Overview
The Ministry of Science & Technology, Government of India, has announced the Rashtriya Vigyan Puraskar 2025, the nation’s highest recognition for outstanding contributions by scientists, technologists, and innovators. This award aims to promote pathbreaking research and inspire achievements in diverse fields of science, technology, and technology-led innovation.
Key Developments
Award Categories
- Vigyan Ratna (VR): Recognizes lifetime achievements and contributions in any field of science and technology.
- Vigyan Shri (VS): Recognizes distinguished contributions in any field of science and technology.
- Vigyan Yuva-Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar (VY-SSB): Encourages young scientists up to the age of 45 years who have made exceptional contributions.
- Vigyan Team (VT): Given to a team of three or more scientists/researchers/innovators for exceptional teamwork contributions.
Award Domains
Awards are conferred across 13 domains:
- Physics
- Chemistry
- Biological Sciences
- Mathematics & Computer Science
- Earth Science
- Medicine
- Engineering Sciences
- Agricultural Science
- Environmental Science
- Technology & Innovation
- Atomic Energy
- Space Science and Technology
- Other allied fields
Nomination and Selection Process
Nominations for Rashtriya Vigyan Puraskar 2025 were invited between October 4 and November 17, 2024, via the dedicated portal. A panel of eminent scientific leaders, including the Principal Scientific Advisor to the Government of India, Secretaries of Science Departments, and domain experts, conducted rigorous scrutiny.
Awardees
- Vigyan Ratna: Prof. Jayant Vishnu Narlikar (Physics) (Posthumously)
- Vigyan Shri: Dr. Gyanendra Pratap Singh (Agricultural Science); Dr. Yusuf Mohammad Seikh (Atomic Energy); Dr. K Thangaraj (Biological Sciences); Prof. Pradeep Thalappil (Chemistry); Prof. Aniruddha Bhalchandra Pandit (Engineering Sciences); Dr. S Venkata Mohan (Environmental Science); Prof. Mahan Mj (Mathematics and Computer Science); Shri Jayan N (Space Science and Technology)
- Vigyan Yuva: Dr. Jagdis Gupta Kapuganti (Agricultural Science); Dr. Satendra Kumar Mangrauthia (Agricultural Science); Shri Debarka Sengupta (Biological Sciences); Dr. Deepa Agashe (Biological Sciences); Dr. Dibyendu Das (Chemistry); Dr. Waliur Rahaman (Earth Science); Prof. Arkaprava Basu (Engineering Sciences); Prof. Sabyasachi Mukherjee (Mathematics and Computer Science); Prof. Shweta Prem Agrawal (Mathematics and Computer Science); Dr. Suresh Kumar (Medicine); Prof. Amit Kumar Agarwal (Physics); Prof. Surhud Shrikant More (Physics); Shri Ankur Garg (Space Science and Technology); Prof. Mohanasankar Sivaprakasam (Technology & Innovation)
- Vigyan Team: Team- Aroma Mission CSIR (Agricultural Science)
Exam Relevance
This initiative is relevant to GS3 (Science and Technology), focusing on government policies and interventions for the development of science and technology. It also touches upon GS2 (Government Policies and Interventions) by highlighting the government's commitment to fostering scientific excellence and technological leadership for national development.
Key Points for UPSC
- The Rashtriya Vigyan Puraskar aims to motivate the next generation and strengthen the research ecosystem.
- The award ceremony details will be notified separately to the awardees.
- The awards recognize contributions across various scientific domains, promoting interdisciplinary research.