Introduction: Strengthening of Pharmaceuticals Industry (SPI) scheme

The Indian pharmaceutical sector is one of the world’s largest, but sustaining global competitiveness requires constant innovation, quality upgrades, and compliance with international standards. To address these needs, the Government of India introduced the Strengthening of Pharmaceuticals Industry (SPI) scheme, revised in 2025.

This scheme provides crucial financial support to clusters and MSMEs in the pharma sector — covering infrastructure, technology upgrades, and compliance with global standards like WHO-GMP and Schedule M.

However, while the SPI scheme creates opportunities, navigating its guidelines, eligibility checks, and documentation can be complex. That is why professional consultancy support becomes essential to secure timely approval and maximize subsidies.

What Is the Strengthening of Pharmaceuticals Industry (SPI) Scheme?

The SPI scheme 2025 consolidates and revamps three earlier sub-schemes of the Department of Pharmaceuticals. It aims to improve quality standards, boost cluster-level growth, and support MSMEs in achieving compliance for global markets.

The scheme has three components:

1. Assistance to Pharmaceutical Industry for Common Facilities (APICF)

• • Focus: Creation of common infrastructure facilities like R&D labs, testing labs, effluent treatment plants (ETPs), logistics centers, and training hubs.
  • Support: Up to 70% of project cost (90% in North-East and Himalayan states), capped at ₹20 crore per cluster.
  • Beneficiaries: Special Purpose Vehicles (SPVs) formed by pharma units or state-promoted clusters.

2. Revamped Pharmaceutical Technology Upgradation Assistance Scheme (RPTUAS)

• • Focus: Support for upgrading pharma units to comply with Revised Schedule M and WHO-GMP certification.
  • Support: Subsidy up to ₹1 crore depending on turnover (10–20% of investment in eligible activities).
  • Beneficiaries: Existing MSME pharma units with turnover less than ₹500 crore.

The subsidy amount under the Revamped Pharmaceutical Technology Upgradation Assistance Scheme (RPTUAS) depends on the average turnover of the pharma unit in the last three years:

3. Pharmaceutical & Medical Devices Promotion and Development Scheme (PMPDS)

Focus: Awareness programs, studies, surveys, events, and database creation for the pharma and medical device industry.

Together, these sub-schemes strengthen pharma clusters, enhance quality compliance, and create a competitive ecosystem for MSMEs.

Key Benefits of the SPI Scheme 2025

The Strengthening of Pharmaceuticals Industry (SPI) scheme directly supports pharma businesses with:

• Financial assistance for common facilities (R&D, labs, CETPs, logistics).
• Subsidies for WHO-GMP certification and Schedule M upgradation.
• Dedicated support for MSMEs under the pharma MSME subsidy India category.
• Improved environmental compliance and reduced wastage.
• Access to trained workforce via skill development centers.
• Enhanced global competitiveness in exports and regulatory approvals.

For MSMEs, this means reduced costs in achieving compliance, better access to infrastructure, and faster growth opportunities.

SPI Sub-Schemes Explained in Detail

1. Assistance to Pharmaceutical Industry for Common Facilities (APICF)

The APICF component supports pharma clusters by funding common-use facilities. Typical eligible projects include:

• Research & Development labs
• Testing laboratories
• Effluent treatment plants (ETPs)
• Logistics centres
• Training hubs

Clusters can receive up to 70% of project cost as subsidy, making this one of the most attractive elements of the SPI scheme.

2. Revamped Pharmaceutical Technology Upgradation Assistance Scheme (RPTUAS)

For MSMEs, technology upgradation is often the biggest hurdle. The RPTUAS provides reimbursement-based support for:

• Clean room facilities
• Testing labs & stability chambers
• Utilities like HVAC, water, and steam
• Effluent treatment and waste management systems
• Certification expenses (Schedule M and WHO-GMP compliance)

Depending on turnover, pharma MSMEs can receive 10–20% of investment back as subsidy, with a maximum ceiling of ₹1 crore.

This makes it a critical support scheme for companies targeting WHO-GMP subsidy India or Schedule M upgradation subsidy.

3. Pharmaceutical & Medical Devices Promotion and Development Scheme (PMPDS)

This component is more industry-focused, promoting awareness, research, and large-scale events like India Pharma & Medical Devices Expo. While not a direct subsidy for infrastructure, it helps build visibility and connects businesses with stakeholders.

Who Can Benefit from the SPI Scheme?

The scheme is designed for:

• MSMEs in pharma manufacturing (turnover < ₹500 crore).
• Pharma clusters operating under state or SPV structures.
• Units planning to upgrade for Schedule M or WHO-GMP certifications.
• Organizations needing access to testing labs, R&D centers, or CETPs.

How to Apply for the SPI Scheme 2025 with Expert Support

While official guidelines outline the process, in practice, applications require multiple layers of compliance, financial documentation, SPV formation, and technical appraisals.

Steps generally include:

1. Preparing a detailed project proposal with technical recommendations.
2. Forming or proving eligibility of an SPV (Special Purpose Vehicle).
3. Submitting proposals to the Project Management Consultant (PMC).
4. Evaluation and approval by the Scheme Steering Committee (SSC).

However, these steps involve:

• Preparing financial viability reports
• Compliance with Schedule M / WHO-GMP standards
• Justifying eligible costs with certifications and audits
• Coordinating with multiple agencies

For pharma MSMEs and clusters, this can quickly become overwhelming. Mistakes or missing details can delay or even disqualify applications.

Therefore, businesses often turn to specialized subsidy consultants — ensuring their proposals are structured correctly, documents comply with guidelines, and maximum eligible subsidy is secured without delays.

Professional Consultant for SPI Scheme Subsidy

• Expertise in eligibility mapping (MSMEs, SPVs, clusters).
• End-to-end application support — from proposal drafting to subsidy claim filing.
• Compliance assurance with technical committees and auditors.
• Time & cost savings — avoiding rejections or delays.
• Maximizing benefits under APICF and RPTUAS by aligning investments correctly.

Conclusion

The Strengthening of Pharmaceuticals Industry (SPI) scheme 2025 is a landmark initiative to empower pharma MSMEs and clusters with subsidies for infrastructure, technology upgrades, and compliance.

For businesses, it opens doors to WHO-GMP certification, Schedule M upgradation, and cluster-level facilities — all essential for competing globally.

Yet, the application process is technical and requires precise compliance. Working with a subsidy consultant ensures your business does not miss out on financial assistance and can focus on growth while experts handle the documentation.

Call us now: +91 9373114747 or visit: finraja.com/contact for quick assistance.