Details

The Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) has introduced the National Professor and National Fellow schemes to elevate agricultural research and education across the nation. These prestigious awards recognize scientists who have made significant contributions and aim to cultivate a culture of advanced research within the National Agricultural Research System (NARS).

What Are the ICAR National Professor and National Fellow Schemes?

The ICAR National Professor scheme is designed to honour eminent scientists with a proven track record of impactful research. It focuses on creating a unique intellectual environment around these recognized individuals, promoting basic research excellence. The National Fellow scheme, on the other hand, aims to acknowledge and facilitate the research activities of meritorious agricultural scientists and teachers, thereby promoting national-level excellence in the field.

Who Can Benefit?

These schemes are specifically for established scientists and researchers working within or associated with the agricultural research and education sector in India. They are intended for individuals who have demonstrated exceptional capabilities and have a significant body of work and innovation to their name.

Why Are These Schemes Important?

By identifying and supporting leading agricultural scientists, these schemes play a crucial role in advancing India's agricultural sector. They encourage innovative research, foster new schools of thought, and ensure that the nation remains at the forefront of agricultural science and technology, ultimately contributing to improved food security and sustainable practices.

Objective

This scheme aims to foster top-tier agricultural research and education in India by recognizing and supporting outstanding scientists and their groundbreaking work.

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.
Must be holding a position of Professor/Principal Scientist or equivalent for at least 8 years.
Age should not exceed 60 years as on the specified date.
Nominations require a detailed research project proposal and support from the sponsoring Agricultural University/ICAR Research Institute.
The nominee must have made significant contributions evidenced by publications in high-impact journals, developed products/processes, released varieties/breeds, or secured patents.

For ICAR National Fellow:

Must hold a position of Professor/Principal Scientist/Associate Professor/Senior Scientist or equivalent.
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 a Senior Scientist or equivalent role.
Must have made significant contributions to knowledge and technology generation, evidenced by publications in NAAS-rated journals, product development, variety release, or patents. Publications in conference proceedings or abstracts are not considered.

How to Apply

The application process typically involves nominations from sponsoring institutions. Interested scientists should:

Obtain the prescribed nomination format and detailed guidelines from the ICAR.
Prepare a detailed research project proposal.
Secure the recommendation and support of their sponsoring Agricultural University/ICAR Research Institute.
Ensure the sponsoring institution agrees to the service conditions and provides necessary logistics.
Submit the nomination within the stipulated deadlines.

For official updates and application forms, please visit the ICAR website.

Required Documents

Candidates nominated for the scheme are generally required to submit the following documents:

Academic Qualification Certificates
Employment Record Certificates
Research Experience Certificates
Teaching Experience details (Courses Taught)
Awards & Recognitions Certificates
Fellowship details from National/International Academies
A duly signed No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the current employer (mandatory for those in service)
Completed Application Form

FAQ’s

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

For the National Professor position, candidates should not be more than 60 years old. For the National Fellow position, the maximum age limit is 52 years.

Can someone who is not currently a Professor or Principal Scientist apply for the National Professor role?

No, to be eligible for the National Professor scheme, you must be occupying a position of Professor/Principal Scientist or an equivalent role for at least 8 years.

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

For the National Fellow position, significant contributions are expected in terms of knowledge and technology generation. This should be proven through publications in NAAS-rated journals, development of products/processes, release of varieties/breeds, or securing patents. Simple publications in conference proceedings or abstracts are not considered.

Where can I find the official website to check for application details?

You can find official information and application details on the ICAR website. The relevant portal is typically accessible through https://rlbs.icar.gov.in/.

What is the tenure for these awards, and can they be extended?

Both the National Professor and National Fellow appointments are tenurial, usually for an initial period of five years. These tenures can be extended for one or more terms, subject to performance assessment by the respective committees. For National Professors, extensions are possible but not beyond 65 years of age. For National Fellows, extensions are for one additional five-year term, and a third term is possible only in cases of exceptionally good contributions, or until superannuation, whichever is earlier.

If I am already in service, what is a crucial document I need to submit?

If you are currently in service, it is mandatory to upload a duly signed No Objection Certificate (NOC) from your employing organization.

What are the minimum experience requirements for National Fellow applicants?

Applicants for the National Fellow position must have at least 10 years of academic/research experience. Out of this, a minimum of 3 years should be in the rank of Senior Scientist or an equivalent position.

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