Expanding Research Opportunities for Indian Schools
Under ONOS, over 13,000 scholarly e-journals from 30 major international publishers will now be accessible to nearly 6,300 government-managed higher education institutions and R&D facilities. This includes schools affiliated with higher education programs, ensuring equitable access to high-quality research materials, even for students and educators in tier-2 and tier-3 cities.
Key highlights of ONOS include:
- Wide Reach: Nearly 1.8 crore students, educators, and researchers will benefit.
- Digital Access: Institutions can seamlessly access journals through a national subscription portal managed by INFLIBNET, a UGC autonomous center.
- Interdisciplinary Focus: Resources are available across disciplines, encouraging cross-domain innovation.
Investment in Knowledge
The central government has allocated ₹6,000 crore to the scheme for the years 2025–2027. This investment aims to foster innovation and enhance India’s standing in the global research ecosystem.
ONOS supports the establishment of the Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF), which drives research across government universities, colleges, and laboratories. This complements NEP 2020’s goal of integrating research into education for holistic development.
Benefits for Schools and Researchers
The scheme’s outreach ensures that schools with higher education tie-ups also gain:
- Equitable Knowledge Access: Bridging gaps between urban and rural educational institutions.
- Ease of Research: Streamlined access to journals fosters smoother research processes.
- Global Exposure: Students and faculty gain access to world-class resources, enriching their academic output.
Simplified Access for Schools
The “One Nation One Subscription” portal offers an intuitive interface for schools and colleges, simplifying access to resources. The portal is a step toward Digital India, reducing barriers to research for institutions in remote areas.
The Department of Higher Education and state governments will also conduct awareness campaigns, ensuring widespread use of the facility.
Supporting Research in Indian Schools
By expanding access to international journals, ONOS empowers students and educators in government schools and institutions to explore interdisciplinary research opportunities. It aligns with India’s larger vision of promoting innovation and achieving sustainable development goals through education.
With a robust framework and adequate funding, ONOS has the potential to make India a significant contributor to the global research ecosystem, providing valuable resources to school-based higher education programs.
