The Government of India has opened nominations for the Rashtriya Vigyan Puraskar (RVP) 2026, a national award scheme that recognises outstanding contributions in science, technology and innovation. The awards are designed to honour scientists, technologists and innovators whose work has advanced India’s scientific ecosystem and supported national development. Nominations, including self-nominations, are being accepted through the official awards portal.
Key Features of the Awards
The RVP 2026 will be presented in four categories:
- Vigyan Ratna (VR) for lifetime achievement in science and technology.
- Vigyan Shri (VS) for distinguished contributions in a field.
- Vigyan Yuva–Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar (VY-SSB) for young scientists up to 45 years with exceptional promise.
- Vigyan Team (VT) for collaborative excellence by research teams of three or more members.
Domains Covered
Nominations are invited across 14 broad domains. These include Agricultural Science, Atomic Energy, Biological Sciences, Chemistry, Defence Technology, Earth Science, Engineering Sciences, Environmental Science, Mathematics and Computer Science, Medicine, Physics, Space Science and Technology, and Technology and Innovation. The wide coverage is intended to ensure recognition of excellence across the full spectrum of scientific research and application.
Nomination Process and Timeline
The nomination window is open from 28 March to 11 May 2026. Applications must be submitted online through the Ministry of Home Affairs awards portal. The process allows institutions, peers and individuals to nominate deserving candidates. Self-nomination is also permitted, making the process more inclusive and accessible.
Institutional Framework and Objective
The awards are administered by the RVP Secretariat under the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research, Ministry of Science and Technology, with guidance from the Principal Scientific Adviser to the Government of India. The scheme aims to promote excellence, encourage young talent, and bring national attention to scientific work that benefits society and strengthens India’s position as a knowledge-driven economy.
Last Modified: April 29, 2026