ICAR Emeritus Scientist Scheme
State: Central
Ministry: Ministry Of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare
Department: Department of Agriculture Research and Education
Category: Skills & Employment
Beneficiary Type: Individual

The scheme aims to utilize the expertise of outstanding superannuated scientists of the National Agricultural Research System by supporting nationally important research, teaching, human resource development, and extension activities through honorarium and research grants.

Benefits:
> **Honorarium:**

- ₹50,000/- per month honorarium in addition to pension.
- Subject to provisions of the Income Tax Act.

> **Contingency Grant:**

- Up to ₹2,00,000/- per annum per scientist.
- Used for chemicals, glassware, books, stationery, laboratory assistance, and ministerial help.
- May be enhanced with approval based on the nature of research work.
- Can be used for domestic travel related to research, data collection, scientific meetings, conferences, and ICAR review meetings.
- Includes economy-class airfare, eligible daily allowance, and road mileage within India.

> **Research Personnel Support:**

- Financial assistance for engagement of:
- Junior Research Fellow (JRF)
- Senior Research Fellow (SRF)
- Research Associate (RA)
- Appointment remains valid until completion of the project.

> **Leave Benefits:**

- 1 month leave with honorarium for each completed year of tenure.
- Leave on a pro-rata basis for any fraction of a year.
- Up to 3 months leave without honorarium may be granted on health grounds with a medical certificate.

> **Research and Academic Support:**

- Opportunity to complete ongoing nationally important research.
- Opportunity to teach specialized courses in universities and institutions.
- Opportunity to develop instructional and multimedia educational materials.

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Eligibility:
- The applicant must be a scientist of repute from the National Agricultural Research System (NARS).
  - The applicant must hold or have held the position of Principal Scientist, Professor, or above in an eligible institution.
  - The applicant must be retiring within the next 12 months or must have retired within 1 year from the last working day of the notification month.
  - The applicant must not be more than 65 years of age at the time of application.
  - The applicant must have at least 5 research papers published in refereed journals during the last 5 years, or must have received a national/international award or recognition.
  - In the case of teachers, the applicant must have received a teaching excellence award or appreciation for outstanding teaching performance.
  - The applicant must submit a project of national importance that is a continuation of his/her previous work.
  - The applicant must demonstrate that an equally competent regular scientist is not available in the institution to undertake the proposed work.
  - The applicant must be willing to devote full time to the approved project and must not accept any other remunerative employment during the tenure.
  - The applicant must not receive financial assistance for the same work from any other source while availing benefits under this scheme.

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Application Process:
[Online]
Step 1: Obtain and fill out the prescribed application proforma for the ICAR Emeritus Scientist Scheme.
Step 2: Prepare the project proposal and attach all required supporting documents.
Step 3: Submit the completed application to the Executive Authority of the institution where the proposed research, teaching, human resource development, or extension work will be carried out.
Step 4: Obtain recommendation and justification from the Executive Authority. Only applications forwarded through the Executive Authority will be considered.
Step 5: Email the duly recommended application to adg.hrd.applications@gmail.com.
Step 6: Mention "Application for Emeritus Scientist Scheme – Name of Applicant – Contact Number" in the subject line of the email.
Step 7: Ensure that the application is submitted on or before 30 March 2026.
Step 8: The submitted application will be scrutinised and considered for selection as per the scheme guidelines.
Procedure of Selection:The applications received will be referred to the concerned Subject Matter Division of ICAR and to a  specialist in the discipline of the applicant for comments.  The applications along with these comments will be placed before the Selection cum Standing Committee. 
Following criteria will be  taken into  consideration  for the selection  of an Emeritus Scientist: 
The scientist should have a minimum of 5 research papers in refereed journals in the last five years or should have received a national/ international level award/recognition or in case of teachers must have received national/university level awards for excellence in teaching or have received a letter of appreciation for excellence in teaching based on alumni feedback.
The project proposal is of national importance and other equally competent regular scientists are not available in the institute to carry out the proposed work. 
The project proposal is in continuation of his/her work.

Documents Required:
The following details should be furnished with the application:
Date of superannuation/likely superannuation
Post from which superannuated/likely to superannuate
Last salary drawn/to be drawn
Employment record from the date occupying Professor/Principal Scientist or equivalent position
(Total Years)
Special assignments/international exposures /Trainings under gone:
Major scientific achievements:
Best ten Research publication of the career along with their NAAS ratings (6 & above):
Brief account of teaching and research done during the preceding 5 years:
Research Publications for the last five years along with their NAAS ratings:
Honours/Awards/Recognitions received:
Transferable technologies developed:
Success stories, if any