Rashtriya Vigyan Puraskar
Rashtriya Vigyan Puraskar 2026 is the latest cycle of the government's annual recognition for outstanding scientists, technologists, and innovators. The nominations for this year were open from March 28 to May 11, 2026, through the official awards portal at awards.gov.in.
A new addition this year is the research grant of up to ₹50 lakh for three years under the Vigyan Yuva-Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar category, giving young scientists additional support for their promising work.
The scheme also accepts self-nominations alongside institutional ones, making it easier for individuals to put forward their own achievements. All nominations go through a review panel before the final selection is made by the Minister of Science and Technology.
The awards are given in four distinct categories, each honoring a specific kind of excellence in science and technology.
About Rashtriya Vigyan Puraskar
Rashtriya Vigyan Puraskar is a national scheme that honors the contributions of scientists, technologists, and innovators across India. The scheme gives formal recognition to those who drive progress through new research and discovery, offering them a significant platform for professional acknowledgment.
The awards are announced on National Technology Day (11th May) and presented during the National Space Day ceremony on 23rd August. The President or Vice President of India presents the awards at Vigyan Bhawan in New Delhi.
Awards for posthumous recipients are received by the next of kin, and the award is still considered officially conferred even if a winner cannot attend the ceremony.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Scheme Name | Rashtriya Vigyan Puraskar |
| Launched By | Government of India |
| Ministry | Ministry of Science and Technology |
| Beneficiaries | Scientists, technologists, and innovators of Indian origin |
| Benefit Type | Certificate, medallion, and research grant up to ₹50 lakh for Vigyan Yuva |
| Application Mode | Online at awards.gov.in/Login |
| 2026 Nomination Dates | March 28 to May 11, 2026 |
| Official Website | awards.gov.in |
Categories and Award Limits
The awards are divided into four distinct categories to ensure specific excellence is honored across different areas of science and technology.
| Award Name | Focus Area | Max Awards |
|---|---|---|
| Vigyan Ratna | Lifetime achievement and sustained contributions | 3 |
| Vigyan Shri | Distinguished service in any scientific field | 25 |
| Vigyan Yuva - Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar | Exceptional contributions by young scientists up to 45 years | 25 |
| Vigyan Team | Collaborative excellence by three or more researchers | 3 |
The Vigyan Yuva - Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar award comes with a research grant of up to ₹50 lakh for a period of three years, in addition to the certificate and medallion.
Eligibility
This scheme is open to scientists, technologists, and innovators of Indian origin working in any organization, provided they have demonstrated new research or technology-led innovation. Your contributions should impact society positively or result in highly innovative technological developments.
The award covers achievements across 13 diverse domains, including:
- Physics
- Chemistry
- Biological Sciences
- Mathematics and Computer Science
- Earth Science
- Medicine
- Engineering Sciences
- Agricultural Science
- Environmental Science
- Technology and Innovation
- Atomic Energy
- Space Science and Technology
- Others
Both individuals and teams of three or more researchers can be nominated. Self-nominations are also accepted for this cycle.
Benefits
Selected individuals receive a Sanad (certificate) signed by the President of India alongside a medallion. A commemorative brochure featuring the awardee's photograph and citation is also distributed during the ceremony.
The Vigyan Yuva - Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar award now includes a research grant of up to ₹50 lakh for three years. In case of a posthumous award, the next of kin receives the decoration on behalf of the awardee.
Application Process
STEP 1 - Visit the official awards portal at awards.gov.in/Login and click on the registration link. Fill in your Aadhaar number, contact details, and professional information to create your account.
STEP 2 - Once registered, log in and select the relevant category for Rashtriya Vigyan Puraskar 2026. Click on the Nominate button and fill out the application form with all necessary project details and supporting evidence.
STEP 3 - Upload all required documents including your CV, research papers, patents, and the nomination form. Make sure all details are accurate before clicking submit.
STEP 4 - After submission, you will receive a confirmation. The nominations are reviewed by a 17-member panel headed by the Principal Scientific Advisor, and the Minister of Science and Technology makes the final selection.
Required Documents
You should prepare the following documents before starting your application:
- A standardized Nomination Form.
- Your updated Curriculum Vitae (CV).
- A comprehensive overview of your scientific contributions.
- Supporting evidence such as research papers, patents, and professional testimonials.
- Valid Aadhaar card as proof of identity.
- A recent professional photograph.
Contact Details
For any queries, reach out to the Nodal Officer, Rashtriya Vigyan Puraskar, CSIR-HRDG, Library Avenue, Pusa, New Delhi - 110 012. The email address is rvp.hrdg@csir.res.in and the helpline numbers are +91-11-26562122/25/33/44.
FAQ's
What is Rashtriya Vigyan Puraskar?
Rashtriya Vigyan Puraskar is the nation's premier recognition for outstanding scientific and technological achievements, given annually by the Government of India.
Who manages this award?
The Ministry of Science and Technology, Government of India, facilitates the selection and award process, with CSIR-HRDG handling the secretariat work.
Which domains are covered by this scheme?
The scheme recognizes excellence across 13 domains, including Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, Space Science, and Engineering Sciences, among others.
Who can participate in this process?
Eligibility is open to scientists, researchers, and innovators of Indian origin who have made new contributions in their respective fields. Persons of Indian origin working abroad are also eligible.
Does this scheme require Indian citizenship?
Yes, this award is restricted to Indian citizens and those of Indian origin whose work directly benefits Indian society.
What is the recommended method to submit a nomination?
You should use the official awards portal to submit your nomination electronically following the structured guidelines.
Is the award ceremony accessible to everyone?
The ceremony is a formal event attended by distinguished guests and scientists. Regular updates are provided through official media channels.
How does this award foster a better research environment?
By celebrating high-level achievements, this scheme creates a culture of excellence and motivates the scientific community to push boundaries.
What are the four categories of the award?
The four categories are Vigyan Ratna for lifetime achievement, Vigyan Shri for distinguished contributions, Vigyan Yuva for young scientists, and Vigyan Team for collaborative research groups.
What is the new benefit added to the Vigyan Yuva category?
The Vigyan Yuva - Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar award now includes a research grant of up to ₹50 lakh for a period of three years, in addition to the certificate and medallion.
What are the nomination dates for RVP 2026?
The nominations for RVP 2026 were open from March 28 to May 11, 2026. The next cycle dates will be announced on the official portal.