Quick Facts
- Umesh Waghmare, JNCASR President, is the new DST Secretary, named on July 1, 2026.
- The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet cleared his appointment until he turns 60.
- He fills the seat left by Abhay Karandikar, who joined NITI Aayog in May.
In This Article
Physicist Umesh Waghmare is the new DST Secretary, appointed by the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet on July 1, 2026 (PTI).
Waghmare currently serves as President and Professor at the Theoretical Sciences Unit of the Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research (JNCASR), Bengaluru. He will lead the Department of Science and Technology (DST), a key wing of the Ministry of Science and Technology that funds research across the country. His term runs until he turns 60 years old, per the official order.
What the DST Secretary appointment means
The DST Secretary heads India’s main body for funding and shaping scientific research. The Department of Science and Technology runs national missions in areas like quantum technology, clean energy, and advanced materials. Umesh Waghmare will now guide this work at the top level.
According to an order issued by the Personnel Ministry on July 1, Waghmare takes charge from the date he assumes the post. He will serve until he attains the age of 60 years, or until further orders, whichever comes first (PTI). The vacancy arose after Abhay Karandikar was named a full-time member of NITI Aayog. Karandikar served as DST Secretary from October 2023 to May 2026.
About the Department of Science and Technology
The Department of Science and Technology (DST) is a wing of the Ministry of Science and Technology, Government of India. Set up in 1971, it promotes and funds new areas of science across the country. DST supports research institutions, national missions, and technology development. It backed the Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research and many other autonomous bodies. It plays a central role in India’s research and innovation plans.
What is Umesh Waghmare’s background?
Umesh Waghmare is one of India’s leading theoretical physicists, known for his work in computational materials science. He earned a Bachelor of Technology in Engineering Physics from IIT Bombay in 1990, winning the Institute Silver Medal (official biodata). He then completed his PhD at Yale University in 1996 and postdoctoral research at Harvard University from 1996 to 2000.
Waghmare joined JNCASR in 2000 and has served as a Professor in its Theoretical Sciences Unit. He later became President of the Centre, a role he held before this new appointment.
His research covers electronic structure theory, density functional theory, and functional materials used in electronics and energy. JNCASR, where he leads, is an autonomous institution under DST, established in 1989 to mark the birth centenary of Jawaharlal Nehru.
What This Means For You
If you are a student
A working scientist now leads DST, the body that funds research fellowships and PhD programmes. If you plan a research career, watch DST schemes like INSPIRE and national mission grants. Waghmare’s own path, from IIT Bombay to a research centre, shows one route into science. Check the official DST portal for scholarship and fellowship updates.
If you are a parent
Your child may study or work in a DST-funded institution someday. This appointment shows how far a science career can go, from a college degree to a top government role. If your child shows interest in research, encourage steady study in physics, chemistry, or maths. Government-funded fellowships can support that journey.
If you work in policy or media
The move places a materials scientist at the head of DST during major research funding shifts. You should track how Waghmare handles the Rs 1 Lakh Crore Research, Development and Innovation Fund and national missions. His academic background may shape new priorities. Follow official DST notifications for policy direction.
Turn Your Achievements Into Stories That Students Actually Read
Feature admissions, placements, rankings, events, research initiatives, achievements, and institutional milestones before a highly engaged education-focused audience.
What Is Next
Umesh Waghmare will take charge of DST from the date he assumes the post. Key things to watch in the months ahead:
- His formal date of joining and first policy statements as DST Secretary.
- Direction on ongoing national missions and the research funding pipeline.
Do you think a working scientist as DST Secretary will change how research is funded in India?
Frequently Asked Questions
Last updated: July 2, 2026 at 15:30 IST
Disclaimer: This article is for general informational purposes only and is based on publicly available information at the time of publishing. Appointment details, dates, and official roles can change without notice. Always verify the latest information from the official portal of the Department of Science and Technology before taking any action. CampusFeed and its authors are not responsible for decisions made based on this article. This is not legal, financial, or career advice. Please consult a qualified professional for individual guidance.
Written by Avinash. Published: July 2, 2026. Updated: July 2, 2026. Have a tip or correction? Write to us at editorial@campusfeed.in.
