FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is India Institute?

India Institute is an independent, not-for-profit think tank registered as a public charitable trust in India. We conduct rigorous social science research and work to translate findings into policy that expands dignity, choice, and opportunity for individuals in India.

2. What does India Institute stand for?

We stand for individual dignity, freedom of choice, and the rule of law. We believe that accountable, limited government creates the conditions in which people flourish – and that ordinary people, given information and real choices, make better decisions for themselves than institutions make for them. We pursue these convictions through evidence: we study problems carefully, follow findings honestly, and advocate for what the evidence supports.

3. What kind of research does India Institute do?

We specialise in experimental and quantitative social science – randomised controlled trials, large-scale surveys, and psychometric validation studies. We design our own studies, partner with academic institutions for methodology and analysis, and work with governments to ensure our research is grounded in real policy environments.

4. What are India Institute’s current areas of work?

Our two active programme areas are Education and Critical Thinking. In Education, we work on parental engagement in school governance, school management accountability, and learning outcomes. In Critical Thinking, we work on building young people’s capacity to reason carefully and resist misinformation.

We are also developing validated measurement instruments for social equity indicators – covering perceived discrimination, intergenerational mobility, social capital, adolescent mental health, and casteist attitudes.

5. Who funds India Institute?

India Institute is funded through grants from Indian foundations and institutions, research partnerships with governments, and individual donations. We hold 12A and 80G certifications under the Income Tax Act, making donations eligible for tax exemption. We do not allow funders to influence our research findings or conclusions.

6. How can I support India Institute?

You can support us by donating – see our Support page for 12A and 80G details – sharing our research, or writing to us if you are interested in a research partnership or collaboration.

7. Is India Institute affiliated with any political party?

No. India Institute is non-partisan. We do not endorse political parties or candidates. Our policy positions are derived from research evidence and clearly stated reasoning, not from political affiliation.

8. Can my organisation partner with India Institute?

Yes. We actively seek partnerships with academic institutions, civil society organizations, government bodies, and people who share our values. Please write to us at indiai@indiai.org with a brief description of your interest.