Physical Research Laboratory administers Hari Om Ashram Prerit Senior Scientist Award to honour eminent Indian scientists for their innovative and outstanding contributions in science and technology. The award carries a silver plaque, a citation, and a cash prize of ₹4,00,000. The last nomination window closed on 20 October 2021 and no fresh cycle has been announced since then.
The award was instituted to commemorate the birth centenary of Pujya Shri Mota, founder of Hari Om Ashram, Nadiad. It recognises exceptional scientific minds across the nation who dedicate their careers to pushing the boundaries of discovery in science and technology.
Hari Om Ashram Prerit Senior Scientist Award
The Physical Research Laboratory (PRL), Ahmedabad, manages this award under the Department of Space. Nominations are invited from heads of academic and research institutions, Vice-Chancellors, Deans of universities, Fellows of Indian Academies of Science and Engineering, and past recipients of the award. The award is presented once every two years to an Indian citizen who is an active, practicing scientist with significant contributions in science and technology.
Key Information
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Scheme Name | Hari Om Ashram Prerit Senior Scientist Award |
| Level | Central |
| Scheme For | Individual |
| Beneficiary States | All |
| Category | Education & Learning |
| Target Beneficiaries | Individual |
| Sub Category | Apprenticeships and training, Education and training grants, fellowship, stipend |
| Benefit Type | Composite |
| DBT Scheme | No |
| Nodal Ministry | Ministry of Science And Technology |
| Nodal Department | Department of Space |
| Tags | Award, Scientist, Cash Prize |
Benefits
The award includes the following components for the selected scientist:
| Benefit Component | Details |
|---|---|
| Cash Prize | ₹4,00,000 |
| Physical Honours | Silver Plaque and Citation |
Note: The India Science, Technology & Innovation portal lists the cash prize as ₹2,00,000, but the official PRL website mentions ₹4,00,000. The higher amount on the PRL website is the current official figure.
Eligibility
To be considered for this award, the nominee must meet the following criteria:
The nominee must be an Indian citizen. The nominee should be an active, practicing scientist. The research and professional contributions must be in the field of science and technology. Past recipients cannot be nominated again as this is a one-time lifetime recognition. There is no specific age limit for this award. Non-resident Indians are not eligible as the scheme is for scientists primarily working in India.
Application Process
The nomination process is conducted offline through email. Follow these steps to submit a nomination:
STEP 1 - Go to the official PRL website at prl.res.in and navigate to the Opportunities section. STEP 2 - Find "Awards Administered by PRL" and select Hari Om Ashram Prerit Senior Scientist Award. STEP 3 - Download the prescribed application format provided on the site. STEP 4 - Fill out the form completely with nominee details and attach all mandatory supporting documents. STEP 5 - Email the completed nomination to DIRECTOR@PRL.RES.IN using the subject line "Nomination for Hari Om Ashram Prerit Senior Scientist Award".
The last date for receiving nominations was 20 October 2021. As of 2026, no new nomination cycle has been announced by PRL.
Documents
Ensure you have the following documents ready before submitting the nomination:
- A formal Nomination Letter written by the Head of an academic or research institution, Vice-Chancellor, Dean, Fellow of Indian Academies of Science and Engineering, or a past award recipient.
- A detailed CV of the nominee.
- A comprehensive Contribution Statement highlighting the innovative and outstanding work.
- A complete and updated List of Publications and Works.
References
For further details, refer to the official documentation:
India Science, Technology & Innovation Portal
FAQ's
What is Hari Om Ashram Prerit Senior Scientist Award?
It is a prestigious award recognising an eminent Indian scientist for outstanding and innovative contributions in science and technology, administered by Physical Research Laboratory.
What is the prize for the award?
The award includes a silver plaque, a citation, and a cash reward of ₹4,00,000 as per the official PRL website.
Who is eligible for this award?
Indian scientists who have made significant, innovative contributions to science and technology are eligible to be nominated. The nominee must be an Indian citizen and actively working as a scientist in India.
Who can nominate a candidate?
Nominations are accepted from heads of academic and research institutions, Vice-Chancellors, Deans of universities, Fellows of Indian Academies of Science and Engineering, or past award recipients.
How should I submit the nomination?
You should send the nomination via email to the Director of PRL at DIRECTOR@PRL.RES.IN with the prescribed format and supporting documents.
Can past recipients apply again?
No, past recipients cannot be nominated again. The award is a one-time lifetime recognition.
What kind of research contributions qualify?
Any innovative and outstanding work that advances the field of science and technology is considered for the award.
Is there an age limit for applicants?
No, there is no specific age limit for this award.
Are non-resident Indians eligible?
No, the scheme is for scientists who are Indian citizens and they should be primarily working based in India.
When will the next nomination cycle be announced?
The last nomination window closed on 20 October 2021. As of 2026, PRL has not announced a new cycle. Check the official PRL website regularly for updates.
Is the award still active?
The award scheme exists but no fresh nomination cycle has been announced since 2021. It appears to be on hold or under revision. The India Science, Technology & Innovation portal also marks it as "Under Revision" updated till 2021.