Towards the end of 1930, the then Government of India wrote to various state (then provincial) Governments, Scientific Departments, Learned Societies, Universities and the Indian Science Congress Association seeking their opinion on the desirability of forming a National Research Council and its affiliated Unions. This proposal was considered by various eminent scientists whose views regarding the composition and resolution to the Indian Science Congress Association during its Poona Session.

The Indian National Science Academy was established in January 1935 with the object of promoting science in India and harnessing scientific knowledge for the cause of humanity and national welfare. The foundation of the Academy, earlier known as the National Institute of Sciences of India (NISI), was the outcome of joint endeavours of several organizations and individuals and the Indian Science Congress Association (ISCA) playing a leading role in this regard.

The issue of the Government recognising the NISI as the representative body of the scientists was taken up after ten years of its foundation. After due deliberations and discussions, it decided to recognise the National Institute as the premier scientific society representing all branches of science in India in October 1945. The Headquarters of the National Institute moved to Delhi in May 1946.The name of the National Institute of Sciences of India was changed to the Indian National Science Academy (INSA) in February 1970.

The main objectives of the Indian National Science Academy are:

1. Promotion of scientific knowledge in India including its practical application to problems of national welfare.
2. Coordination among Scientific Academies, Societies, Institutions, Government Scientific Departments and Services.
3. To act as a body of scientists of eminence for the promotion and safeguarding of the interests of scientists in India and to present internationally the scientific work done in the country.
4. To act through properly constituted National Committees, in which other learned academies and societies may be associated, for undertaking scientific work of national and international importance which the Academy may be called upon to perform by the public and by the Government.
5. To publish such proceedings, journals, memoirs and other publications as may be found desirable.
6. To promote and maintain liaison between Science and Humanities.
7. To secure and manage funds and endowments for the promotion of Science.
8. To perform all other acts that may assist in, or be necessary for the fulfilment of the above-mentioned objectives of the Academy.