The ICAR National Professor and National Fellowship schemes seek to identify and encourage excellence in agricultural education and research. These awards are a great opportunity for distinguished scientists to make a difference in the agricultural field, both in India and abroad. National Professor award is aimed at honoring successful professionals with proven contributions to agricultural science, while National Fellowship rewards meritorious national contributions, enabling research and education work in the arena of agriculture.
ICAR National Professor Objective:
To promote excellence by recognizing outstanding scientists with proven output and outcomes, fostering a culture of basic research through their project work within the National Agricultural Research System (NARS).
Number of Positions:
- The total number of positions for ICAR National Professors is limited to 10 at any given time.
- This includes one B.P. Pal Chair in Genetics and Plant Breeding at IARI, New Delhi, and one Norman Borlaug Chair in International Agriculture within the ICAR-Agricultural University System.
Salary: The ICAR National Professor is appointed with a monthly pay of ₹75,000/- (fixed), along with admissible allowances, revised from time to time.
Nature of Award: The award is tenurial in nature, with an initial tenure of five years, extendable based on performance but not beyond 65 years of age.
Service Conditions:
- ICAR National Professors will be eligible for pension and benefits based on the salary at the time of superannuation as per the rules of the sponsoring institution.
- They must remain an employee of the sponsoring institution during their tenure, retaining benefits like leave and medical facilities.
- The professor will focus entirely on the research project, with administrative responsibilities limited to avoid routine institutional duties.
Eligibility for National Professor:
- The nominee must be an Indian national, holding a Professor/Principal Scientist or equivalent position for at least 8 years.
- The nominee must be no more than 60 years of age at the time of application.
- The sponsoring institution must support the nomination with a detailed research proposal.
Documents Required:
- Detailed research proposal.
- Academic and professional credentials.
- Proof of significant contributions in agricultural science.
ICAR National Fellow
Objective:
To promote excellence in agricultural research and education at the national level by recognizing the meritorious contribution of individual scientists and teachers.
Number of Fellowships:
- The total number of ICAR National Fellowships is limited to 25 at any given time.
Salary: The National Fellow is appointed in Pay Band – IV (₹37,400 – 67,000) with Research Grade Pay of ₹10,000/- per month or as revised.
Nature of Appointment:
- The appointment is tenurial in nature and is subject to the age of superannuation at the sponsoring institution.
- The tenure is initially for five years, extendable by another five years based on exceptional performance, and a third term may be granted for exemplary contributions.
Service Conditions:
- ICAR National Fellows are expected to devote full time to their approved projects and will not be allowed to engage in other work.
- They may accept foreign assignments with the approval of ICAR, with the total duration not exceeding three months during each five-year term.
- The fellow will focus solely on the research projects assigned, and administrative tasks should be minimized.
Eligibility for National Fellow:
- The candidate should be a Professor, Principal Scientist, or equivalent with a Ph.D. degree and at least 10 years of academic/research experience.
- The candidate must be under 52 years of age on the date of application.
Documents Required:
- Academic qualifications and professional experience certificates.
- Research experience and publications.
- Teaching records.
- Awards and recognitions.
- Proof of fellowship and national/international academic affiliations.
Application Process
For Both National Professor and National Fellow:
- Login at the official ICAR portal using your email and password.
- Fill out the online application form, ensuring all sections are completed.
- Submit the application after reviewing the filled details.
- If in service, upload the No Objection Certificate (NOC).
- Print the form, take signatures from the higher authority and the applicant.
- Upload the signed form as the final step for submission.
Apply Online: ICAR Portal Email: [email protected] Call: 9027535847
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
Q1: What is the maximum age for National Professor and National Fellow?
The age limit for National Professor is 60 years, while for National Fellow, the age limit is 52 years.
Q2: What are the eligibility criteria for National Professor?
The National Professor must have a Ph.D. and at least 8 years of experience as a Professor/Principal Scientist or equivalent, with significant contributions in agricultural science.
Q3: What are the eligibility criteria for National Fellow?
The National Fellow must have a Ph.D. and at least 10 years of research experience, with 3 years in a senior scientist position, and significant contributions in agriculture.
Q4: What is the official website to apply online?
The official website for applying is https://rlbs.icar.gov.in/.