The Indian government has launched the One Nation One Subscription (ONOS) scheme, aimed at providing access to nearly 13,000 academic journals for approximately 1.8 crore students and researchers across 6,300 higher education institutions in India. With a budget of ₹6,000 crore over three years, this initiative seeks to democratise educational resources and enhance research capabilities, particularly in tier-2 and tier-3 cities. The scheme is expected to promote interdisciplinary studies and support the goals of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. The initiative has been welcomed by educators and students alike as a significant step towards improving academic access.
What is the ‘One Nation One Subscription’ initiative?
The One Nation One Subscription (ONOS) initiative is a new Central Sector Scheme approved by the Union Cabinet, aimed at providing nationwide access to scholarly research articles and journals for higher education institutions and central government R&D laboratories. This ambitious scheme will allocate approximately ₹6,000 crore over three years (2025-2027) to bolster higher education and research in India. It will be administered through a user-friendly, fully digital platform coordinated by the Information and Library Network (INFLIBNET), an autonomous inter-university centre under the University Grants Commission (UGC). The initiative aims to serve over 6,300 institutions, benefiting around 1.8 crore students, faculty, and researchers, particularly those in tier-2 and tier-3 cities.
Bridging the Educational Divide
The ONOS scheme will facilitate seamless access to scholarly resources from major international publishers, ensuring that students and faculty can engage with high-quality research material regardless of their location. Prime Minister Narendra Modi described the scheme as a “game-changer” for Indian academia, emphasising its role in empowering youth and fostering a culture of innovation. Educational stakeholders have expressed optimism about the potential impact of this initiative on enhancing research output and academic collaboration.
Enhancing Research Opportunities
With the ONOS scheme, institutions in remote areas will no longer be at a disadvantage when it comes to accessing critical academic resources. By providing equitable access to international research journals, the government aims to level the playing field for students and researchers across India. This move is expected to stimulate interest in research activities, encouraging more students to pursue higher studies and contribute to India’s knowledge economy. The scheme is also anticipated to foster collaborations between institutions, leading to innovative projects that can address local and national challenges.
Benefits for Students and Researchers
The ONOS initiative will provide access to approximately 13,000 academic journals from various international publishers through a fully digital platform. This is particularly beneficial for government institutions that often face budget constraints limiting their access to essential research materials. The scheme is set to benefit around 1.8 crore students and researchers from over 6,300 higher education institutions, including universities and colleges managed by both central and state governments.
The Indian government has earmarked about ₹6,000 crore for the implementation of this initiative over three years (2025-2027), reflecting its commitment to improving educational infrastructure and research capabilities. A unified digital platform will be established to streamline access to these resources, coordinated by INFLIBNET.
Expected Impact
By providing equitable access to scholarly journals, the ONOS scheme is expected to enhance research output from government institutions while promoting research excellence among students from diverse backgrounds. With better access to research materials, students and faculty members will be better equipped to engage in high-quality research that can lead to advancements in various fields.
Contextual Background
The ONOS initiative aligns with ongoing efforts to improve educational infrastructure in India, particularly following the introduction of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which aims to overhaul the higher education system. Prior to this scheme, many institutions faced significant barriers in accessing international research publications due to financial constraints. The ONOS scheme is designed to address these challenges by providing equitable access to resources that were previously out of reach for many institutions, especially those in less urbanised areas. By investing in academic resources, the government hopes to elevate India’s standing in global research and innovation.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
At The Logical Indian, we believe that access to quality education is a fundamental right that should be available to all, regardless of geographical or socio-economic barriers. The One Nation One Subscription scheme is a commendable step towards fostering inclusivity and promoting knowledge-sharing across diverse educational landscapes. By empowering students and researchers with essential resources, we can cultivate a more informed and engaged citizenry capable of contributing positively to society. How do you think this initiative will impact your educational experience or that of someone you know? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
