New Delhi | 28 March 2026

The Government of India has invited nominations for the Rashtriya Vigyan Puraskar 2026, a prestigious initiative aimed at recognising outstanding contributions in science, technology, and innovation. The awards are administered by the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research under the Ministry of Science and Technology, with guidance from the Principal Scientific Advisor to the Government of India.

The awards seek to honour scientists, technologists, and innovators whose work has significantly contributed to India’s scientific progress and national development. Nominations are open across a wide range of fields, including agriculture, atomic energy, biological sciences, chemistry, defence technology, engineering, environmental science, mathematics, medicine, physics, and space technology, among others. Both institutional nominations and self-nominations are being encouraged to ensure broad participation.

The 2026 edition of the awards will be presented in four categories: Vigyan Ratna for lifetime achievement, Vigyan Shri for distinguished contributions, Vigyan Yuva–Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar for promising young scientists below 45 years, and Vigyan Team for collaborative research excellence. Nominations can be submitted online through the official awards portal between March 28 and May 11, 2026.

Speaking on the initiative, Union Minister of State for Science and Technology Jitendra Singh said the awards reflect the government’s commitment to promoting innovation and recognising talent across the country. He highlighted that the transparent and inclusive selection process aims to bring forward deserving individuals whose work contributes to India’s growth as a global knowledge leader. Institutions, industry bodies, and individuals have been encouraged to actively participate in the nomination process.

 Centre Opens Nominations for Rashtriya Vigyan Puraskar 2026 to Honour Scientific Excellence

The Government of India has invited nominations for the Rashtriya Vigyan Puraskar 2026, a prestigious initiative aimed at recognising outstanding contributions in science, technology, and innovation. The awards are administered by the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research under the Ministry of Science and Technology, with guidance from the Principal Scientific Advisor to the Government of India.

The awards seek to honour scientists, technologists, and innovators whose work has significantly contributed to India’s scientific progress and national development. Nominations are open across a wide range of fields, including agriculture, atomic energy, biological sciences, chemistry, defence technology, engineering, environmental science, mathematics, medicine, physics, and space technology, among others. Both institutional nominations and self-nominations are being encouraged to ensure broad participation.

The 2026 edition of the awards will be presented in four categories: Vigyan Ratna for lifetime achievement, Vigyan Shri for distinguished contributions, Vigyan Yuva–Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar for promising young scientists below 45 years, and Vigyan Team for collaborative research excellence. Nominations can be submitted online through the official awards portal between March 28 and May 11, 2026.

Speaking on the initiative, Union Minister of State for Science and Technology Jitendra Singh said the awards reflect the government’s commitment to promoting innovation and recognising talent across the country. He highlighted that the transparent and inclusive selection process aims to bring forward deserving individuals whose work contributes to India’s growth as a global knowledge leader. Institutions, industry bodies, and individuals have been encouraged to actively participate in the nomination process.