India observed National Science Day 2026 on 28 February with the theme “Women in Science: Catalysing Viksit Bharat”. The Department of Science and Technology (DST) held the national celebration at the INSA Auditorium in New Delhi. Notably, the theme links women-led research with India’s goal of a developed nation by 2047. Every year, the day marks C.V. Raman’s discovery of the Raman Effect. Hence, it remains a fixed fact for science and technology papers.
What Dr. Jitendra Singh Said on Women in Science
Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology Dr. Jitendra Singh led the event. He described women in science as “catalysts” of “Viksit Bharat”. Moreover, he noted their growing role in research, leadership and innovation-driven sectors. Also, DST Secretary Prof. Abhay Karandikar gave the welcome address. In addition, DBT Secretary Dr. Rajesh Gokhale attended the celebration.
Launches at the National Celebration
Several initiatives began at the event. For example, the ministry launched a Hydrogen Valley Innovation Cluster and an ANRF-Venture Centre Outreach Initiative. Officials also released the Mission Innovation India Report and a book, Indigenous Architecture of Northeast India. Further, DST transferred a copper-doped nano-titania coating for heritage stone to Rebuild Technologies Services Pvt. Ltd. This coating helps protect marble, sandstone and granite from water and UV damage.
The “Engage with Science” Programme
Next, the National Council for Science and Technology Communication (NCSTC) unveiled “Engage with Science”. Under it, students of Classes 8 and 9 get one-week residential exposure. So, they will visit 16 autonomous DST institutions across themes such as astronomy and earth sciences.
About the Raman Effect
Sir C.V. Raman announced the Raman Effect on 28 February 1928. In simple terms, light changes its wavelength when molecules scatter it. As a result, Raman won the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1930. Later, the NCSTC proposed a science day, and India first observed it on 28 February 1987.
National Science Day 2026: Key Facts for Revision
- Date: 28 February (marks the Raman Effect, 1928)
- 2026 theme: Women in Science: Catalysing Viksit Bharat
- Nodal body: NCSTC, Department of Science and Technology
- Venue: INSA Auditorium, New Delhi
- Nobel Prize: C.V. Raman, Physics, 1930
- Women-focused schemes: Vigyan Jyoti and GATI (Gender Advancement for Transforming Institutions)
Why National Science Day 2026 Matters for UPSC and UKPSC
Notably, examiners often ask about science days, themes and the Raman Effect. So, remember the 2026 theme, the 1928 discovery and the 1930 Nobel Prize. Also, link the theme with schemes like Vigyan Jyoti that bring girls into STEM. For official updates, also visit the Department of Science and Technology. Next, for a related story, read about NITI Aayog’s roadmap for ease of doing R&D.
So, are you preparing for the UKPSC Upper PCS 2026 prelims? Then join our UKPSC 2026 Prelims Test Series for regular practice.