Program brief
| Form of support | Cash together with goods or services |
|---|---|
| Level | Central |
| Run by | Ministry Of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Department of Agriculture Research and Education |
| Field | Skills & Employment |
| Started | 2016 |
| How to apply | Online |
Contents of this entry
Overview
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.
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.
Further facts from the listing
| Scheme type | Centrally Sponsored Scheme |
|---|---|
| Implementing agency | Indian Council Of Agricultural Research |
| Scheme for | Individual |
| DBT (direct bank transfer) | Yes |
Benefits
Honorarium:
- Rs. 50,000/- per month honorarium in addition to pension.
- Subject to provisions of the Income Tax Act.
Contingency Grant:
- Up to Rs. 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.
Eligibility
- Age
- Up to 65 years
- 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.
Who cannot apply
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The following details should be furnished with the application:
Application steps
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.
Questions and answers
What is the "ICAR Emeritus Scientist Scheme"?
The ICAR Emeritus Scientist Scheme supports outstanding retired scientists in continuing nationally important research, teaching, human resource development, and extension activities in agriculture and allied sciences.
Who implements this scheme?
The scheme is implemented by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare.
Who is eligible to apply under the scheme?
Scientists of repute at the level of Principal Scientist, Professor, or above from institutions under the National Agricultural Research System are eligible to apply.
What is the maximum age limit for applying?
The applicant must not be more than 65 years of age at the time of application.
Can a scientist apply before retirement?
Yes, a scientist who is due to retire within the next 12 months may apply under the scheme.
Can a retired scientist apply under the scheme?
Yes, a scientist who has superannuated within 1 year from the last working day of the notification month may apply.
What financial assistance is provided under the scheme?
The selected Emeritus Scientist receives an honorarium of Rs. 50,000/- per month along with contingency and research support grants.
Is a contingency grant available under the scheme?
Yes, a contingency grant of up to Rs. 2,00,000/- per annum may be provided to meet approved research-related expenses.
Can the contingency grant be used for travel?
Yes, the contingency grant may be used for approved domestic travel related to research work, scientific meetings, conferences, and review meetings.
Is support available for engaging research personnel?
Yes, financial assistance may be provided for engaging a Junior Research Fellow, Senior Research Fellow, or Research Associate for the approved project.
Can an Emeritus Scientist undertake another job during the tenure?
No, the Emeritus Scientist must devote full time to the approved project and cannot accept any regular or part-time remunerative employment during the tenure.
What is the duration of the appointment under the scheme?
The appointment is granted for a period of 3 years.
Can the tenure be extended after completion of 3 years?
No, no extension is granted beyond the approved tenure of 3 years.
Where should the application be submitted?
The application must be submitted through the Executive Authority of the concerned institution and emailed to the designated ICAR email address.
What happens if the Emeritus Scientist accepts another employment during the project period?
The project will be terminated from the date the Emeritus Scientist accepts another position or employment.
Official portal and guidelines
Applications are submitted only on the provider's own portal. jsrr.in does not accept forms, documents or fees.
Documents from the provider
- Guidelines icar.org.in, PDF
jsrr.in is an independent index, not a funding agency or a government body. The provider's official call is final: confirm every condition, amount and date there, and do not pay anyone who offers to apply for you.
This entry reproduces the official listing and has not yet been rewritten or reviewed by our team. Read the official call before you apply.
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