New Delhi: In a landmark move to democratize access to global academic and research publications, the Union Cabinet on Monday approved the ‘One Nation, One Subscription’ (ONOS) scheme. Allocated a budget of ₹6,000 crore over three calendar years (2025–2027), this initiative is set to provide nationwide access to research articles and journal publications, benefiting students, researchers, and academic institutions across India.
Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw described the scheme as a “game-changer” for higher education and research. “This decision ensures that even the most expensive academic journals and research materials will be accessible to all universities and research institutions, fostering a culture of innovation and development in India,” he said.
Empowering Education and Research
The ONOS scheme aligns with the government’s long-term vision to enhance access to quality higher education and promote a culture of research and development (R&D) in India. By consolidating subscriptions to major academic journals and publications, the scheme aims to remove financial barriers for researchers and institutions, particularly those in resource-constrained environments.
This initiative will complement the ANRF (Advanced National Research Foundation), furthering the government’s efforts to bolster research ecosystems in state and central universities, colleges, R&D laboratories, and research institutes.
How ‘One Nation, One Subscription’ Works
The scheme will be implemented through the Information and Library Network (INFLIBNET), an autonomous center under the University Grants Commission (UGC). INFLIBNET will coordinate a national subscription for academic journals, ensuring seamless access to resources through an integrated ‘One Nation, One Subscription’ online portal managed by the Higher Education Department.
Institutions will gain free access to a wide range of journals and publications via this platform, enabling students, faculty, and researchers to utilize cutting-edge academic resources without incurring additional costs.
Addressing Financial Challenges in Research
The high cost of accessing premium academic journals has long been a hurdle for Indian researchers. Minister Vaishnaw highlighted the transformative potential of ONOS, stating, “Currently, many universities and students struggle to access critical research publications due to their exorbitant subscription costs. This initiative eliminates that challenge, creating a unified system where resources are shared across institutions nationwide.”
The government’s allocation of ₹6,000 crore underscores its commitment to creating equitable opportunities in education and research. The funding will ensure that subscriptions to prominent global journals are purchased and made available to all public institutions without additional expenses.
A Boost to Innovation and Global Competitiveness
The ONOS scheme is expected to significantly enhance India’s global standing in education and research by fostering an inclusive academic environment. It aims to bridge the gap between Indian researchers and their global counterparts by providing access to cutting-edge studies, paving the way for breakthrough innovations and scientific advancements.
“This is a monumental step toward democratizing knowledge,” said an education ministry official. “With ONOS, the government is not just investing in education but in the future of India’s intellectual capital.”
Key Highlights of ‘One Nation, One Subscription’
- Budget Allocation: ₹6,000 crore for 2025–2027.
- Beneficiaries: All higher educational institutions and R&D institutions managed by central or state governments.
- Coordination: National subscription managed by INFLIBNET, under UGC.
- Access Platform: A unified portal to provide seamless access to global academic resources.
The ONOS scheme reinforces India’s commitment to creating a knowledge-based economy, ensuring that no student or researcher is left behind due to financial constraints. By removing barriers to information, the government is taking a significant step toward fostering innovation and education equity in the country.
