ANRF National Science Chair Program – India

The ANRF National Science Chair (NSC) Programme recognises eminent superannuated Indian scientists and academicians for exceptional contributions in Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics (STEM), and Medicine. The programme provides a monthly fellowship of ₹1.5 lakh along with research grants to support continued scientific research, leadership, mentoring, and national research advancement.

About the ANRF National Science Chair Programme

The ANRF National Science Chair (NSC) Programme is an initiative to honour distinguished Indian scientists who have made significant contributions to research, innovation, scientific leadership, and knowledge development.

The programme supports experienced scientists after superannuation by enabling them to continue research activities, mentor young researchers, contribute to scientific policy discussions, and strengthen India’s research ecosystem.

The programme recognises scientists working across:

• Science
• Technology
• Engineering
• Mathematics (STEM)
• Medicine

The National Science Chair Programme is implemented through two categories:

• Mode-1: Scientific Excellence
• Mode-2: Science Leadership

Mode-1: Scientific Excellence

The Scientific Excellence category supports active senior scientists who wish to continue their research and development activities after retirement.

This mode focuses on researchers with strong recent scientific contributions and an active interest in continuing advanced research.

Eligible scientists should demonstrate:

• Outstanding research achievements
• Strong scientific publications and contributions
• Continued research activity, especially during the last five years
• Recognition from national or international scientific organisations

Examples of recognised achievements include:

• Prestigious scientific fellowships
• Membership in reputed national or international academies
• Major science and technology awards

Mode-2: Science Leadership

The Science Leadership category recognises highly distinguished scientists who have demonstrated exceptional leadership in research and scientific development.

This mode focuses on scientists with:

• Long-term research excellence
• Scientific leadership capabilities
• Significant mentoring contributions
• International recognition
• Contributions to science policy and national research development

Eligible nominees should have demonstrated outstanding contributions, particularly during the last ten years.

Who is Eligible?

The programme is open to resident Indian superannuated scientists and academicians who meet the required scientific and professional criteria.

Applicants for both modes must:

• Be above 65 years of age
• Be superannuated
• Have outstanding contributions in STEM and Medicine
• Be a resident Indian scientist or academician
• Be affiliated with an academic institution or research and development laboratory, or have approval from a future host institution

Scientists who have up to six months of service remaining before reaching the age of 65 after the nomination closing date may also be considered eligible.

Eligibility Requirements for Mode-1: Scientific Excellence

Nominees must:

• Be active senior scientists continuing research after superannuation
• Have an excellent research record, especially from the last five years
• Have recognition from national or international scientific bodies
• Hold prestigious scientific awards or fellowships
• Have institutional affiliation or a confirmed host institution

At the start of the award period, nominees should not:

• Hold administrative responsibilities
• Receive salary, fellowship, honorarium, or financial support from another organisation

Eligibility Requirements for Mode-2: Science Leadership

Nominees must:

• Be distinguished scientists with major scientific contributions
• Demonstrate research leadership and excellence
• Have strong national and international recognition
• Have significant mentoring and scientific publication records
• Contribute to scientific development and policy discussions

At the beginning of the award period, nominees should not:

• Hold administrative roles
• Receive salary, fellowship, honorarium, or similar financial benefits from another institution

Fellowship and Research Grant Benefits

Awardees under both categories receive financial support to continue scientific activities.

Common Benefits

Each National Science Chair awardee receives:

• Monthly fellowship: ₹1.5 lakh

The host institution receives:

• Overhead grant: ₹1 lakh per year

Mode-1 Funding Support

Scientific Excellence awardees receive:

• Research grant: ₹25 lakh per year

The grant can support:

• Research personnel
• Scientific equipment
• Research travel
• Laboratory expenses
• Contingency requirements
• Other approved research activities

Mode-2 Funding Support

Science Leadership awardees receive:

• Research grant: ₹5 lakh per year

The grant supports activities related to:

• Research development
• Scientific mentoring
• Knowledge creation
• Academic and research activities

Why It Matters

The ANRF National Science Chair Programme strengthens India’s scientific ecosystem by enabling experienced researchers to continue contributing after retirement.

The programme helps:

• Retain valuable scientific expertise
• Support advanced research activities
• Mentor young researchers and students
• Encourage innovation and discovery
• Strengthen national and international scientific collaborations
• Promote research leadership in STEM and Medicine

How the Programme Works

The NSC Programme follows a nomination-based selection process.

The process includes:

1. Nomination Submission

Eligible scientists are nominated for recognition based on their scientific achievements and leadership contributions.

2. Scientific Evaluation

Nominations are assessed based on:

• Research excellence
• Scientific impact
• Publications
• Awards and recognitions
• Leadership contributions
• Future research potential

3. Selection and Award

Selected scientists receive:

• National Science Chair recognition
• Monthly fellowship support
• Research funding
• Institutional support through the host organisation

How to Apply or Submit Nominations

Nomination applications should include evidence of scientific achievements and eligibility.

Applicants should prepare:

• Scientific profile and achievements
• Research contributions
• Awards and recognitions
• Publications record
• Details of institutional affiliation
• Research plans after receiving the award

The nomination should clearly indicate whether the scientist is being considered under:

• Mode-1: Scientific Excellence
• Mode-2: Science Leadership

Common Mistakes and Tips

Applicants should avoid:

• Applying without confirming superannuation eligibility
• Failing to provide evidence of scientific recognition
• Submitting incomplete research records
• Not clearly explaining recent research contributions
• Ignoring the difference between Mode-1 and Mode-2 requirements

Tips for stronger nominations:

• Highlight major scientific achievements
• Include significant publications and discoveries
• Clearly explain national and international impact
• Demonstrate mentoring and leadership contributions
• Match the nomination category with the scientist’s profile

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What is the ANRF National Science Chair Programme?

The ANRF National Science Chair Programme recognises eminent Indian scientists after superannuation and supports continued research, mentoring, and scientific leadership.

2. Who can be nominated for the programme?

Resident Indian scientists and academicians who are above 65 years of age, superannuated, and have outstanding contributions in STEM or Medicine can be nominated.

3. What are the two modes under the NSC Programme?

The programme has two categories: Mode-1 Scientific Excellence for active researchers continuing R&D activities and Mode-2 Science Leadership for distinguished scientific leaders.

4. What financial support do awardees receive?

All awardees receive ₹1.5 lakh per month as fellowship support. Mode-1 provides ₹25 lakh per year research funding, while Mode-2 provides ₹5 lakh per year.

5. Can awardees receive funding from another organisation?

No. At the beginning of the award, awardees should not receive salary, fellowship, honorarium, or similar financial support from another institution.

6. What expenses can the research grant cover?

The research grant can support research personnel, equipment, travel, contingency expenses, and other approved research activities.

7. Why was the National Science Chair Programme created?

The programme was created to utilise the expertise of senior scientists, encourage continued research contributions, and strengthen India’s scientific leadership.

Conclusion

The ANRF National Science Chair Programme provides a prestigious platform for India’s eminent retired scientists to continue contributing to research, innovation, mentoring, and scientific leadership. Through fellowships, research grants, and institutional support, the programme aims to preserve scientific excellence and advance India’s STEM and medical research capabilities.