“India Launches One Nation One Subscription (ONOS) Initiative to Transform Access to Academic Research”
The Indian government has unveiled an ambitious initiative called One Nation One Subscription (ONOS), aimed at democratizing access to academic research articles and journal publications for everyone in the country. This groundbreaking program, recently authorized by Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Union Cabinet, seeks to empower research, innovation, and higher education by making world-class resources easily accessible.
With a budget allocation of ₹6000 crore for 2025, 2026, and 2027, the ONOS initiative is positioned to become a game-changer in India’s educational landscape. By pooling resources into a centralized subscription, the government aims to strengthen academic research and elevate the quality of higher education, ensuring widespread access for millions of students, researchers, and faculty across the nation.
One Nation One Subscription will be seamlessly managed through a straightforward and completely digital process. The Information and Library Network (INFLIBNET), an autonomous inter-university center under the University Grants Commission (UGC), has been entrusted with overseeing this initiative. INFLIBNET will handle the subscription mechanism and guarantee effortless digital access to journals for registered users. This centralized approach will minimize administrative hurdles, providing an intuitive and efficient platform for accessing scholarly publications on demand.
Under this initiative, nearly 1.8 crore students, faculty, and researchers from more than 6,300 institutions nationwide stand to benefit. These include government-managed Higher Educational Institutions (HEIs) and Central Government Research & Development Institutions. The project also aspires to bridge gaps between urban and rural educational environments, catering to scholars in tier 2 and tier 3 cities as well. By extending these facilities to a wider audience, the initiative will bolster interdisciplinary and core research activities across a variety of domains.
The program aligns closely with national priorities outlined under the Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF), the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, and the Viksit Bharat@2047 vision. Together, these efforts aim to create a sustainable research ecosystem in India. A unique aspect of the project is its emphasis on promoting publications authored by Indian researchers. The ANRF will regularly monitor and evaluate the utilization of ONOS facilities, ensuring optimal benefits are derived for the nation’s academic community.
To maximize the impact of this scheme, a nationwide Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) campaign is in the works. The Department of Higher Education (DHE), along with other central ministries and state governments, will actively reach out to institutions to raise awareness about ONOS. By ensuring every eligible user understands how to access this facility, the government aims to drive substantial engagement and utilization. States will also conduct localized campaigns to encourage participation among researchers, faculty, and students within their jurisdictions.
This landmark initiative comes as part of a decade-long effort by the government to prioritize education and research development. With ONOS, the focus now shifts toward creating a unified system that nurtures innovation and drives knowledge sharing on an unprecedented scale. The initiative sets the stage for India to build a robust and inclusive educational foundation, empowering its citizens and paving the way for a bright future.
