Establishing a department dedicated to research and musicology formed a key component of the National Centre for the Performing Arts mission statement at the very outset. Since the early 1970s. Scientific investigation into Indian music and musical instruments has been ongoing at the Centre.
In recognition of these ongoing research activities, the Government of India, Ministry of Science and Technology, Department for Scientific and Industrial Research, has conferred on the NCPA the official status of a Scientific and Industrial Research Organization (SIRO).
