Rs 6,000 Crore Allocated for One Nation, One Subscription to Empower Students and Researchers

India’s New ONOS Initiative Set to Transform Research and Education Landscape

The Union Cabinet, led by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, has approved a new initiative called One Nation, One Subscription (ONOS). This initiative aims to provide seamless access to scholarly journals, articles, and publications for higher educational institutions and research and development laboratories managed by Central and State Governments. It effectively bridges the gap between academic resources for higher education and research in India.

A budget of Rs 6,000 crore has been allocated for the initiative, covering 2025 to 2027. This effort aligns with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, the Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF), and the Viksit Bharat 2047 vision. The initiative will provide a national subscription, managed by INFLIBNET, an autonomous inter-university center under the University Grants Commission (UGC).

INFLIBNET's centralized system will ensure that all participating institutions, including higher educational institutions and research and development labs, have access to a comprehensive repository of scholarly content, facilitating seamless access to research articles and journal publications across the country. It plays a crucial role in implementing ONOS by providing centralized access, technical support, and overseeing data monitoring. Additionally, INFLIBNET will manage subscriptions and ensure smooth access to academic resources across all institutions.

The objective is to cover approximately 6,300 institutions, including central and state universities, benefiting around 1.8 crore students, faculty, and researchers. Institutions can easily access scholarly journals, through a centralized digital platform, ensuring user-friendly and seamless access for all stakeholders. This initiative also aims to make knowledge more accessible and provide equal access to a wide range of scholarly journals, bridging the gap between top-tier universities and smaller Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities. This framework will foster a research-centric culture by promoting interdisciplinary studies and innovation across various disciplines.

By consolidating journal subscriptions under a single umbrella, the initiative seeks to eliminate redundancies, offering a cost-effective solution for educational institutions. Furthermore, ONOS will play a crucial role in enhancing the visibility and publication rate of Indian researchers in globally recognized journals, thereby promoting Indigenous research internationally. The Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF) will periodically monitor and evaluate the usage and impact of ONOS, ensuring the optimal utilization of resources and funds.

This initiative aligns with India’s educational and research policies, particularly the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. NEP 2020 emphasizes the need for quality education and resources, and ONOS contributes by making high-quality academic journals accessible to all educational institutions. Additionally, the initiative complements the Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF) objectives by fostering a research-driven culture and encouraging innovation within Indian institutions. This collaboration ensures that ONOS is part of a broader effort to enhance India’s academic and research landscape, supporting the nation’s educational goals.

The One Nation, One Subscription initiative will significantly enhance access to scholarly resources across India, promoting research, innovation, and academic growth. By providing equitable access to high-quality journals and fostering a research-centric culture, ONOS supports India's educational and research goals, contributing to the vision of a knowledge-driven nation.

Editor's Note:

The One Nation, One Subscription initiative marks a transformative step in India’s educational and research landscape. By making scholarly resources more accessible to over 6,300 institutions nationwide, this initiative bridges the gap between top-tier and regional universities, empowering students, researchers, and faculty alike. As part of the broader vision for Viksit Bharat by 2047, ONOS will play a pivotal role in fostering innovation, enhancing research output, and ensuring India’s position as a global hub for knowledge and academic excellence.

Skoobuzz is heartily grateful to the Government of India for launching this visionary program, which significantly enhances access to critical educational resources for students, researchers, and educators across the country.