National Council of Science Museums (NCSM), a premiere institution in the field of science communication, is an autonomous organization under the Ministry of Culture, Govt. of India with its Headquarters in Kolkata. It manages 25 science museums/centres spread across the country and Central Research & Training Laboratory, in Kolkata. In addition it has developed 22 Science Centres which have been handed over to different States and Union Territories of India. NCSM is the largest network of science centres and museums in the world. These science centres provide an experiment based learning environment to inculcate a spirit of inquiry, foster creative talent and create scientific temper in the community. It is characterized by its two-pronged channel of communication - exhibits and activities. While the exhibits, both indoor and outdoor, are mostly interactive, the demonstrations and training programmes are also fully participatory and help children and the adults alike to learn the basics of science through fun and enjoyment. NCSM also conducts 23 mobile science exhibition units throughout the country to create awareness of science and technology in rural areas and provides hands on learning opportunity to rural children.

Over 12.5 million visitors including 3.5 million students visit these science museums and centres every year and 2.5 million rural children are benefitted by its mobile science exhibition programme.

NCSM aspires to develop a culture of science, technology & innovation in India.