The Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) has issued Notification Nos. 71/2026 and 72/2026, both dated 25 June 2026, granting approval to two leading institutions for scientific research under the Income-tax Act, 2025.
The approvals have been granted under Section 45(4)(b) of the Income-tax Act, 2025, read with Sections 45(3)(a)(i) and Rules 32 and 34 of the Income-tax Rules, 2026.
The notified institutions are:
- University of Hyderabad (PAN: AAAAU8109M)
- Public Health Foundation of India (PHFI), Delhi (PAN: AABAP4445L)
The approvals are valid for Tax Years 2026-27 to 2030-31 .
What the Approval Means
With these notifications, both institutions have been recognized as approved scientific research institutions eligible under the provisions of the Income-tax Act, 2025. Eligible donations made to these institutions can qualify for the tax benefits available under Section 45 , subject to the applicable provisions of the Act.
The notifications reinforce the Government's objective of encouraging private funding for scientific and public health research by extending tax incentives to donors contributing to approved research institutions.
Conditions Attached to the Approval
The approvals are subject to compliance with the following conditions:
- The institutions must comply with the requirements prescribed under Rule 34 of the Income-tax Rules, 2026.
- They are required to prepare and furnish the annual statement in Form No. 15 under Section 45(4)(a) for every tax year in which donations are received. The statement must be submitted to the Director General of Income-tax (Systems) or the authorized person on or before 31 May immediately following the relevant tax year, in accordance with Rule 31.
- The institutions must issue a donation certificate in Form No. 16 to every donor, specifying the amount of donation received, as prescribed under Rule 31.
Applicability
The approvals will remain effective for five tax years, beginning with Tax Year 2026-27 and ending with Tax Year 2030-31 , provided the institutions continue to satisfy the prescribed statutory conditions.
Key Takeaways
- CBDT has approved University of Hyderabad and Public Health Foundation of India (Delhi) as scientific research institutions.
- The approvals have been granted under Section 45 of the Income-tax Act, 2025 .
- The approvals are valid from Tax Year 2026-27 to Tax Year 2030-31 .
- Approved institutions must file Form No. 15 annually and issue Form No. 16 to donors.
- Eligible donations made to these institutions may qualify for tax benefits under the Income-tax Act, 2025, subject to the applicable provisions.
Official copies of the notifications are as follows
CAclubindia
