Table of Contents
Here is a list of the top 10 think tanks in India, selected for their credibility, accomplishments, rankings, reputation, and global reach.
1. Observer Research Foundation (ORF)
- Accomplishments: Hosts the prestigious Raisina Dialogue, India’s flagship conference on geopolitics.
- Ranking: Regularly ranked as one of India’s top think tanks in the Global Go To Think Tank Index.
- Reputation: Known for international collaborations and strong media presence.
- Reach: Engages with policymakers, academia, and governments worldwide.
2. Institute for Defence Studies and Analyses (IDSA)
- Accomplishments: Provides key input on national security and defence policy.
- Ranking: Consistently listed among the top defence think tanks globally.
- Reputation: Works closely with the Ministry of Defence.
- Reach: Collaborates with defence institutions and international security networks.
3. Indian Council for Research on International Economic Relations (ICRIER)
- Accomplishments: Influential research in trade, investment, and economic policy.
- Ranking: Recognized among the top 100 global economic policy think tanks.
- Reputation: Respected for unbiased economic analysis.
- Reach: Provides advisory to the Indian government and international bodies like the WTO.
4. The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI)
- Accomplishments: Leading research on climate change, renewable energy, and environment.
- Ranking: Featured among the Top 175 Think Tanks Worldwide.
- Reputation: Global leader in sustainability studies.
- Reach: Works with UN, World Bank, and global environment groups.
5. Centre for Policy Research (CPR)
- Accomplishments: Major contributions in urban governance, environment, and law.
- Ranking: One of India’s most cited policy think tanks.
- Reputation: Independent and widely trusted for policy insights.
- Reach: Provides research for both state and central governments.
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6. Centre for Civil Society (CCS)
- Accomplishments: Key reforms in education and governance.
- Ranking: Ranked 5th in India and 83rd globally in the Global Go To Think Tank Index (2021).
- Reputation: Known for promoting individual liberty and reforms.
- Reach: Strong partnerships with global education reform networks.
7. National Council of Applied Economic Research (NCAER)
- Accomplishments: India’s first national income estimates in the 1950s.
- Ranking: Leading economic research institute in India.
- Reputation: Trusted for high-quality data and applied economics.
- Reach: Provides research to Indian government, IMF, and World Bank.
8. Council on Energy, Environment and Water (CEEW)
- Accomplishments: Ranked as South Asia’s top think tank in 2017 under $5 million budget.
- Ranking: Listed among the world’s top energy and environment think tanks.
- Reputation: Known for cutting-edge climate research.
- Reach: Works with global bodies like IEA and UN Climate initiatives.
9. Centre for Monitoring Indian Economy (CMIE)
- Accomplishments: Developed India’s first monthly unemployment data.
- Ranking: Recognized as a leading independent data think tank.
- Reputation: Trusted for accurate and real-time economic indicators.
- Reach: Used by policymakers, businesses, and international agencies.
10. Strategic Foresight Group (SFG)
- Accomplishments: Influenced global discussions on water security and peace.
- Ranking: Frequently highlighted in global strategic foresight reports.
- Reputation: Respected for future-oriented conflict and peace research.
- Reach: Works with UN, European Parliament, and World Bank.
Why these top 10 think tanks in india matter
These think tanks are not only well-ranked but also highly respected for their accomplishments. They shape public policy, influence decision-making, and engage with global networks. Their reputation, credibility, and wide reach make them central to India’s development and international voice.
FAQs
Q. Which Indian think tanks appear in global top lists?
Indian names that often feature in global indexes include ORF, CEEW, and TERI. Their work is cited worldwide and highlighted on their official pages.
Q. Public policy think tanks in India?
Examples include Centre for Policy Research (CPR), National Institute of Public Finance and Policy (NIPFP), IDFC Institute, PRS Legislative Research, and Takshashila Institution.
Q. Government think tanks in India?
Key names: NITI Aayog, Manohar Parrikar Institute for Defence Studies and Analyses (MP‑IDSA), National Institute of Urban Affairs (NIUA), and autonomous bodies like NIPFP that work closely with the government.
Q. How to join a think tank in India?
- Apply for government internships, e.g., NITI Aayog Internship Scheme.
- Check institute internship pages like MP‑IDSA and careers pages such as ORF Careers and CPR Opportunities.
- Build skills in economics, law, IR, data, or energy; publish briefs and policy notes.
Q. Private think tanks in India?
Examples: ORF, CPR, Centre for Civil Society (CCS), CEEW, Gateway House, and Takshashila.
Q. International relations think tanks in India?
Top names: ORF, MP‑IDSA, Gateway House, ICRIER, and CPR.
Q. Defence think tanks in India?
Leading ones: MP‑IDSA, Centre for Land Warfare Studies (CLAWS), National Maritime Foundation (NMF), and United Service Institution of India (USI).
Q. Legal think tanks in India?
Notable names: Vidhi Centre for Legal Policy, PRS Legislative Research, and Centre for Law & Policy Research (CLPR).
Conclusion
The top 10 think tanks in india listed here stand out for their achievements, global rankings, and impact. Whether focused on security, economy, environment, or governance, each plays a vital role in shaping India’s future.
