter, and more.
Researchers submitting proposals must align with the outlined problem statements and demonstrate novelty, technical feasibility, and practical relevance to ISRO’s mission objectives. This initiative deepens academia’s contribution toward addressing complex scientific and technological challenges faced by India’s space programme.
Significance for Indian Academia
The RESPOND programme has a long history of enabling joint research projects between ISRO and academic institutions since the early 1970s. Through this initiative, scientific talent from universities enriches India’s space research ecosystem, eventually contributing to practical mission outcomes and national space goals.
By participating in RESPOND 2025, academic researchers gain:
- Opportunity to work on real-world challenges related to space science and engineering.
- Funding support via ISRO’s grant mechanisms.
- Collaborative engagement with experts from national space laboratories.
- Possibilities to contribute directly to future space missions.
Such opportunities not only enhance research quality but also broaden the career pathways of scientists, scholars and engineers in the space domain.
Why This News Is Important for Exam Aspirants
Relevance to Government Exams
This news holds significant relevance for students preparing for competitive exams like UPSC (IAS/IPS/IFS), State PSCs, Banking, Railways, Defence, Teaching Exams (CTET, HTET etc.) and other government job positions. Here’s why:
1. Focus on Science & Technology (S&T) Sector
ISRO is one of India’s most prestigious scientific organisations. Current affairs related to its programmes are frequently asked in general studies, science & technology and policy awareness sections of competitive exams. Understanding initiatives that promote research and innovation gives students an edge in both objective and descriptive questions.
2. Interdisciplinary Connection
The RESPOND Basket aligns academia with mission-oriented challenges. This news bridges space science with research policies, education reforms, government collaboration models, and innovation systems—topics that are increasingly relevant in modern syllabi.
3. National Development Insight
Government exams often test understanding of national priorities. RESPOND 2025 reflects India’s strategic goal to strengthen its space tech research, accelerate innovation, and build human capital. Knowing such initiatives helps candidates articulate India’s development agendas in interviews and essays.
4. Encouraging Research Culture
This initiative emphasizes integrated science education and policy-driven research culture. Aspirants can relate this to broader themes like skill development, innovation ecosystems and academia-industry-government partnerships — all important for analytical sections of exams.
5. Awareness of Government Schemes & Opportunities
Knowledge about grant programmes, research initiatives, and submission timelines (e.g., I-GRASP portal, Jan 31 2026 deadline) equips aspirants with actionable awareness that could benefit research-oriented careers.
Historical Context: RESPOND Programme and ISRO’s Academia Interface
Origins of RESPOND
The RESPOND programme (Sponsored Research Programme) was launched by ISRO in the 1970s with a purpose to harness academic expertise to support India’s space missions. Its core aim has been to foster joint research projects between ISRO and universities or research laboratories across the country. SAC
Evolution Over Decades
Over the years, RESPOND has evolved into a flagship collaborative platform that integrates academic research with space technology challenges. It encourages proposals in space science, space applications and cutting-edge technologies such as AI, remote sensing and advanced materials.
RESPOND has also been complemented by other academic engagement programmes like:
- Space Technology Cells (STCs)
- Regional Academic Centres for Space (RAC-S)
- Space Technology Incubation Centres (S-TICs)
These initiatives further enhance synergy between academia and the space sector.
Recent Developments
With the advent of the I-GRASP (ISRO GRant in Aid for Space Research Programme) portal, the process of submitting RESPOND proposals has moved online, making it more accessible to researchers nationwide. The RESPOND Basket 2025 continues this legacy by outlining mission-critical research domains aligned with ISRO’s future goals including human spaceflight and lunar exploration.
Key Takeaways from ISRO’s RESPOND Basket 2025
| S.No. | Key Takeaway |
|---|---|
| 1 | ISRO released the RESPOND Basket 2025 for academic research proposals on 16 December 2025. |
| 2 | The initiative invites research proposals from universities and R&D institutions across India via the I-GRASP portal. |
| 3 | RESPOND 2025 includes 125 problem statements aligned with ISRO’s current and future mission needs. |
| 4 | The last date for submission of research proposals is 31 January 2026. |
| 5 | The programme aims to strengthen academia-space agency collaboration and develop skilled human resources for India’s space ecosystem. |
FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is ISRO’s RESPOND Basket 2025?
The RESPOND Basket 2025 is a collection of 125 mission-oriented research problem statements released by ISRO. It invites universities and research institutions to submit proposals aligned with India’s space program objectives.
2. Who can submit research proposals under RESPOND 2025?
Eligible institutions include universities, academic research bodies, and recognised R&D laboratories across India. Individual researchers must apply through their affiliated institution.
3. What is the deadline for submitting proposals under RESPOND 2025?
The proposals must be submitted online through the I-GRASP portal by 31 January 2026.
4. What is the main objective of the RESPOND programme?
The primary objective is to bridge academic research with ISRO’s mission requirements, foster innovation, and develop skilled human resources for India’s space sector.
5. Which areas are covered in RESPOND Basket 2025?
RESPOND 2025 covers space science, satellite technology, launch vehicles, remote sensing, advanced materials, propulsion systems, AI applications, and quantum technologies.
6. How does RESPOND benefit students and researchers?
It provides funding support, exposure to real-world space missions, collaboration with ISRO experts, and opportunities to contribute to India’s national space goals.
7. What is I-GRASP portal?
I-GRASP (ISRO Grant in Aid for Space Research Programme) is an online platform for submitting research proposals under ISRO’s sponsored programmes like RESPOND.
8. How is RESPOND relevant for competitive exams?
Questions on ISRO initiatives, research collaborations, and national space programmes are frequently asked in UPSC, PSCs, Banking, Railways, Defence, and Teaching exams.
9. Has ISRO collaborated with academia before?
Yes, RESPOND has existed since the 1970s, facilitating joint research between ISRO and academic institutions to support mission-oriented challenges.
10. Which future missions does RESPOND 2025 focus on?
The research aligns with missions like Gaganyaan crewed flights, lunar explorations, Venus orbiter missions, and other emerging satellite technologies.
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