National Pension Scheme For Traders And Self Employed Persons 2026

This scheme helps outstanding retired scientists from the National Agriculture Research System (NARS) to continue their important Read More... research and teaching work, leveraging their expertise. Read less

Details

The Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) offers the Emeritus Scientist Scheme to tap into the rich experience and knowledge of retired professionals from the National Agriculture Research System (NARS).

What Is This Scheme?

This scheme provides a platform for highly experienced retired scientists to complete their ongoing research projects and contribute to teaching specialized courses. It aims to utilise their skills for nationally important research and to address policy issues. The scheme also encourages them to work in underprivileged regions, helping to reduce regional imbalances in agricultural development.

Who Can Benefit From This Scheme?

The scheme is designed for renowned retired scientists and teachers from NARS. This includes those from State Agricultural Universities, Deemed Universities, Central Agricultural Universities, Central Universities with agriculture facilities, and institutions funded by the Centre or States that are involved in agricultural research, education, human resource development, and extension.

Why This Scheme Is Important

The scheme is vital for ensuring that valuable research isn't left unfinished. It also helps in developing teaching materials, especially for distance education programmes, and in addressing critical agricultural challenges. By bringing back experienced minds, it ensures continuity in important scientific work and knowledge transfer.

Objective

This scheme helps outstanding retired scientists from the National Agriculture Research System (NARS) to continue their important research and teaching work, leveraging their expertise.

Benefits

Benefits to the family on the death of an eligible beneficiary:

During the receipt of a pension, if an eligible beneficiary dies, his spouse shall be only entitled to receive fifty percent of the pension received by such eligible beneficiary, as a family pension, and such family pension shall be applicable only to the spouse.

Benefits on disablement:

If an eligible beneficiary has given regular contributions and become permanently disabled due to any cause before attaining his age of 60 years, and is unable to continue to contribute under this Scheme, his spouse shall be entitled to continue with the Scheme subsequently by payment of regular contribution as applicable or exit the Scheme by receiving the share of contribution deposited by the such beneficiary, with interest as actually earned thereon by the Pension Fund or the interest at the savings bank interest rate thereon, whichever is higher.

Benefits on Leaving the Pension Scheme:

In case an eligible beneficiary exits this Scheme within a period of less than ten years from the date of joining the Scheme by him, then the share of contribution by him only will be returned to him with savings bank rate of interest payable thereon.

If an eligible beneficiary exits after completion of a period of ten years or more from the date of joining the Scheme by him but before his age of sixty years, then his share of contribution only shall be returned to him along with accumulated interest thereon as actually earned by the Pension Fund or the interest at the savings bank interest rate thereon, whichever is higher.

If an eligible beneficiary has given regular contributions and died due to any cause, his spouse shall be entitled to continue with the Scheme subsequently by payment of regular contribution as applicable or exit by receiving the share of contribution paid by such beneficiary along with accumulated interest, as actually earned thereon by the Pension Fund or at the savings bank interest rate thereon, whichever is higher

After the death of the beneficiary and his or her spouse, the corpus shall be credited back to the fund.

Sources and references

Guidelines

Eligibility Criteria

The applicant must be an outstanding retired scientist or teacher from the National Agriculture Research System (NARS).
They should have a strong record of published work and at least 5 years of teaching or training experience.
The total tenure under this scheme, including the work period, cannot extend beyond the age of 70 years.
Scientists retiring within the next 12 months can apply.
The maximum age limit for applying is 65 years. Preference is given to those retiring within one year of the notification date.
Applications are accepted based on vacancies announced by ICAR from time to time.

How To Apply

Eligible scientists or faculty members who are due to retire within the next 12 months can apply.
Prepare 15 copies of the application in the prescribed Proforma.
The application must be submitted through the executive authority of the institution where the scientist plans to carry out the research or teaching activities.
The application should be duly recommended with a justification by the proposed host institution.
Send the application package to the Deputy Director General (Education), ICAR.
Applications will only be considered if submitted within the specified period mentioned in the official notification.

Documents Required

Fifteen (15) copies of the application form in the prescribed Proforma.
The application must be submitted through the recommending authority of the institution where the scientist proposes to work. This ensures that the necessary facilities and support will be available.

FAQ’s

Who can apply for the ICAR Emeritus Scientist Scheme?

Outstanding retired scientists and teachers from the National Agriculture Research System (NARS) with at least 5 years of teaching/training experience and a good publication record can apply. Those retiring within the next 12 months are eligible, and the maximum application age is 65 years.

What is the maximum age limit for continuing work under the scheme?

Emeritus Scientists can work under this scheme until they reach the age of 70 years, or for a maximum of three years, whichever comes first.

How is the financial support structured for an Emeritus Scientist?

Emeritus Scientists receive a monthly honorarium of Rs. 50,000 in addition to their pension. They also get a contingent grant of Rs. 2,00,000 per annum for project expenses, and support for engaging one research fellow.

Can an Emeritus Scientist work on a completely new research project?

No, the scheme is primarily for completing work already in hand for its fruitful conclusion. While new programs in nationally important priority areas can be initiated, the focus is on continuing and concluding ongoing significant research.

Where can I find more information or the official notification?

For the latest notifications and official details, please visit the ICAR website. A relevant portal might be https://rlbs.icar.gov.in/. Keep checking for announcements regarding vacant slots.

What kind of institutional support is expected for an Emeritus Scientist?

The host institution where the Emeritus Scientist works is expected to provide necessary facilities, including office accommodation, laboratory access, library resources, and other essential support for the smooth running of the project.

Can an Emeritus Scientist draw salary from another job while on this scheme?

No, Emeritus Scientists must devote their whole time to the project for which financial assistance is provided. They cannot accept any other regular or part-time remunerative job during their tenure.

How is the travel allowance handled for official tours?

Travel expenses for tours within the country for data collection or attending scientific meetings are covered by the contingent grant. This includes economy class airfare and admissible DA. No separate TA/DA is provided.