Pravasi Bharatiya Bima Yojana 2026

This scheme by ICAR aims to foster top-tier agricultural research by recognizing and supporting outstanding scientists and Read More... fostering new schools of thought within the National Agricultural Research System (NARS). Read less

Details

The Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) offers prestigious positions for its National Professor and National Fellow schemes. These initiatives are designed to elevate agricultural research and education in India by identifying and empowering leading scientists.

What Are the ICAR National Professor and National Fellow Schemes?

The ICAR National Professor scheme aims to promote research excellence by identifying accomplished scientists. It focuses on creating an environment for fundamental research and nurturing innovative thinking around these recognized individuals. The ICAR National Fellow scheme, on the other hand, seeks to acknowledge meritorious contributions of agricultural scientists and teachers, facilitating their ongoing research and related activities.

Who Can Benefit?

These schemes are specifically for experienced and accomplished scientists working within the National Agricultural Research System (NARS) or equivalent agricultural research and education institutions in India. They are meant for individuals who have a proven track record of significant research output and a desire to contribute further to the advancement of agricultural science.

Why These Schemes Matter

By offering these prestigious positions, ICAR encourages scientists to dedicate themselves fully to cutting-edge research. The schemes provide financial support, recognition, and an environment conducive to developing new ideas and methodologies, ultimately contributing to the growth and modernization of Indian agriculture.

Objective

This scheme by ICAR aims to foster top-tier agricultural research by recognizing and supporting outstanding scientists and fostering new schools of thought within the National Agricultural Research System (NARS).

Benefits

The Insured person shall be covered for a sum of ₹10 Lakh in the event of accidental death or permanent disability leading to loss of employment while in employment abroad, irrespective of change of employer/location of insured person.

Certification of accidental death or permanent disability by Indian Missions and Posts abroad shall be accepted by the insurance companies.

Medical insurance cover including injuries / sickness / ailment / diseases available up to ₹1,00,000/- (up to ₹50,000 per hospitalization).

Repatriation cover for medically unfit/premature termination of employment: Actual one-way economy class air fare to the nearest international airport in India.

Family Hospitalization in India is available up to ₹50,000/- for Spouse and first two children up to 21 years of age.

Maternity expenses benefit to women emigrants available up to ₹50,000/-.

Reimbursement of return economy class air fare to the nearest international airport to one attendant in case of emigrant’s accidental death or permanent disability.

Legal expenses on litigation related to emigrant’s overseas employment admissible up to ₹45,000/-.

Provision for online renewal of PBBY policy.

Sources and references

Guidelines

Who Can Apply

For ICAR National Professor:

Must be an Indian national.
Should be holding a position as Professor/Principal Scientist or equivalent for at least 8 years.
Age should not be more than 60 years as on the specified date.
Nominations must come from sponsoring institutions, including a detailed research project proposal.
The sponsoring institution must agree to the scheme's service conditions and provide necessary facilities and support.
The nominee must have demonstrated significant contributions through publications in high-impact journals, product/process/methodology development, released varieties/breeds/stocks, or patents.

For ICAR National Fellow:

Must be a Professor/Principal Scientist/Associate Professor/Senior Scientist or in an equivalent position.
Age should not be more than 52 years on the specified date.
Must possess a Ph.D. degree.
Should have at least 10 years of academic/research experience, with a minimum of 3 years in the rank of Senior Scientist or equivalent.
Must have made significant contributions evidenced by publications in NAAS rated journals, developed products/processes/methodologies, released varieties/breeds/stocks, or obtained patents.

How to Apply

Applications are typically invited through nominations from sponsoring institutions. The process involves submitting a detailed research project proposal in the prescribed format. For specific application details and the official portal, please refer to the links provided by the ICAR.

Official Application Link:

https://rlbs.icar.gov.in/

What Documents You Need

When applying or being nominated, you will likely need the following documents:

Academic Qualification certificates/documents.
Employment Record certificate/document.
Research Experience certificate/document.
Teaching Experience - Courses Taught certificate/document.
Awards & Recognitions certificates/documents.
Fellowship of National/International Academies certificates/documents.
A duly signed No Objection Certificate (NOC) is mandatory for individuals currently in service.
Completed Application Form.

FAQ’s

What is the maximum age limit for candidates applying for the National Professor and National Fellow positions?

For the National Professor position, the maximum age limit is 60 years. For the National Fellow position, the maximum age limit is 52 years.

Can someone who is currently employed apply for these positions?

Yes, if you are currently employed, you can apply. However, a No Objection Certificate (NOC) duly signed by your employer is a mandatory document for your application.

What kind of research contributions are considered for the National Fellow eligibility?

For National Fellow eligibility, significant contributions are measured by published work in NAAS rated journals, development of products, processes, or methodologies, release of varieties/breeds/stocks, and patents or other intellectual property protections. Publications in conference proceedings or abstracts are not considered.

What is the tenure for an ICAR National Professor or National Fellow?

Both positions are tenurial. The initial tenure is five years. For National Professors, it can be extended for one or more five-year terms based on performance, but not beyond 65 years of age. National Fellows can get a second five-year term and, in cases of exceptionally good contributions, a third and final five-year term or until superannuation, whichever is earlier.

What is the website where I can find more information or apply?

You can find more information and access the application portal at the official ICAR website: https://rlbs.icar.gov.in/.

What are the minimum experience requirements for a National Professor?

To be eligible for the National Professor position, you must have occupied positions like Professor or Principal Scientist, or equivalent, for at least 8 years.

What is the pay scale for an ICAR National Fellow?

An ICAR National Fellow is appointed in Pay Band - IV of Rs. 37,400 — 67,000 with a Research Grade Pay of Rs. 10,000/- per month, or as revised from time to time.