Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF) runs the National Science Chair - Science Leadership scheme to recognise senior resident Indian scientists who have superannuated but still want to lead research work in STEM and medicine fields. Selected scientists get a monthly fellowship of ₹1.5 lakh along with a research grant of ₹5 lakh every year. Nominations for this scheme are invited through the ANRF online portal whenever new calls are announced, so interested scientists should keep an eye on the official website.
Earlier this scheme was known as SERB National Science Chair and was handled by the Science and Engineering Research Board. From 2026 onwards, all processes, nominations and funding for the National Science Chair scheme are managed by Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF). Nominations are accepted only in online mode through the ANRF portal at anrfonline.in.
National Science Chair- Science Leadership - Introduction
National Science Chair - Science Leadership recognises active eminent senior resident Indian superannuated scientists for their outstanding contributions both nationally and internationally in the areas of Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics (STEM) and Medicine. By doing so, it promotes excellence and consistent growth in research and development across the country.
The scheme works in two modes. Mode-1 is called Scientific Excellence, where superannuated scientists who are still active in research get support to continue their work. Mode-2 is called Science Leadership, which recognises thought leadership shown by the scientist during the most active part of their professional life and in recent years. As an awardee, the scientist should be an active researcher with a tangible impact on the field and a strong international reputation.
The National Science Chair Advisory Committee (NSCAC) looks after the development of these chairs, reviews progress and makes sure the quality of research outcomes stays high. The award is given for an initial period of 3 years, with a possible extension of 2 years based on performance. The selected scientist has to join the host institution within 3 months of receiving the offer letter.
The number of positions is limited. Mode-1 is restricted to 30 positions, while Mode-2 has a maximum of 5 positions in total. Calls for nomination are not announced on a fixed schedule and are made from time to time based on vacancies available every year.
Key Information
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Scheme Name | National Science Chair- Science Leadership |
| Level | Central |
| Scheme For | Individual |
| Beneficiary States | All |
| Nodal Ministry | Ministry of Science and Technology |
| Nodal Department | Department of Science and Technology |
| Implementing Agency | Anusandhan National Research Foundation, Government of India |
| Official Website | anrfonline.in |
Benefits
This scheme gives full financial support so that the research work of senior scientists continues smoothly. The benefits under the Science Leadership mode are given below:
| Category | Amount |
|---|---|
| Monthly Fellowship | ₹1.5 Lakhs per month |
| Research Grant | ₹5 Lakhs per annum |
| Overhead for Host Institution | ₹1.0 Lakh per annum |
The research grant can be used for research manpower, equipment, travel and other contingency expenses as per the norms of the host institution. Equipment purchased with the contingency fund remains the property of the host institute after the tenure ends, although certain government exceptions may apply. Scientists selected under Mode-1 (Scientific Excellence) get a higher research grant of ₹25 lakhs per annum, while the monthly fellowship and overhead stay the same for both modes.
Eligibility
To be considered for this leadership recognition, the nominee should meet the following conditions:
1. The nominee should be a distinguished resident Indian scientist or academician with a proven track record in STEM or Medicine, especially over the last 10 years.
2. The nominee should hold recognition as a Science Leader, shown by fellowships in prestigious academies or national and international S&T awards.
3. The nominee should be affiliated with an academic institution or R&D lab, or should provide consent from the future host institution.
Important: The nominee should not hold administrative roles or receive any other salary, fellowship or honorarium from any other organisation at the time of accepting this award. For example, if a scientist is already receiving a research chair salary from a private university, that position needs to be given up before accepting this award. Scientists above 65 years who have superannuated are eligible, and those who have up to six months of service left to reach the age of 65 after the closing date of nomination can also be nominated.
Application Process
The nomination process is done online through the official ANRF portal at anrfonline.in. Calls are announced only when vacancies are available, so they are not periodic in nature. Nominations are submitted by current or former Presidents of national science academies, Directors of premier institutes like IISc and IITs, Vice-Chancellors, members of Scientific Advisory Councils, members of ANRF governing bodies and Secretaries to the Government of India.
STEP 1 - Register on the ANRF online portal at anrfonline.in.
STEP 2 - After login, update the user profile with photograph, institutional details and contact information.
STEP 3 - Under the form submission section, select the 'National Science Chair' scheme and fill all required sections including research indices, publication history and patent details.
STEP 4 - Upload the research proposal (maximum 5 pages) as a single PDF file. This is needed for Mode-1 nominations.
STEP 5 - Click 'Send to Nominator' so that the nominator can review the form and submit it to ANRF.
STEP 6 - After final submission, both the nominee and the nominator receive confirmation of a successful application.
Documents
Keep a digital or physical copy of the following documents ready for the nomination:
- Research proposal with introduction, objective, methodology, budget and expected outcome (up to 5 pages, for Mode-1 nominations only)
- Certificate from the nominee in the prescribed format
- Endorsement certificate from the head of the host institution
- Recent passport size photograph, educational certificates and complete bio-data
- Evidence of publications, awards and patents
The certificate from the nominee and the endorsement certificate from the head of the institution can be downloaded in the official template format from the ANRF portal.
Contact Details
For any help regarding the National Science Chair scheme, the ANRF office can be contacted. The Program Officer is Dr. Magesh Kumar K.K (Scientist 'E') at Anusandhan National Research Foundation, 3rd and 4th Floor, Block II, Technology Bhavan, New Mehrauli Road, New Delhi-110016. Office phone numbers are 011-26511044 and 26552117. The Program Director Dr. A.V. Balachandar (Scientist-F) can be reached at 011-26511091 and 26552236.
References
Official Website - National Science Chair
SERB Awards and Fellowships Page
Certificate from Nominee Template
Endorsement Certificate Template
FAQ's
What is the mode to submit my nomination for National Science Chair Award?
Nominations are accepted only in online mode through the ANRF online portal at anrfonline.in.
What are the eligibility criteria for applying?
The nominee needs to be a distinguished resident Indian scientist in STEM or medicine with international recognition and no other ongoing salary or fellowship commitments.
I am older than 65 and work abroad. Can I apply?
Yes, the nominee can apply after resigning from the foreign position and providing a No Objection Certificate from that institution.
Can I hold this fellowship alongside other grants?
Another fellowship cannot be held during the tenure of this award. But additional research funding can be sought from other agencies, as long as it is not in the form of salary or honorarium.
Can I apply for both modes of the scheme at the same time?
No. A nomination for both Mode-1 and Mode-2 at the same time is not possible. If the nomination is not accepted, the scientist can apply under any other programme in the next call as long as the eligibility conditions are met.
Will I receive notification of my selection?
Yes, notification usually comes four to six weeks after the selection committee meeting.
Are the grants received taxable?
Yes, any funds received under this award are subject to income tax according to current government rules.