Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana 2026

This scheme aims to honor distinguished retired Indian scientists for their significant national and international achievements in Read More... Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics (STEM), and Medicine, fostering R&D excellence. Read less

Details

India's research and development landscape is vibrant, with many senior scientists contributing immensely even after retirement. Recognizing this, the Science and Engineering Research Board (SERB) offers the National Science Chair (NSC) scheme. Specifically, the 'Science Leadership' mode celebrates outstanding Indian superannuated scientists for their intellectual contributions and leadership in their fields.

What Is This Scheme?

The National Science Chair: Scientific Excellence & Science Leadership scheme, managed by SERB, aims to honour eminent retired Indian scientists. The Science Leadership mode focuses on individuals who have demonstrated thought leadership throughout their active careers, impacting R&D and policy. These scientists are expected to be active researchers with a proven international reputation as R&D leaders, mentors, and innovators.

Who Can Benefit From This Scheme?

This prestigious award is for distinguished resident Indian scientists and academicians with a strong track record in Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics (STEM), and Medicine. Beneficiaries are typically those who have gained national and international recognition for their work, possibly through fellowships in prestigious academies or S&T awards. They should be leaders in their field, capable of mentoring young researchers and driving R&D forward.

Why This Scheme Is Important

The National Science Chair scheme plays a crucial role in acknowledging and rewarding the lifelong contributions of seasoned Indian scientists. By supporting them with fellowships and research grants, it encourages continued engagement in research, mentorship, and the advancement of scientific knowledge. This recognition not only benefits the individual scientists but also inspires younger generations and strengthens India's R&D ecosystem.

Objective

This scheme aims to honor distinguished retired Indian scientists for their significant national and international achievements in Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics (STEM), and Medicine, fostering R&D excellence.

Benefits

On Death- the Nominee shall get Rs. 2 Lakhs.

Total and irrecoverable loss of both eyes or loss of use of both hands or feet or loss of sight of one eye and loss of use of hand or foot- Subscriber shall get Rs. 2 Lakhs.

Total and irrecoverable loss of sight of one eye or loss of use of one hand or foot –subscriber shall get Rs. 1 Lakh.

Sources and references

Scheme Guidelines

Eligibility Criteria

To be considered for the National Science Chair award under the Science Leadership mode, nominees must meet the following criteria:

Distinguished Scientist: The nominee must be a distinguished resident Indian scientist or academician with expertise in one or more STEM or Medicine fields, especially showing significant contributions in the last 10 years.
Science Leader: They should be recognized as a science leader, acknowledged by national or international scientific bodies, such as being a fellow of prestigious academies or recipient of S&T awards.
Affiliation: The nominee can be affiliated with an academic institution or R&D lab. Alternatively, they must have secured consent from a future host institution for their work.
No Administrative Roles: Nominees should not hold any administrative positions.
No Other Emoluments: At the time of receiving the NSC award, the nominee should not be receiving any honorarium, fellowship, or salary from any other institute or organization.

Assessment Criteria:

The National Science Chair Advisory Committee (NSCAC) will assess nominations based on:

Outstanding research track record and international standing in their field.
The quality and originality of the proposed research plan.
Their proven ability to mentor young researchers and promote S&T talent in India.

How To Apply

Nominations for the National Science Chair award are accepted only through the online portal of the Science and Engineering Research Board (SERB).

Visit the SERB online portal at www.serbonline.in.
Follow the instructions to submit your nomination online.
Ensure all required documents are uploaded correctly.

Selected candidates are typically informed by SERB. Upon selection, the awardee must join their host institution within six months from the offer letter date.

Documents Required

Recent Passport Size Photograph
Educational Certificates
Candidate's Bio-data
List of Publications, Awards, and Patents
Endorsement Letter from the Head of the Host Institute
Certificate from the Nominee
Any other document as required by the board

FAQ’s

How can I submit my application for the National Science Chair award?

All nominations for the National Science Chair award must be submitted online via the official SERB online portal, which is www.serbonline.in.

What scientific fields are covered by this award?

The National Science Chair award is open to researchers working in Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics (STEM), and Medicine.

Can I apply for both Mode-I and Mode-II of the National Science Chair scheme simultaneously if I meet the requirements?

No, you cannot apply for both Mode-I and Mode-II at the same time. However, if your nomination isn't accepted, you can apply for other programs in subsequent calls, provided you meet their respective eligibility criteria.

Who makes the final decision on award nominations?

The final decision is based on the recommendations of the National Science Chair Advisory Committee (NSCAC), a high-level committee comprising eminent S&T experts. SERB relies on these recommendations for selection.

I am an Indian citizen working as a Professor abroad for the last 5 years, and I am over 65. Am I eligible to apply?

Yes, you can apply. However, you will need to resign from your position at the foreign institution and obtain a No Objection Certificate from them to be eligible for the NSC Award.

What happens after my nomination is selected?

SERB will send an award letter to both you and your host institution. You must join the chair within six months of receiving the offer letter. Once you join, your host institute will send your acceptance and joining details to SERB to process the Sanction Order for the award, which will include your start date.

Can I receive other fellowships while holding the National Science Chair award?

No, you cannot receive any other fellowship during the tenure of the NSC award. You are permitted to seek additional research funds, but not additional fellowships or salary. If you wish to switch to another fellowship, you must first submit a surrender certificate, final expenditure reports, and other required documents to SERB.

Is it possible to delay starting the award after the Sanction Order is issued?

No, you cannot delay the implementation date after the Sanction Order has been issued. Your joining date at the institute will be considered the official start date for the fellowship.

Will my host institution receive any extra funds for the expenses related to my research stay?

Yes, the host institution will receive overhead charges of ₹1,00,000 per annum. There are no provisions for additional funds beyond this.

Are the grants received under the National Science Chair award taxable?

Yes, the grants received under the National Science Chair award are taxable according to the Income Tax rules.

Can I conduct my research across two academic institutions simultaneously?

It is strongly recommended to have only one host institution for managing funds and accounts. However, you are welcome to collaborate with other institutes or organizations on your research.

What are the key factors considered when selecting an awardee?

The most critical factor is the individual nominee's track record and leadership qualities. For detailed information, please refer to the eligibility and assessment criteria sections provided.

Will I be informed if my nomination is unsuccessful?

Notifications regarding selection are typically sent out about four to six weeks after the selection committee meeting. We cannot provide personalized updates before this period to ensure the process remains efficient.

Is it possible to appeal the decision if my nomination is not recommended?

Yes, you can appeal. However, any decision on such appeals will be made only after thorough discussion and deliberation during a subsequent NSCAC meeting.