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National Council of Applied Economic Research

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Namestring
National Council of Applied Economic Research
Legal namestring
National Council of Applied Economic Research
Websiteurl
ncaer.org
Company typeenum
Private
Founded yearint
1956
Descriptiontext

NCAER is India's oldest and largest independent economic policy research think tank, established in 1956 and headquartered in New Delhi. The organization conducts applied economic research across eight dedicated verticals covering macroeconomic analysis, human development and data innovation, health policy, gender and macroeconomy, agriculture and trade, CGE modelling, and state-level economic analysis. Its flagship data asset is the India Human Development Survey (IHDS), a longitudinal nationally representative household survey covering over 47,000 households across three waves (2004-05, 2011-12, 2022-24), conducted jointly with the University of Maryland.

NCAER's core products include peer-reviewed journals (India Policy Forum, Margin), recurring analytical publications (Monthly Economic Review, Business Expectations Survey), policy briefs, working papers, and commissioned research studies. The technology stack is built around large-scale survey data collection and analysis platforms, with NCAER-NDIC managing proprietary survey datasets. Distribution occurs through direct commissioned contracts, public website publications, events, podcasts, and email digests.

The business model operates on commissioned research contracts and grants from government agencies, multilateral organizations (ILO, World Bank, IMF), and institutional clients, supplemented by publication sales. Customer segments are primarily central and state government ministries, international development organizations, and the academic research community. The organization is governed by a board chaired by Nandan M. Nilekani and led by Director General Suresh Goyal (effective January 2026). Revenue is not publicly disclosed, consistent with its status as a private non-profit.

Short descriptiontext

NCAER is India's oldest and largest independent economic policy research think tank, conducting applied economic research, large-scale household surveys, and policy analysis for government agencies, multilateral organizations, and academic institutions.

Operating statusenum
Operating
Ownership categoryenum
Headcount rangeband
101–250
akta.pro rankint
HeadquartersNew Delhi, India
HQ citystring
New Delhi
HQ countrystring
India
HQ regionstring
Asia
Markets served

Serves global market

Offices1 record

Each record includes

City, Country, Type, Description, Source

Keyword5 values
economic policy research, applied economic research, policy analysis services, household survey research, development economics
NAICS code3 codes
  • Research and Development in the Social Sciences and Humanities54172
  • Research and Development in the Social Sciences and Humanities541720
  • Other Scientific and Technical Consulting Services54169
Product category
Economic Policy Research
Social media profiles4 records
GTM motion1 record

Each record includes

Type, Description, Source

Revenue model2 records
1Research Contracts and Grants
TypeProfessional Services
Description

Commissioned research from government agencies, international organizations, and institutional clients

ncaer.org
2Publications and Reports
TypeProfessional Services
Description

Sale of research publications, reports, and policy briefs

ncaer.org
Marketing channels4 records

Each record includes

Title, Type, Stage, Description, Source

Distribution channels1 record

Each record includes

Title, Type, Scope, Target buyer, Description, Source

Cost components5 values
Personnel, Operations, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales
GTM typeB2B
B2B
Offering typeServices
Services
Brand1 of 4 records shown
1NCAER-National Data Innovation Centre (NDIC)
Description

A joint initiative with the University of Maryland for conducting the India Human Development Survey, collecting nationally representative data on Indian households.

ncaer.org
+3 more records
Core offering1 text field

NCAER is an independent economic policy research think tank that conducts applied economic research, large-scale household surveys, and policy analysis for government agencies, international organizations, and academic institutions. Its core deliverables include commissioned research studies, peer-reviewed journals (India Policy Forum, Margin), the Monthly Economic Review, the Business Expectations Survey, and the nationally representative India Human Development Survey (IHDS) covering over 47,000 households.

Differentiator
Functional benefit
Problem solved
Product overview1 text field

NCAER operates as a portfolio of research verticals, surveys, and publications rather than a unified software product. The core offerings include the India Human Development Survey (IHDS) - a major nationally representative household survey, multiple peer-reviewed journals (India Policy Forum and Margin), the Monthly Economic Review and Business Expectations Survey as recurring analytical products, and dedicated research centres covering macroeconomic analysis, health policy, gender economics, data innovation, and agricultural/trade/technology research. These verticals produce reports, working papers, policy briefs, and data products for government and academic audiences.

Product and service1 record
1India Human Development Survey (IHDS)
Scale indicator3 records

Each record includes

Type, Value, Description, Source

Partnership6 partners
1National Highways Authority of India (NHAI)
Strategic tierCoreTypeStrategic or Co-development PartnerAnnounced on2026-06-23
Description

MoU signed on June 23, 2026 to establish the NHAI Centre for Economics of Transportation, Mobility and Logistics at NCAER in New Delhi. This is India's first permanent, independent research hub dedicated to transport economics. The centre will conduct applied research on freight logistics, modal integration, toll policy, asset monetisation, and technology adoption in highway operations for a period of 10 years.

2The Quantum Hub
Strategic tierCoreTypeStrategic or Co-development Partner
Description

Joint study on digital inclusion in India released in June 2026. The report 'The Evolving Landscape of Digital Inclusion in India' covered over 47,000 households and examined digital divides including gender gaps and device ownership disparities.

3Prosus
Strategic tierCoreTypeStrategic or Co-development Partner
Description

Three-year research programme on India's food delivery platform economy, including studies on GDP impact, employment, and restaurant ecosystem. Reports titled 'Impact of Food Delivery Platform on the Indian Economy' and 'Impact of Food Delivery Platforms on Restaurants' published December 2025.

4International Labour Organization (ILO)
Strategic tierCoreTypeStrategic or Co-development Partner
Description

Co-organized roundtable on December 8, 2025 on 'Building Inclusive Economies: Gender, Financial Inclusion, and the Platform Workforce' at NCAER campus in New Delhi, bringing together government officials, RBI representatives, and platform companies.

5Micro Finance Industry Network (MFIN)
Strategic tierCoreTypeStrategic or Co-development Partner
Description

Joint study on India's microfinance sector transformation, finding informal borrowing among microfinance customers dropped from 46% in 2011 to just 1% in 2024-25. Survey covered 10,342 borrowers across 10 Indian states.

6University of Maryland
Strategic tierCoreTypeStrategic or Co-development Partner
Description

Long-standing partnership for the India Human Development Survey (IHDS), conducted jointly with researchers from University of Maryland, Indiana University, and University of Michigan. IHDS-III fieldwork undertaken in 2022-24.

Recent move6 records

Each record includes

Date, Type, Title, Description, Source

Expansion highlight6 records

Each record includes

Type, Description

Market position
Competitive moat5 records

Each record includes

Type, Details

Key highlights6 records

Each record includes

Headline, Details, Source

Customer concentration

Classification, Details

Named customers3 records

Each record includes

Name, Industry, Type, Use case, Source, UUID

Segment3 records

Each record includes

Title, Type, Primary, Description, Pain point addressed, Use case, Source

Ideal customer profile3 records

Each record includes

Profile, Firmographic size, Sales motion, Sales cycle length, Buying structure, Purchase trigger, Buyer persona, Geography, Industry vertical, Primary use case, Description, Pain points, Evidence proof points, Target buyer

Technology focused
No
API detail
Has APIbool
No

Docs URL, Description

AI maturity
App detail

Has app

Feature1 record

Each record includes

Title, Differentiator, Description, Source

Core technology
Revenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Number of profiles
Profiles10 records

Each record includes

Name, Designation, Designation category, Overview, Profile commentary, Source

No data
Compliance2 records

Each record includes

Name, Class, Description

Funding overview

Funding stage, Last funding date, Total funding USD

Funding rounds

Each record includes

Round, Amount USD, Date, Pre money valuation, Total investors, Investors, News

Investors

Each record includes

Name, Type, Date of entry, Rounds participated, Website

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Each record includes

Name, Acquisition type, Announced date, Completed date, Status, Website, News

Investment

Each record includes

Name, Round, Announced date, Lead investor, Website, News

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

National Council of Applied Economic Research

Economic Policy Researchncaer.org

NCAER is India's oldest and largest independent economic policy research think tank, conducting applied economic research, large-scale household surveys, and policy analysis for government agencies, multilateral organizations, and academic institutions.

What National Council of Applied Economic Research does

NCAER is India's oldest and largest independent economic policy research think tank, established in 1956 and headquartered in New Delhi. The organization conducts applied economic research across eight dedicated verticals covering macroeconomic analysis, human development and data innovation, health policy, gender and macroeconomy, agriculture and trade, CGE modelling, and state-level economic analysis. Its flagship data asset is the India Human Development Survey (IHDS), a longitudinal nationally representative household survey covering over 47,000 households across three waves (2004-05, 2011-12, 2022-24), conducted jointly with the University of Maryland.

NCAER's core products include peer-reviewed journals (India Policy Forum, Margin), recurring analytical publications (Monthly Economic Review, Business Expectations Survey), policy briefs, working papers, and commissioned research studies. The technology stack is built around large-scale survey data collection and analysis platforms, with NCAER-NDIC managing proprietary survey datasets. Distribution occurs through direct commissioned contracts, public website publications, events, podcasts, and email digests.

The business model operates on commissioned research contracts and grants from government agencies, multilateral organizations (ILO, World Bank, IMF), and institutional clients, supplemented by publication sales. Customer segments are primarily central and state government ministries, international development organizations, and the academic research community. The organization is governed by a board chaired by Nandan M. Nilekani and led by Director General Suresh Goyal (effective January 2026). Revenue is not publicly disclosed, consistent with its status as a private non-profit.

National Council of Applied Economic Research firmographics

Firmographics
Name
National Council of Applied Economic Research
Legal name
National Council of Applied Economic Research
Website
https://ncaer.org
Company type
Private
Founded year
1956
Operating status
Operating
Headcount range
101–250 employees
Short description
NCAER is India's oldest and largest independent economic policy research think tank, conducting applied economic research, large-scale household surveys, and policy analysis for government agencies, multilateral organizations, and academic institutions.
Ownership category
akta.pro rank

Where National Council of Applied Economic Research is headquartered

Location

Headquarters

HQ city
New Delhi
HQ country
India
HQ region
Asia

Offices1 record

Markets served

National Council of Applied Economic Research business model

Business model
GTM type
B2B
Offering type
Services
Cost components
Personnel, Operations, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales

Revenue model

  1. Research Contracts and Grants: Commissioned research from government agencies, international organizations, and institutional clients
  2. Publications and Reports: Sale of research publications, reports, and policy briefs

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels1 record

Marketing channels4 records

National Council of Applied Economic Research product offering

Product offering

Core offering

NCAER is an independent economic policy research think tank that conducts applied economic research, large-scale household surveys, and policy analysis for government agencies, international organizations, and academic institutions. Its core deliverables include commissioned research studies, peer-reviewed journals (India Policy Forum, Margin), the Monthly Economic Review, the Business Expectations Survey, and the nationally representative India Human Development Survey (IHDS) covering over 47,000 households.

Product overview

NCAER operates as a portfolio of research verticals, surveys, and publications rather than a unified software product. The core offerings include the India Human Development Survey (IHDS) - a major nationally representative household survey, multiple peer-reviewed journals (India Policy Forum and Margin), the Monthly Economic Review and Business Expectations Survey as recurring analytical products, and dedicated research centres covering macroeconomic analysis, health policy, gender economics, data innovation, and agricultural/trade/technology research. These verticals produce reports, working papers, policy briefs, and data products for government and academic audiences.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

  • NCAER-National Data Innovation Centre (NDIC): A joint initiative with the University of Maryland for conducting the India Human Development Survey, collecting nationally representative data on Indian households.
  • Centre for Gender and Macroeconomy
  • Centre for Health Policy and Systems
  • NCAER-NITI States Economic Forum

Products and services

  • India Human Development Survey (IHDS)

Companies that use National Council of Applied Economic Research

Customer profile

Named customers3 records

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

National Council of Applied Economic Research technology and API

Technology

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API
No
API docs
API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature1 record

National Council of Applied Economic Research partnerships and signals

Strategic signal

Partnerships

Six partnerships are on record, tiered core.

  • National Highways Authority of India (NHAI)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 23 June 2026MoU signed on June 23, 2026 to establish the NHAI Centre for Economics of Transportation, Mobility and Logistics at NCAER in New Delhi. This is India's first permanent, independent research hub dedicated to transport economics. The centre will conduct applied research on freight logistics, modal integration, toll policy, asset monetisation, and technology adoption in highway operations for a period of 10 years.
  • The Quantum HubcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerJoint study on digital inclusion in India released in June 2026. The report 'The Evolving Landscape of Digital Inclusion in India' covered over 47,000 households and examined digital divides including gender gaps and device ownership disparities.
  • ProsuscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerThree-year research programme on India's food delivery platform economy, including studies on GDP impact, employment, and restaurant ecosystem. Reports titled 'Impact of Food Delivery Platform on the Indian Economy' and 'Impact of Food Delivery Platforms on Restaurants' published December 2025.
  • International Labour Organization (ILO)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCo-organized roundtable on December 8, 2025 on 'Building Inclusive Economies: Gender, Financial Inclusion, and the Platform Workforce' at NCAER campus in New Delhi, bringing together government officials, RBI representatives, and platform companies.
  • Micro Finance Industry Network (MFIN)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerJoint study on India's microfinance sector transformation, finding informal borrowing among microfinance customers dropped from 46% in 2011 to just 1% in 2024-25. Survey covered 10,342 borrowers across 10 Indian states.
  • University of MarylandcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerLong-standing partnership for the India Human Development Survey (IHDS), conducted jointly with researchers from University of Maryland, Indiana University, and University of Michigan. IHDS-III fieldwork undertaken in 2022-24.

Scale indicators3 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

National Council of Applied Economic Research competitors and assessment

Company assessment

Market position

Competitive moat5 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

National Council of Applied Economic Research social profiles

Digital presence

National Council of Applied Economic Research compliance and trust

Trust signal

Compliance2 records

National Council of Applied Economic Research financial estimates

Financial estimate

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

National Council of Applied Economic Research leadership team

Management profile

Number of profiles

Profiles10 records

National Council of Applied Economic Research funding detail

Funding detail

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

National Council of Applied Economic Research M&A and investment

M&A and investment

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about National Council of Applied Economic Research

What does National Council of Applied Economic Research do?

NCAER is an independent economic policy research think tank that conducts applied economic research, large-scale household surveys, and policy analysis for government agencies, international organizations, and academic institutions. Its core deliverables include commissioned research studies, peer-reviewed journals (India Policy Forum, Margin), the Monthly Economic Review, the Business Expectations Survey, and the nationally representative India Human Development Survey (IHDS) covering over 47,000 households.

Is National Council of Applied Economic Research a public or private company?

National Council of Applied Economic Research is a private company. It is classified as nonprofit foundation owned and is currently operating.

When was National Council of Applied Economic Research founded?

National Council of Applied Economic Research was founded in 1956. It employs 101 to 250 people.

Where is National Council of Applied Economic Research based?

National Council of Applied Economic Research is headquartered in New Delhi, India, in the Asia region.

How does National Council of Applied Economic Research make money?

Two revenue lines are on record. Research Contracts and Grants are the primary driver. The others are publications and Reports.

Does National Council of Applied Economic Research have an API?

No public API is recorded for National Council of Applied Economic Research.

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Live signals
KNN IndiaDigital Finance, Credit Gaps Limit Women’s Participation In Platform Economy: ILO-NCAERAn ILO-NCAER brief reported that despite near parity in bank-account ownership, women lag men in digital financial skills and credit access, limiting their participation in India's platform economy. The report found women at less than 1 per cent of urban two-wheeler delivery drivers, 25.2 per cent online banking versus 47.1 per cent of men, and 52 per cent lacking capital for platform work.The Business TimesIndia’s gig economy leaving its women behind, study findsA report released Monday by the International Labour Organization and the National Council of Applied Economic Research found women are underrepresented in India's gig economy, including at Uber, Swiggy and Urban Company, citing digital skills, mobility, safety and social norms. India's female labour-force participation was about 32 per cent in 2025 versus 78 per cent for men.BloombergIndia’s Gig Economy Is Leaving Its Women Behind, Study Finds - BloombergA report released Monday by the International Labour Organization and the National Council of Applied Economic Research found that Indian women are underrepresented in gig jobs at companies including Uber, Swiggy and Urban Company. The study cites gaps in digital skills, mobility, safety concerns and social norms. India's gig workforce is projected to nearly double to 23.5 million by 2029-30.Business StandardDigital finance gap limits women's participation in platform work: ReportA joint policy brief by the International Labour Organization and National Council of Applied Economic Research found women remain underrepresented in India's platform economy, with women accounting for less than 1 per cent of two-wheeler delivery drivers. The report cites only 25.2 per cent of women aged 15+ conducting online banking versus 47.1 per cent of men, and 22.9 per cent of outstanding individual bank credit to women. It recommends micro-insurance, data portability and regulatory sandboxes.Business News TodayIndia’s platform economy can boost women’s employment, but financial inclusion is key: ILO-NCAERA joint report released by the International Labour Organisation and NCAER on August 24 argued that India's platform economy can expand women's employment, but only if digital financial inclusion is addressed. It cites NITI Aayog figures showing platform workers may reach 23.5 million by 2029-30 from 12 million in 2024-25, with women at roughly 1 per cent. The report recommends fintech partnerships, India's digital public infrastructure, and regulatory sandboxes.The Times of IndiaDigital financial inclusion key to boosting women's participation in India’s platform economy: ILO-NCAERAn ILO-NCAER policy brief highlights that limited access to formal financial services and digital literacy significantly constrains women's participation in India’s platform economy. The report recommends leveraging cashflow-based lending and Digital Public Infrastructure, such as the Account Aggregator framework, to provide essential financial tools like credit and insurance to female workers. NITI Aayog estimates the Indian platform workforce is projected to grow from 12 million to 23.5 million by 2029-30.The Times of IndiaTen years after Bihar banned liquor, who really paid the price?A research paper presented at the NCAER India Policy Forum argues for withdrawing Bihar's liquor ban, citing increased illicit networks and lost revenue without a decline in crimes against women. National Family Health Survey data reveals that 16.5% of men in Bihar continue to consume alcohol, with higher rates in rural areas compared to urban ones.The Times of IndiaWould review various studies regarding liquor ban: BJPThe BJP announced a review of Bihar's liquor prohibition policy following an NCAER study that cited the ban's failure to curb crime against women and its potential for generating development resources. While the BJP maintains support for the total ban based on electoral mandates, the RJD criticized the implementation as hasty and ineffective due to smuggling.Outlook IndiaBihar's Liquor Ban Has A Revenue Problem, Why Can't The BJP Lift It?A study by the National Council of Applied Economic Research (NCAER) recommends lifting Bihar's liquor ban, citing a failure to reduce crimes against women and significant revenue losses from enforcement costs. The report estimates that reinstating alcohol excise duties could increase the state's own revenues by 14-15%, offering potential funds for development sectors like education and healthcare. Despite these financial incentives, the ruling BJP-NDA coalition faces political resistance due to Chief Minister Nitish Kumar’s strong association with the prohibition policy.MintBihar liquor ban: Study flags revenue loss, illicit trade, drug use; politics may block repeal | Today NewsA study by the National Council of Applied Economic Research (NCAER) recommends that the Bihar government lift its decade-long liquor prohibition ban, citing significant annual revenue losses and a failure to reduce crimes against women. The report highlights the growth of illicit trade and suggests reinstating regulated sales with excise duties to fund public services. However, key political allies of the ruling BJP remain opposed to lifting the ban, making policy reversal difficult despite the economic arguments.