Indian Council of Agricultural Research has released the revised notification for ICAR Emeritus Scientist Scheme 2026, inviting applications from superannuated and about-to-retire senior scientists working in agriculture and allied sciences. For this cycle, 25 Emeritus Scientist slots are being filled up across the National Agricultural Research and Education System (NARES).
Under this scheme, selected retired scientists get a monthly honorarium of ₹50,000 along with a yearly contingent grant of ₹2,00,000 to continue their research work or teach specialised courses. Appointment tenure is three years or till the age of 70, whichever comes first. Applications for the 2026 batch had to reach ADG (HRD), ICAR by 30 March 2026, and the selection process is currently underway.
ICAR Emeritus Scientist Scheme 2026
ICAR Emeritus Scientist Scheme is run by Indian Council of Agricultural Research under Department of Agricultural Research and Education (DARE), Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare. Its main aim is to use the knowledge and skill bank of retired senior scientists so that important research already in progress can be completed, and new work in priority areas can be started.
Scheme also supports outstanding retired teachers who can help develop modern teaching material, deliver specialised lectures and prepare distance education modules for agricultural universities. This way, expertise built over decades does not go to waste after retirement.
Scheme covers all fields under agriculture and allied sciences, which includes agriculture, veterinary science, animal husbandry, fisheries, home science and dairy technology. It is a central sector scheme, and eligible people from every state and Union Territory can apply through the executive authority of the host institution.
Key Highlights of ICAR Emeritus Scientist Scheme
Following table gives a quick view of the main details of this scheme for 2026 applicants and host institutions to check at one glance.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Scheme Name | ICAR Emeritus Scientist Scheme |
| Run By | Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) |
| Ministry | Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare |
| Eligible People | Superannuated / about-to-retire senior scientists and professors from NARES |
| Slots for 2026 | 25 Emeritus Scientist positions |
| Honorarium | ₹50,000 per month (over and above pension) |
| Contingent Grant | ₹2,00,000 per year |
| Tenure | 3 years or till age 70, whichever is earlier |
| Last Date (2026 cycle) | 30 March 2026 |
| Application Mode | Through host institution, forwarded to ADG (HRD), ICAR by email |
| Official Website | education.icar.gov.in / icar.org.in |
How to Apply for ICAR Emeritus Scientist Scheme 2026
Application has to be routed through the executive authority of the institution where you plan to carry out the proposed research or teaching work. Direct applications from individuals are not accepted. Steps to apply are given below.
STEP 1 - Download the prescribed application format (Proforma) from the ICAR website at icar.org.in or education.icar.gov.in. Read the revised 2026 notification carefully to understand the eligibility conditions and the areas of research where proposals are being invited.
STEP 2 - Prepare your detailed research proposal or teaching plan in the prescribed format. Attach your list of publications, awards, past research projects handled and a short justification on how the proposed work matches national priority areas of ICAR.
STEP 3 - Submit the filled application to the executive authority (Director / Vice Chancellor) of the host institution where you want to work. The institution has to formally recommend your proposal with proper justification and forward it further.
STEP 4 - Host institution forwards the recommended application by email to ADG (HRD), ICAR at adg.hrd.applications@gmail.com. Subject line of the mail should read: Application for Emeritus Scientist Scheme, Name of Applicant and Contact Number.
STEP 5 - Application then goes through screening by the concerned Subject Matter Division, followed by review by the Selection Committee. Shortlisted candidates are informed by ICAR, and the appointment order is issued after final approval.
Eligibility for ICAR Emeritus Scientist Scheme
This scheme is meant only for senior-level retired or about-to-retire scientists and teachers of high repute. Basic eligibility conditions for the 2026 cycle are as follows.
- You should be a superannuated or superannuating scientist / teacher from NARES at the level of Principal Scientist / Professor or above.
- You should have superannuated before 28 February 2026, or you should be retiring within one year from that date, to be considered under the 2026 notification.
- You should have a strong record of published research work, patents, technologies, or teaching contributions in agriculture and allied sciences.
- Maximum age for applying is 65 years, and you can work as Emeritus Scientist up to the age of 70 years or a total tenure of 3 years, whichever comes first.
Benefits Under ICAR Emeritus Scientist Scheme
Selected Emeritus Scientists get a good support package so that they can focus fully on the research or teaching work without money worries. Main benefits given under the scheme are explained below.
| Benefit | Details |
|---|---|
| Monthly Honorarium | ₹50,000 per month, paid over and above the regular pension |
| Contingent Grant | ₹2,00,000 per year for chemicals, glassware, books, stationery and approved domestic travel |
| Research Support Staff | Grant for one Junior Research Fellow (JRF) / Senior Research Fellow (SRF) / Research Associate (RA) |
| Institutional Facilities | Office space, laboratory access, library and other basic facilities from the host institution |
| Tenure | Fixed 3-year tenure, with annual review by a Standing Committee |
Contingent grant is not released in one go. It is given on the basis of actual requirement and use in the previous year, so the scientist has to submit a proper utilisation statement each year.
Documents Required for Application
You need to keep some documents ready before filling the application form. Papers required for ICAR Emeritus Scientist Scheme 2026 application are listed below.
- Filled application in the prescribed Proforma along with your detailed research or teaching proposal.
- Formal recommendation and justification letter from the executive authority of the proposed host institution.
- Proof of publications, patents, awards and past major research projects that support your candidature.
- Retirement/superannuation proof or date of superannuation certificate from the parent institution.
Important Terms and Conditions
An Emeritus Scientist has to devote full time to the sanctioned project and cannot take up any other paid job or private consultancy during the tenure. Contingent grant can be used only for essential research needs like chemicals, glassware, books, stationery and approved travel within India, and not for personal expenses.
Host institution provides office space, laboratory, library and other basic facilities so that the work moves smoothly. Work of the Emeritus Scientist is reviewed every year by a Standing Committee, and the tenure can be discontinued if performance is not found satisfactory. Scheme also does not support brand new, unrelated projects. The idea is to complete ongoing nationally important research or take up work in priority areas identified by ICAR.
Official Website and Contact
All notifications, guidelines and application format for ICAR Emeritus Scientist Scheme are available on the official ICAR website at icar.org.in and the education portal at education.icar.gov.in. The apply portal and details of the scheme are also hosted at rlbs.icar.gov.in.
For any query related to the 2026 cycle, applicants can write to ADG (HRD), ICAR at adg.hrd.applications@gmail.com. Detailed rules can be checked in the official scheme guidelines.
FAQ's
Who is eligible for ICAR Emeritus Scientist Scheme 2026?
Superannuated or about-to-retire scientists and teachers from NARES at the level of Principal Scientist / Professor and above, who have retired before 28 February 2026 or are retiring within one year of that date, are eligible for the 2026 cycle.
What is the last date to apply for ICAR Emeritus Scientist 2026?
Last date to apply for the 2026 batch was 30 March 2026. Applications had to be sent by the host institution to ADG (HRD), ICAR by email.
How much honorarium does an ICAR Emeritus Scientist get?
Selected scientists get a monthly honorarium of ₹50,000, which is paid over and above their pension. A yearly contingent grant of ₹2,00,000 is also provided for research expenses.
How many slots are available in ICAR Emeritus Scientist Scheme 2026?
As per the revised 2026 notification, 25 Emeritus Scientist slots are to be filled up under this scheme across the NARES system.
What is the maximum age to apply and to work as ICAR Emeritus Scientist?
Maximum age for applying is 65 years. A selected scientist can work as Emeritus Scientist up to the age of 70 years or for a maximum tenure of 3 years, whichever comes first.
Where can I download the ICAR Emeritus Scientist application form?
Application Proforma and the latest notification can be downloaded from the ICAR website at icar.org.in and the education portal at education.icar.gov.in.
Can I apply for ICAR Emeritus Scientist Scheme directly?
No, direct applications from individuals are not accepted. Your application has to be forwarded by the executive authority of the host institution where you plan to carry out the research or teaching work.