Our Mission
Driving Excellence
Comprehensive research studies offering in-depth analysis on key economic, social, and policy-related issues, aimed at informing decision-making and public discourse.
70 Years Legacy
Celebrating 70 Years of Research Excellence
Since our establishment, we have been at the forefront of economic research and policy analysis, driving evidence-based decision making for nearly five decades. Our journey reflects India's economic evolution.
47+
Years of Service
5000+
Research Studies
100+
Policy Impacts
About the Organization (Who We Are)
NCAER, founded in 1956 as a public-private partnership, was initiated by Commerce Minister T.T. Krishnamachari and industrialist J.R.D.
NCAER's first Governing Board included the entire Cabinet of Economic Ministers and the leading lights of the private sector, including names like C. D. Deshmukh, J.R.D. Tata, John Mathai, and Asoka Mehta.
On October 31, 1959, Prime Minister Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru laid the foundation stone for the current iconic campus designed by Harvard-trained architect, A. P. Kanvinde. In doing so, he laid the foundation for a unique research institution that has stood the test of time in its service to the nation. Parisila Bhawan, literally translating to 'Research Building' was inaugurated by Dr Rajendra Prasad, independent India's first President, on 27 March 1961.
The Ford Foundation provided strong financial support in the early years, combined with support from the Finance Ministry and Tata Sons.
In doing so, he laid the foundation for a unique research institution that has stood the test of time in its service to the nation. Parisila Bhawan, literally translating to 'Research Building' was inaugurated by Dr Rajendra Prasad, independent India's first President, on 27 March 1961.
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First Independent Institute
India's first independent economic policy institute for evidence-based research.
1956
1960s-70s
Pioneering Surveys
Conducted landmark studies that informed major agricultural reforms.
Growth Studies
Key studies that influenced India's competitive economic edge globally.
1990s-00s
2010s
Policy Think Tank
Advanced research informing national strategies and institutions.
View all our
Research Publications
Access NCAER's publications— including books, reports, working papers, op-eds, journals, newsletters, and policy briefs— in one listing, across all our research themes.
Publications
Publications &
Knowledge Outputs
Publications
Publications &
Knowledge Outputs
Working Papers
Gender and Caste Nexus: Occupational Segregation across Indian Megacities
Reports
India’s Economic Momentum and the Missing Gender Balance
Op-Eds
Analyzing the Digital Divide in Rural Education Frameworks
Books & Reports
Future of Food Systems: Tech and Sustainability
Research
Climate Finance: New Avenues for Developing Nations
Publications
- Working Paper
- Op-Eds
- NCAER Journals
- Policy Briefs
India's Silent Elderly Care Crisis
India has a framework of policies aimed at supporting older persons, but these are under-utilised relative to the scale of need.
To make VB-G Ram G work, evaluate MGNREGA honestly
To make rural development work, we must re-examine the engineering of MGNREGA with data and honest evaluation.
To make VB-G Ram G work, evaluate MGNREGA honestly
To make rural development work, we must re-examine the engineering of MGNREGA with data and honest evaluation.
Publications
Publications & Knowledge Outputs
JAN 28, 2026
India's Silent Elderly Care Crisis
Analyzing the fiscal framework required to support India's aging population.
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JAN 24, 2026
The Missing Gender Balance
Why economic momentum needs female workforce participation to thrive.
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JAN 15, 2026
Evaluating MGNREGA Honestly
To make rural development work, we must re-examine real field data.
Read More
JAN 05, 2026
Assessment of Logistics Cost
A deep dive into India's supply chain performance and global competitiveness.
Read More
DEC 20, 2025
Fiscal Resilience in South Asia
Examining budgetary shifts and investments driving regional growth.
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DEC 12, 2025
Digital Rupee & Rural Markets
Assessing the impact of CBDC on grassroots financial systems.
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NOV 30, 2025
Climate Change & Agrarian Shifts
New metrics on sustainability in Indian agricultural hubs.
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NOV 15, 2025
Healthcare in Tier-3 Cities
Analysis of medical facility gaps in growing urban centers.
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Gallery
NCAER explore a curated collection of NCAER's research publications, data products, and knowledge resources. Each product reflects rigorous analysis, policy relevance, and long-standing expertise in economic and social research.
People
Arvind Panagariya
Visiting Distinguished Professor
Barbara McPake
Professor
Poonam Munjal
Professor
Bornali Bhandari
Professor
Vivek Johri
Senior Advisor
Pradip Kumar Bagchi
Senior Advisor
Discussion
Research Driven
Discussion and Dialogue
NCAER remains India's oldest and largest independent, non-profit, economic policy research institute, fostering dialogue between public policy and industrial growth.
Policy Roundtables
Collaborative discussions with global bodies like the World Bank to address critical employment and economic shifts.
Capacity Building
Strengthening institutional frameworks through targeted workshops and skill-transfer sessions for researchers.
Knowledge Sessions
Interactive forums sharing deep insights into the South Asian economic landscape and policy innovations.
Data Presentations
Unveiling primary research and large-scale datasets that drive national-level economic decision making.