Indian Institute of Dalit Studies

What Indian Institute of Dalit Studies does

Indian Institute of Dalit Studies (IIDS) is a private, non-profit research institute headquartered in Dwarka, New Delhi, founded in January 2003 by academicians and civil society activists. It is recognised by the Indian Council of Social Science Research (ICSSR), Ministry of Education, Government of India, and conducts interdisciplinary social-science research on caste-based discrimination, social exclusion, economic deprivation, education, health, governance, and political participation of Dalits, tribals, religious minorities, and other vulnerable populations. Operating with roughly 15 staff and a Board of Trustees chaired by Dr. Sunil D. Khaparde, with Dr. Mala Mukherjee as Director, IIDS sustains an academic ecosystem that includes the peer-reviewed Journal of Social Inclusion Studies (with Sage Publications), the Hindi quarterly Dalit Asmita, a Working Paper Series, books published with Oxford University Press/SAGE/Orient Blackswan/Rawat, policy briefs, and annual programs such as the Ambedkar Summer School, Research Methodology Workshops (with Rosa Luxemburg Stiftung), and a Ph.D. program.

IIDS's product surface is built around academic and policy outputs rather than commercial technology. Its core technology is qualitative and quantitative social-science research methodology applied to questions of marginalisation; there is no proprietary software, AI/ML system, or platform product. Output distribution is academic-publishing centric (Sage, OUP, Rawat) plus a direct policy-engagement channel to ministries (UGC, NCERT, Ministry of Panchayati Raj, Ministry of HRD, state governments), multilateral bodies (UNICEF, UNDP, World Bank, FAO, ILO), and Indian/international development funders (Ford Foundation, Rosa Luxemburg Stiftung, IDRC, DFID, ESRC UK). Documented policy outcomes include influence on the 20% MSE public-procurement mandate for SC/ST-owned enterprises, the 2012 UGC anti-discrimination regulations, the 2015 SC/ST Prevention of Atrocities Amendment Bill, the Eleventh and Twelfth Five Year Plans, and World Bank (2013-16) and FAO (2013-17) country frameworks.

The business model is project-based grant funding rather than commercial pricing. IIDS does not charge for research outputs; revenue is the sum of restricted and unrestricted grants from Government of India ministries, state governments (Karnataka explicitly named), and international development organisations, supplemented by minor journal/book royalty flows through publisher partners. Go-to-market is event-driven and relationship-driven: conferences, workshops, direct policy meetings, and publications. Target customer segments are Government of India policymakers (primary), academic institutions and researchers (primary), civil society/NGOs (secondary), and international development organisations (secondary). The institute has no funding-round history, no venture or PE backing, no parent company, and no public listing; it is governed independently by its Board of Trustees.

Name

Indian Institute of Dalit Studies

Legal name

Indian Institute of Dalit Studies

Website

https://dalitstudies.org.in

Company type

Private

Founded year

2003

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

IIDS is a Delhi-based, ICSSR-recognised non-profit research institute conducting interdisciplinary social-science research on caste-based discrimination and social exclusion, serving Government of India ministries, academics, and international development organisations through publications, policy briefs, and academic programs.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Social Science Policy Research

NAICS

Research and Development in the Social Sciences and Humanities (54172), Scientific Research and Development Services (5417), Human Rights Organizations (813311), Educational Support Services (611710)

SIC

Services-Commercial Physical & Biological Research (8731), Services-Social Services (8300), Services-Educational Services (8200)

akta.pro primary industry

Monitoring, Evaluation, Performance Management & Quality Improvement (HLAJAMAJ)

akta.pro secondary industry

Title I & Compensatory Education Programs (EDAJAGAJ)

Keywords

• Social science research
• Caste exclusion studies
• Inclusive policy research
• Academic policy institute
• Marginalized communities research

Headquarters

HQ city

New Delhi

HQ country

India

HQ region

Asia

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Research Grants and Funding: IIDS operates as a research institute funded by national and international funding agencies including Government of India ministries, state governments, and international development organizations such as Rosa Luxemburg Stiftung, Ford Foundation, IDRC, UNICEF, DFID, and World Bank.

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

Indian Institute of Dalit Studies (IIDS) is a non-profit social science research institute that conducts interdisciplinary research on caste-based discrimination, social exclusion, poverty, education, health, and political participation of marginalized groups in India. It produces peer-reviewed journals, working papers, books, policy briefs, and policy memos, and delivers academic training programs including a Ph.D. program, Ambedkar Summer School, and Research Methodology Workshops. Outputs are targeted at government policymakers, academic researchers, civil society organizations, and international development agencies.

Product overview

Indian Institute of Dalit Studies (IIDS) is an ICSSR-recognised research institute that offers a portfolio of academic programs and research publications rather than commercial technology products. The portfolio consists of two academic journals (Journal of Social Inclusion Studies published with Sage Publications, and Dalit Asmita in Hindi), a Working Paper Series, published books on caste discrimination and social justice, the Ambedkar Summer School academic program, a Ph.D. program, Research Methodology Workshops, and Policy Briefs. These offerings are interconnected as a comprehensive research and academic ecosystem aimed at understanding and addressing marginalisation and social exclusion.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Journal of Social Inclusion Studies: A peer-reviewed interdisciplinary academic journal published in collaboration with Sage Publication, promoting informed debate on social exclusion and discrimination faced by marginalised groups.
• Dalit Asmita
• Ambedkar Summer School

Products and services

• Journal of Social Inclusion Studies Peer-reviewed interdisciplinary academic journal published in collaboration with Sage Publications India, promoting informed debate on social exclusion and discrimination faced by marginalised groups in India. Targeted at academic researchers, policy scholars, and university libraries.
• Dalit Asmita Quarterly journal in Hindi featuring short stories, poems and articles on Dalits and their struggle for identity, emancipation, and development. Targeted at Hindi-language readers, civil society actors, and academics working on Dalit literature and rights.
• Working Paper Series Series of working papers that bring out major findings of research studies undertaken by IIDS, covering caste discrimination, social exclusion, poverty, and inclusive policies. Targeted at academics, policymakers, and civil society researchers.
• Books/Edited Volumes Edited academic volumes and books on topics including economic casteism, Dalit empowerment, B.R. Ambedkar's contributions, caste discrimination, and social justice philanthropy, published through Oxford University Press, SAGE Publications, Orient Blackswan, and Rawat Publications. Targeted at academic libraries, scholars, and researchers.
• Ambedkar Summer School Annual academic program providing training and education on themes related to Ambedkar's philosophy, social justice, and research methodology for students and researchers. Targeted at graduate students and early-career researchers in social sciences.
• Ph.D. Program Doctoral research program in social sciences focusing on marginalization, caste discrimination, and social exclusion studies, offered by IIDS. Targeted at doctoral candidates in social sciences.
• Research Methodology Workshop Workshop program jointly organized with Rosa Luxemburg Stiftung, South Asia, providing training in research methodologies for social science researchers. Targeted at early-career researchers and Ph.D. scholars.
• Policy Briefs and Policy Memos Research-based policy documents providing recommendations to policy-making bodies on issues related to discrimination, social exclusion, and inclusive policies. Targeted at government ministries, regulators, and policy advocacy organizations.

Quantifiable outcome

• Influenced policy mandating 20% public procurement from SC/ST owned enterprises
• +7 more outcomes

Named customers5 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

Eleven partnerships are on record, tiered core and major.

• Indian Council of Social Sciences (ICSSR)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2003IIDS is an ICSSR recognised research institute, one of the premier social science research bodies in India under the Ministry of Education, Government of India. This recognition enables the institute to conduct and disseminate research on social exclusion and marginalized groups.
• UNICEFmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerUNICEF supported IIDS research studies on discrimination in schools and healthcare services, which facilitated modifications in policies for school education in India.
• UNDPmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerIIDS research has played a role in decision-making of UNDP policies and planning related to marginalized groups.
• World BankmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerWorld Bank published IIDS research on malnutrition and caste/religion links. IIDS influenced World Bank Country Program Strategy (2013-16) for India on planning for challenges based on caste and gender inequality.
• Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO)majorStrategic or Co-development PartnerIIDS research on agricultural productivity in India influenced FAO Country Programme Framework (2013-17) for agriculture and rural development.
• International Labour Organization (ILO)majorStrategic or Co-development PartnerIIDS research on labour-market discrimination in rural areas sponsored by ILO influenced ILO policy towards workforce in India.
• SAGE Publications IndiacoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorIIDS publishes the Journal of Social Inclusion Studies in collaboration with Sage Publications India for wider academic distribution.
• Oxford University PressmajorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorIIDS books published through Oxford University Press including 'B.R. Ambedkar: Perspectives on Social Exclusion and Inclusive Policies' and 'Dalit Art and Visual Imagery'.
• NCERT and SCERT (Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerIIDS and NCERT jointly developed a module on 'Master Trainers to Address Caste-based Discrimination and its Implications' in primary schools with State Council of Educational Research and Training, Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan.
• University Grants Commission (UGC)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerIIDS research contributed to the formulation of Prevention of Caste-based Discrimination/Harassment, Victimisation, and Promotion of Equality in Higher Educational Institutions Regulations, 2012 by UGC.
• Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC), UKcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerESRC UK bestowed recognition on IIDS as 'Centre with Potential for Excellence', acknowledging its research contribution in the field of exclusion and marginalisation.

Scale indicators6 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Broad incumbents

• Indian Council of Social Science Research (ICSSR): An autonomous body under India's Ministry of Education that funds and coordinates social science research nationally. ICSSR is a broad incumbent as IIDS's parent-style recognition body and the umbrella for Indian social science research institutions.
• Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), Centre for the Study of Social Exclusion and Inclusive Policy: JNU is a major Indian public university with a dedicated Centre for the Study of Social Exclusion and Inclusive Policy (CSSEIP) that conducts academic research on caste, exclusion, and inclusive policy. It is a broader academic incumbent comparable to IIDS's thematic focus.
• Ambedkar University Delhi (AUD): A Delhi state university with a strong mandate on social sciences, humanities, and studies of social exclusion. AUD is comparable as a larger institution advancing research and education on Ambedkarite thought, social justice, and marginalized groups in India.

Direct peers

• Institute of Economic Growth (IEG): A premier Delhi-based economic and social research institute also recognized by ICSSR. IEG is a direct peer as a comparable Indian social science research institute addressing development and policy questions.
• National Institute of Rural Development and Panchayati Raj (NIRDPR): A central government institution in Hyderabad conducting research and capacity building on rural development and Panchayati Raj. NIRDPR is a direct peer as an Indian policy research and training body whose work overlaps IIDS's rural governance and Panchayati Raj research.
• National Council of Applied Economic Research (NCAER): One of India's oldest and largest economic and policy research think tanks based in New Delhi. NCAER is a direct peer as an Indian policy research institution conducting studies that inform government and multilateral decision-making.
• Centre for Policy Research (CPR): A leading Indian public policy think tank based in New Delhi. CPR is a direct peer as a comparable Delhi-based policy research institution engaging with Indian ministries and producing research on governance and inclusion.
• Centre for the Study of Developing Societies (CSDS): A Delhi-based social science research institute studying Indian politics, society, and development. CSDS is a close peer as a comparable ICSSR-recognized think tank engaged in research and policy dialogue on Indian social issues.
• Indian Institute of Public Administration (IIPA): A New Delhi-based autonomous institution focused on research, training, and consultancy in public administration and governance. IIPA is a direct peer given its similar mix of government-facing policy research and capacity-building programs.
• Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS): A premier Indian institution for social sciences, social work, and policy research based in Mumbai. TISS is a direct peer given its emphasis on marginalized communities, social exclusion research, and policy-oriented scholarship in India.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Facebookfacebook.com/Indian-Institute-of-Dalit-Studies
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/indian-institute-of-dalit-studies
• Xx.com/IIDS_Dalit
• YouTubeyoutube.com/channel/UCX8Z2xq8z8Z8x8x8x8x8x8

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles2 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

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M&A

Investments

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Frequently asked questions about Indian Institute of Dalit Studies