The prime objective of the council is to establish, administer and manage the following functions:[3]
- Review the progress of research in philosophy on a regular basis.
- Co-ordinate research activities in philosophy and encourage interdisciplinary research.
- Promote collaboration in research between Indian philosophers and international philosophical institutes.
- Promote teaching and research in Philosophy.
- Sponsor or assist projects or programs of research in philosophy.
- Provide financial support and assistance to institutions and organisations engaged in the conduct of research on philosophy.
- Technically assist and guide the formulation of research projects and programs in philosophy, by individuals or institutions.
- Organize and support institutional or other arrangements for training in research methodology.
- Regularly indicate areas and topics of research in philosophy to promote and adopt special measures for the development of research in neglected or developing areas.
- Organize, sponsor and assist seminars, special courses, study circles, working groups / parties and conferences for promoting research in philosophy and to establish institutes for the same purpose.
- Provide grants for publications of digests, journals, periodicals and scholarly works devoted to research in philosophy and also to undertake their publications.
- Institute and administer fellowships, scholarships and awards for research in philosophy by students, teachers and others.
- Develop and support documentation services, including maintenance and supply of data, preparation of an inventory of current research in Philosophy and compilation of a National Register of Philosophers.
- Undertake measures develop a group of talented young philosophers and to encourage research by young philosophers working in universities and other institutions.
- Regularly advise the Govt. of India on all such matters pertaining to teaching and research in Philosophy.
- Establish collaboration between other institutions, organisations and agencies for the promotion of research in Philosophy.
- Create academic, technical, ministerial and other posts in the council and to make appointments thereto in accordance with the provisions of the rules and regulations.
