Sarkari Yojana

ICAR Emeritus Scientist Scheme

Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT)
Quick Summary: The ICAR Emeritus Scientist scheme engages outstanding retired scientists (up to age 65) for a fixed 3-year term to complete nationally important research and mentor students, paying ₹50,000/month plus pension and up to ₹2 lakh a year in contingency support. Selection weighs publication record, project continuity, and whether an equally qualified regular scientist is unavailable.

About ICAR Emeritus Scientist Scheme

The Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, runs the “ICAR Emeritus Scientist” scheme to draw on outstanding retired scientists to finish nationally important research and contribute to agricultural education and development. It lets retired scientists continue ongoing research of national importance, take part in specialized teaching, help develop instructional materials, and weigh in on agriculture-related policy issues. The scheme offers an honorarium, contingency grants, and research-personnel support, with appointments fixed at 3 years without extension.

Scheme Overview

Government Level

Central Government

Ministry

Ministry Of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare

Implementing Agency

Indian Council Of Agricultural Research

Eligible Entity

Individual

Launch / Open Date

29 Jun 2016

Scheme Details

Eligibility

Eligibility Requirements

To qualify for ICAR Emeritus Scientist Scheme, applicants must satisfy the following conditions:

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The applicant must be a scientist of repute…

The applicant must be a scientist of repute from the National Agricultural Research System (NARS).

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The applicant must hold, or have held, the…

The applicant must hold, or have held, the position of Principal Scientist, Professor, or above at an eligible institution.

✅

The applicant must be retiring within the next…

The applicant must be retiring within the next 12 months, or have retired within 1 year of the notification month's last working day.

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The applicant must be no older than 65…

The applicant must be no older than 65 at the time of application.

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The applicant must have at least 5 research…

The applicant must have at least 5 research papers in refereed journals over the last 5 years, or a national/international award or recognition.

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Teachers must have received a teaching-excellence award or…

Teachers must have received a teaching-excellence award or appreciation for outstanding teaching.

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The applicant must propose a nationally important project…

The applicant must propose a nationally important project that continues their previous work.

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The applicant must show that an equally competent…

The applicant must show that an equally competent regular scientist is not available at the institution to do the proposed work.

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The applicant must commit full-time to the approved…

The applicant must commit full-time to the approved project and not take up any other paid employment during the tenure.

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The applicant must not receive funding for the…

The applicant must not receive funding for the same work from any other source while availing this scheme.

Applicants must meet all of the above conditions to be considered eligible for this scheme.
Benefits

Benefits Provided

ICAR Emeritus Scientist Scheme provides the following benefits to eligible applicants:

Honorarium:

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₹50,000/- per month, on top of pension

₹50,000/- per month, on top of pension.

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Subject to Income Tax Act provisions

Subject to Income Tax Act provisions. Contingency Grant:

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Up to ₹2,00,000/- per year per scientist

Up to ₹2,00,000/- per year per scientist.

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Usable for chemicals, glassware, books, stationery, lab assistance,…

Usable for chemicals, glassware, books, stationery, lab assistance, and ministerial help.

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Can be increased with approval, depending on the…

Can be increased with approval, depending on the research's nature.

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Covers domestic travel for research, data collection, scientific…

Covers domestic travel for research, data collection, scientific meetings, conferences, and ICAR review meetings.

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Includes economy-class airfare, eligible daily allowance, and road…

Includes economy-class airfare, eligible daily allowance, and road mileage within India. Research Personnel Support:

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Financial support for engaging

Financial support for engaging:

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Junior Research Fellow (JRF)

Junior Research Fellow (JRF)

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Senior Research Fellow (SRF)

Senior Research Fellow (SRF)

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Research Associate (RA)

Research Associate (RA)

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These appointments last until the project's completion

These appointments last until the project's completion. Leave Benefits:

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1 month's leave with honorarium for each completed…

1 month's leave with honorarium for each completed year of tenure.

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Leave on a pro-rata basis for part of…

Leave on a pro-rata basis for part of a year.

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Up to 3 months' leave without honorarium, on…

Up to 3 months' leave without honorarium, on health grounds with a medical certificate. Research and Academic Support:

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The chance to finish ongoing, nationally important research

The chance to finish ongoing, nationally important research.

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The chance to teach specialized courses at universities…

The chance to teach specialized courses at universities and institutions.

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The chance to develop instructional and multimedia educational…

The chance to develop instructional and multimedia educational material.

Benefit amounts and conditions may vary by category — refer to the official scheme guidelines for exact figures applicable to your case.
Documents Required

Documents Required

Applicants should keep the following documents ready before starting the application:

The application must include the following details:

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Date of superannuation/likely superannuation

Date of superannuation/likely superannuation.

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Post held/to be superannuated from

Post held/to be superannuated from.

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Last salary drawn/to be drawn

Last salary drawn/to be drawn.

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Employment record from the date of holding a…

Employment record from the date of holding a Professor/Principal Scientist or equivalent position.

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(Total years.)

(Total years.)

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Special assignments/international exposure/trainings undergone

Special assignments/international exposure/trainings undergone.

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Major scientific achievements

Major scientific achievements.

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The career's ten best research publications, with their…

The career's ten best research publications, with their NAAS ratings (6 and above).

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A brief account of teaching and research done…

A brief account of teaching and research done over the preceding 5 years.

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Research publications for the last five years, with…

Research publications for the last five years, with NAAS ratings.

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Honours/awards/recognitions received

Honours/awards/recognitions received.

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Transferable technologies developed

Transferable technologies developed.

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Success stories, if any

Success stories, if any.

Ensure all documents are valid and, where required, duly attested before submitting your application.
Important Dates

2016-06-29

How to Apply

Online Application

Applicants can apply for ICAR Emeritus Scientist Scheme through the online application process outlined below.

Application Portal: Open Application Portal ↗

1️⃣

Obtain and complete the prescribed application proforma for…

Obtain and complete the prescribed application proforma for the ICAR Emeritus Scientist Scheme.

2️⃣

Prepare the project proposal with all required supporting…

Prepare the project proposal with all required supporting documents.

3️⃣

Submit the completed application to the Executive Authority…

Submit the completed application to the Executive Authority of the institution where the proposed research, teaching, HR development, or extension work will take place.

4️⃣

Get the Executive Authority's recommendation and justification —…

Get the Executive Authority's recommendation and justification — only applications forwarded through them are considered.

5️⃣

Email the recommended application to adg.hrd.applications@gmail.com

Email the recommended application to adg.hrd.applications@gmail.com.

6️⃣

Use the subject line "Application for Emeritus Scientist…

Use the subject line "Application for Emeritus Scientist Scheme – Name of Applicant – Contact Number".

7️⃣

Submit the application on or before 30 March…

Submit the application on or before 30 March 2026.

8️⃣

The application is then scrutinised and considered for…

The application is then scrutinised and considered for selection per the scheme guidelines. Procedure of Selection: Applications go to ICAR's concerned Subject Matter Division and a discipline specialist for comments, then to the Selection cum Standing Committee along with those comments. Selection considers:
Whether the scientist has at least 5 research papers in refereed journals over the last five years, or a national/international award/recognition; or, for teachers, national/university-level teaching-excellence awards or an appreciation letter based on alumni feedback.
Whether the project proposal is of national importance and no other equally competent regular scientist is available at the institute for the work.
Whether the project continues the applicant's earlier work.

Ensure all required documents are ready before starting the application process.

Official Application & Website

Verify the latest eligibility, dates and instructions before applying.

Official Sources & References