CSIR Marks 85th Foundation Day; Mascot Unveiled – 25 September 2026

What happened

The Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) celebrated its 85th Foundation Day (CSIR@85) on 25 September 2026 at the NASC Complex, Pusa, New Delhi. Dr. Jitendra Singh, Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science & Technology and Earth Sciences, unveiled the CSIR mascot. He also released a CSIR@85 postal stamp, an industry-connect video and a technology compendium.

His main message was that technological sovereignty is crucial to national sovereignty. He said India must move beyond import substitution and become a technology provider to the world. He also said industry should be a 'co-creator' from the start of a project, not just a partner later on. More than 40 ambassadors from 14 countries visited the CSIR exhibition.

Background

CSIR began in 1942, before Independence. The minister said its laboratories have become linked with the identity of different states through work in leather, jewellery, healthcare, agriculture, roads, food technology and aerospace. Recent technologies he mentioned include electric tractors, indigenous pharmaceutical processes and continuous-flow chemistry. Dr. N. Kalaiselvi, Secretary DSIR and Director General CSIR, attended.

Why it matters for exams

CSIR's founding year, its head, the Prime Minister's role as President, and its landmark labs are classic static-GK questions in SSC, railways and UPSC. The 85th anniversary makes these likely this year.

Key facts for exams

• CSIR founded: 1942; HQ New Delhi
• President of CSIR: the Prime Minister (ex officio)
• DG CSIR & Secretary DSIR: Dr. N. Kalaiselvi, the first woman to head CSIR
• Nodal department: Department of Scientific and Industrial Research (DSIR), Ministry of Science & Technology
• MoS (I/C) Science & Technology: Dr. Jitendra Singh
• CSIR@85 releases: mascot, postal stamp, technology compendium

Practice MCQs

1. In which year did CSIR begin?

   (A) 1935
   (B) 1942
   (C) 1947
   (D) 1950

   Answer: (B) – The minister noted that CSIR began its journey in 1942.

2. Who is the ex officio President of CSIR?

   (A) President of India
   (B) Prime Minister
   (C) Union Minister of Science & Technology
   (D) Principal Scientific Adviser

   Answer: (B) – The Prime Minister is CSIR's ex officio President.

3. Which of the following was NOT released at CSIR@85 celebrations?

   (A) CSIR mascot
   (B) Postal stamp
   (C) Technology compendium
   (D) Commemorative ₹85 coin

   Answer: (D) – The mascot, stamp, video and compendium were released; there was no coin.

Source: PIB Ministry of Science & Technology, 25 Sep 2026