Deadline: 11-May-2026
The Rashtriya Vigyan Puraskar honors outstanding scientists, technologists, and innovators in India and abroad for exceptional contributions in science, technology, and technology-led innovation. Awards are presented across four categories and 14 scientific domains, recognizing individuals and teams whose work has significant societal impact. Nominations are open online via the centralized Rashtriya Puraskar Portal.
Overview
The Rashtriya Vigyan Puraskar is one of India’s highest recognitions for individuals and teams making exceptional contributions in science, technology, and technology-led innovation. It highlights notable achievements, inspires excellence, and encourages the next generation of innovators to contribute to societal development.
Award Categories
The awards are presented in four categories:
- Vigyan Ratna (VR): Lifetime achievements in science and technology.
- Vigyan Shri (VS): Distinguished contributions in scientific or technological fields.
- Vigyan Yuva-Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar (VY-SSB): Exceptional achievements by young scientists.
- Vigyan Team (VT): Outstanding accomplishments by teams of three or more scientists.
Note: People of Indian origin residing abroad are eligible if their work benefits the Indian community, with priority given to India-based innovators.
Domains of Recognition
The Rashtriya Vigyan Puraskar covers 14 domains, ensuring broad representation, including contributions by women scientists:
- Agricultural Science
- Atomic Energy
- Biological Sciences
- Chemistry
- Defence Technology
- Earth Science
- Engineering Sciences
- Environmental Science
- Mathematics & Computer Science
- Medicine
- Physics
- Space Science and Technology
- Technology & Innovation
- Others
Eligibility
Eligible applicants include:
- Scientists, technologists, and innovators in government and private sector organizations
- Individuals working independently, provided their work has significant societal impact
- Nominations can be submitted by anyone, including self-nominations, State Governments, Union Ministries, national science academies, research institutions, and professional societies.
Important notes:
- The award is not a title and should not be used as a prefix or suffix to the recipient’s name.
- Awardees may indicate in professional bios or official communications that they are recipients of the Rashtriya Vigyan Puraskar.
- Awards are generally not conferred posthumously, except in rare highly deserving cases.
How to Nominate
- Identify the nominee: Ensure they meet eligibility and have a significant societal impact.
- Select category and domain: Choose from the four award categories and 14 domains.
- Prepare supporting documents: Include evidence of achievements, contributions, and impact.
- Submit online: Use the centralized Rashtriya Puraskar Portal to submit nominations.
- Await evaluation: Nominations are reviewed by a committee of experts before final award decisions.
Key Considerations
- Encourage diverse representation, including women scientists and underrepresented domains.
- Highlight societal impact of contributions in addition to scientific or technological innovation.
- Ensure documentation clearly demonstrates achievements, originality, and significance.
FAQs
1. Who can receive the Rashtriya Vigyan Puraskar?
Scientists, technologists, and innovators in government, private sector, or independent research, with significant societal impact.
2. What are the award categories?
Four categories: Vigyan Ratna, Vigyan Shri, Vigyan Yuva-Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar, and Vigyan Team.
3. Which scientific domains are covered?
14 domains including Agricultural Science, Atomic Energy, Biological Sciences, Chemistry, Defence Technology, Earth Science, Engineering, Environmental Science, Math & Computer Science, Medicine, Physics, Space Science, Technology & Innovation, and Others.
4. Can nominations be submitted by anyone?
Yes, including self-nominations, government bodies, national academies, research institutions, and professional societies.
5. Is the award a formal title?
No, it cannot be used as a prefix or suffix, though recipients can mention it in bios or official communications.
6. Are posthumous awards given?
Generally, no. Exceptions may be made in rare cases for recently deceased nominees deemed highly deserving.
7. Are Indian-origin scientists abroad eligible?
Yes, if their contributions benefit the Indian community, with category-specific limits prioritizing India-based innovators.
Conclusion
The Rashtriya Vigyan Puraskar celebrates exceptional contributions to science, technology, and innovation in India, inspiring future generations and recognizing the vital societal impact of the country’s scientific community. By honoring individuals and teams across diverse domains, it reinforces India’s commitment to scientific excellence, innovation, and social progress.
For more information, visit Government of India.
