DSIR announces Silicon University, Khordha, Odisha recognized as a Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (SIRO) from 20.01.2026 to 31.03.2028. Check terms.
The Department of Scientific and Industrial Research (DSIR), under the Ministry of Science and Technology, Government of India, has officially announced the recognition of Silicon University, Khordha, Odisha, as a Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (SIRO). This recognition is a significant development, allowing the university to avail various benefits under the SIROs Scheme, 1988.
Key Announcement Details
| Particular | Details |
|---|---|
| Issuing Authority | Department of Scientific and Industrial Research (DSIR) |
| Recipient Organisation | Silicon University, Khordha, Odisha |
| Subject | Recognition as Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (SIRO) |
| Notification Date | 21st January 2026 |
| Recognition Period | 20.01.2026 to 31.03.2028 |
| Reference | F.No. 11/1068/2025-TU-V |
Reason for Recognition
This recognition has been accorded to Silicon University following their application for status as a Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (SIRO) under the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research’s Scheme on Recognition of Scientific and Industrial Research Organisations (SIROs), 1988.
Important Instructions for Silicon University
Silicon University, Khordha, Odisha, is required to:
- Acknowledge the receipt of this recognition letter.
- Abide by all the terms and conditions for recognition mentioned in the official notification.
- Submit an application for renewal of recognition in the prescribed proforma at least three months before the expiry of the valid recognition period (i.e., by 31.03.2028). Failure to do so may lead to automatic lapsing of the recognition.
Terms and Conditions for SIRO Recognition
The recognition as a SIRO comes with several terms and conditions that the organization must adhere to. These are crucial for maintaining the SIRO status and availing the associated benefits.
Benefits of SIRO Recognition
- Administrative Support: Entitled to administrative support from the DSIR, Ministry of Science & Technology, to promote and encourage scientific research activities.
- Deemed Registration: SIROs recognized by DSIR are deemed to be registered.
- Custom Duty Exemption: Entitled to avail custom duty exemption on the purchase of equipment, instruments, spares, consumables, etc., used for research and development, subject to relevant Government policies and customs authority regulations.
- Accelerated Depreciation Allowance: Industrial units making investments on plant & machinery for commercialization of technology/know-how acquired from a SIRO can avail accelerated depreciation allowance as per Rule 5(2) of Income Tax Rules 1962.
Obligations of Recognized SIROs
- Acknowledgement: The organization must acknowledge receipt of the recognition letter and confirm adherence to the terms.
- Renewal Application: Submit a renewal application at least three months before the expiry of the current recognition period.
- Separate Accounts: Maintain separate books of accounts for all research and development (R&D) activities. Both capital and recurring R&D expenditure must be reflected in the Annual Report and Statement of Accounts.
- Disposal of Equipment/Products: Intimate DSIR immediately about any disposal or sale of R&D equipment, products, prototypes, or intermediates. Any proceeds from such sales must be used or reinvested solely for research activities.
- Annual Reporting: Submit a brief summary of achievements to the DSIR annually. This includes details of published papers, patents, processes developed, new products, awards, copy of Annual Report, Statement of Accounts, and a list of imported/purchased items with duty exemption.
- Compliance: The recognition is subject to the terms and conditions stipulated in the Guidelines and any specific provisions in the recognition letter.
Important Note
It is important to note that DSIR recognition does not amount to approval under Section 35(1)(ii)/(iii) of the Income Tax Act, 1961. The organization must also conform to any other conditions for recognition stipulated in the Guidelines. Any violation of these terms and conditions may lead to de-recognition of the organization.
FAQs
Q1: What is a Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (SIRO)?
A: A SIRO is an organization recognized by the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research (DSIR) for its engagement in scientific and industrial research activities. This recognition allows them to avail certain benefits, primarily related to customs duty exemptions on research-related imports.
Q2: What are the main benefits of SIRO recognition?
A: The primary benefits include administrative support from DSIR, deemed registration, and eligibility for customs duty exemption on research equipment and consumables. Additionally, industrial units acquiring technology from a SIRO can avail accelerated depreciation allowance.
Q3: Does SIRO recognition grant income tax exemptions?
A: As per the notification, the recognition by DSIR does not amount to approval under Section 35(1)(ii)/(iii) of the Income Tax Act, 1961. Separate provisions govern income tax exemptions.
Q4: How long is the SIRO recognition valid?
A: The validity period is specified in the recognition letter. For Silicon University, it is from 20.01.2026 to 31.03.2028.
Q5: What happens if an organization fails to renew its SIRO recognition?
A: Failure to submit the renewal application in the prescribed proforma at least three months before the expiry of the valid recognition period may lead to automatic lapsing of the recognition and registration.
Q6: What kind of reporting is required from a recognized SIRO?
A: A SIRO must submit an annual summary of its achievements, including details on papers published, patents obtained, new products/processes developed, awards received, and a copy of its Annual Report and Statement of Accounts. A list of duty-exempt imported/purchased items must also be submitted.
Q7: Can a SIRO sell R&D equipment?
A: Yes, but the SIRO must intimate DSIR immediately about any disposal or sale of R&D equipment, products, or prototypes. Any funds realized from such sales must be used or reinvested exclusively for research activities.
Q8: Where can I find more details about the SIRO Scheme?
A: For comprehensive details, one should refer to the official Scheme on Recognition of Scientific and Industrial Research Organisations (SIROs), 1988, issued by the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research, and regularly check the DSIR official website (http://www.dsir.gov.in).