The Scientific and Technological (S&T) activities play a vital role in the economic, social and physical development of a country. Scientific and technological research needs huge investments and calls for a judicious utilization of scarce resources like finance, trained manpower, raw materials etc. Data collection and analysis pertaining to resources, devoted to S&T, therefore, assumes significant importance. The growth of S&T, its performance and impact on society and economy are indicators to assess the effectiveness of planning and policy formulation.
              
               The National Science and Technology Management Information System (NSTMIS), a division of Department of Science and Technology (DST) has been entrusted with the task of building the information base on a continuous basis on resources devoted to scientific and technological activities for policy planning in the country.