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Central Government Scheme Ministry Of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare

ICAR Emeritus Scientist Scheme

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.

Ministry / Dept.
Ministry Of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare
Scheme Level
Central
Applicable In
All India (Central Scheme)
Category
Skills & Employment
How to Apply
Online
Apply on Official Portal

About the ICAR Emeritus Scientist Scheme Scheme

The "ICAR Emeritus Scientist" scheme is implemented by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare to utilize the services of outstanding superannuated scientists for completing nationally important research work and contributing to agricultural education and development. The scheme supports retired scientists in continuing ongoing research projects of national importance and participating in specialized teaching programmes. It also promotes the development of instructional materials and addresses policy issues related to agriculture and allied sciences. The scheme provides financial assistance in the form of honorarium, contingency grants, and support for research personnel. The appointment is granted for a fixed tenure of 3 years without extension.

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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 Criteria

  • 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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How to Apply for ICAR Emeritus Scientist Scheme

Application mode: 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 &amp;quot;Application for Emeritus Scientist Scheme – Name of Applicant – Contact Number&amp;quot; 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.

&gt; 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.

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Exclusions

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the ICAR Emeritus Scientist Scheme scheme?

The &amp;quot;ICAR Emeritus Scientist&amp;quot; scheme is implemented by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare to utilize the services of outstanding superannuated scientists for completing nationally important research w…

Who is eligible for ICAR Emeritus Scientist Scheme?

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…

What benefits does ICAR Emeritus Scientist Scheme provide?

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…

How can I apply for ICAR Emeritus Scientist Scheme?

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 resear…

Source: official scheme details published on the Government of India's myScheme portal. Always verify eligibility and deadlines on the official portal before applying. Scheme rules can change.

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