What are the main categories of the RVP awards?

The RVP has four categories: Vigyan Ratna – For lifetime achievements in science. Vigyan Shri – For recent distinguished contributions. Vigyan Yuva – Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar Award – For young scientists (below 45 years). Vigyan Team Award – For collaborative scientific or technological innovation.

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Picture Courtesy: The Hindu

Context:

Q: What is the Rashtriya Vigyan Puraskar (RVP)?

The Rashtriya Vigyan Puraskar (RVP) is a national award instituted by the Government of India in 2023 to recognize outstanding contributions by scientists, technologists, and innovators across various fields of science and technology.

Q: Who gives the RVP awards?

The Ministry of Science and Technology, Government of India, confers the RVP awards on behalf of the Central Government.The Principal Scientific Adviser (PSA) chairs the Rashtriya Vigyan Puraskar Committee, which recommends names of the awardees.

The government recently announced 24 individual recipients and one team as winners of the second edition of the Rashtriya Vigyan Puraskar (RVP) awards, which recognize outstanding contributions to science and technology in India.

Current Status & Data:

The RVP-scheme was instituted in 2023 and the first awards were conferred in 2024, with 33 recipients in four categories (Vigyan Ratna, Vigyan Shri, Vigyan Yuva, Vigyan Team). (Source: President of India)
For 2025, the announcement noted: one Vigyan Ratna (posthumously awarded to Prof. Jayant Vishnu Narlikar), eight Vigyan Shri, 14 young scientists under Vigyan Yuva and one team award. (Source: News on Air)
The scheme covers 13 domains of science: Physics, Chemistry, Biological Sciences, Mathematics & Computer Science, Earth Science, Medicine, Engineering Sciences, Agricultural Science, Environmental Science, Technology & Innovation, Atomic Energy, Space Science & Technology and others. (Source: Jagranjosh.com)
Unlike some previous awards, the RVP currently does not include a cash prize, acting more as a medal + certificate recognition. (Source: Reddit)

About:

The Rashtriya Vigyan Puraskar (RVP) is a national award established by the Government of India to honour exceptional contributions in the field of science, technology, and innovation. It aims to recognize both individual and team excellence across various disciplines of science.

Award Categories

The RVP is divided into four main categories:

Vigyan Ratna – Awarded for lifetime achievements and long-term contributions to science.
Vigyan Shri – Given for outstanding recent achievements in scientific research.
Vigyan Yuva – Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar Award – Presented to young scientists under 45 years of age for promising work.
Vigyan Team Award – Recognizes collaborative efforts that lead to technological innovation and development.

Number of Awards

In total, up to 56 awards can be given each year under all categories. However, the number may vary depending on the evaluation process.
For example, in 2025, 24 individual scientists and one team were selected—fewer than the 33 awardees in 2024.

Selection Process

The selection is conducted by the Rashtriya Vigyan Puraskar Committee, chaired by the Principal Scientific Adviser (PSA) to the Government of India.
This committee includes:

Secretaries of various scientific departments
Representatives from national science academies

The committee recommends names to the Minister of Science and Technology, who announces the final list of awardees.

Issues and Concerns:

Transparency of selection: There is some ambiguity over the extent of independence of the selection committee and whether ministerial interventions can override scientific judgments.

Magnitude of award: Lack of cash prize may reduce incentive/visibility compared to global peers or national equivalents.

Continuity and predictability: With the first awards in 2024 and fewer awards in 2025 (as compared to the cap), the scheme still needs to establish consistent annual rhythm.

Impact linkage: Recognition is good, but linking award to research funding, mentoring, or institutional support could amplify the effect.

Breadth vs depth: Covering 13 domains is ambitious; but ensuring quality across all domains, especially lesser-represented ones, will require strong monitoring & review.

Comparative Study:

In many science award systems globally, recognition, peer-judged selection, and institutional independence are key for prestige and impact. For instance, one study of international academic awards highlighted how national recognitions correlate with institutional visibility.
Within India, older awards like the Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar Prize had a longer legacy and clearer cash/research support components; the RVP is newer and still evolving.
The fact that nominations for RVP span many domains and include teams as well as individuals is a positive structural feature (mirrors global trends of recognising collaboration).

Government initiatives for science and scientists:

S. No.	Initiative / Scheme	Implementing Ministry / Agency	Main Objective / Focus Area
1	Rashtriya Vigyan Puraskar (RVP)	Ministry of Science & Technology	To honour individuals and teams for excellence in science and technology.
2	INSPIRE Programme (Innovation in Science Pursuit for Inspired Research)	Department of Science & Technology (DST)	To attract young talent to science through scholarships, internships, and mentoring.
3	Atal Innovation Mission (AIM)	NITI Aayog	To promote innovation and entrepreneurship through Atal Tinkering Labs and incubation centres.
4	National Research Foundation (NRF)	Ministry of Education	To fund and coordinate high-quality research across universities and industries.
5	Vigyan Jyoti Scheme	Department of Science & Technology (DST)	To encourage and support girls to pursue careers in STEM fields.
6	Scientific Social Responsibility (SSR) Policy	Department of Science & Technology (DST)	To promote the sharing of scientific knowledge and resources with society.
7	Science and Engineering Research Board (SERB)	Department of Science & Technology (DST)	To fund and support research projects and fellowships, especially for young scientists.
8	GATI (Gender Advancement for Transforming Institutions)	Department of Science & Technology (DST)	To promote gender equality and women’s participation in science and research.
9	National Supercomputing Mission (NSM)	DST & Ministry of Electronics and IT (MeitY)	To build a network of supercomputers for advanced research and data analysis.
10	ISRO Space Programmes (e.g., Chandrayaan, Gaganyaan)	Department of Space (ISRO)	To advance space research, exploration, and technology development.
11	Atomic Energy Research Programmes	Department of Atomic Energy (DAE)	To promote nuclear energy research and applications for peaceful use.
12	Ramanujan Fellowship	DST / SERB	To attract and retain talented scientists and researchers in India.
13	Ramalingaswami Re-entry Fellowship	Department of Biotechnology (DBT)	To support Indian scientists returning from abroad to continue research in India.
14	Kishore Vaigyanik Protsahan Yojana (KVPY)	Department of Science & Technology (DST)	To identify and nurture talented students interested in research careers.
15	Women Scientist Scheme (WOS-A, WOS-B, WOS-C)	Department of Science & Technology (DST)	To provide research opportunities and support for women scientists.
16	JC Bose & Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar Awards	DST / CSIR	To recognize outstanding contributions to scientific research.

Way Forward:

*Feature*	Current Status	Way Forward / Target
Award value	Medal + certificate, no cash prize	Introduce cash seed-grant or research fund for awardees
Selection transparency	Committee exists but process details limited	Publish detailed selection criteria & shortlists; independent oversight
Representation	Awardees across four categories; first year 33, second year fewer	Achieve consistent annual numbers, ensure domain/regional balance
Post-award support	Recognition only	Build laureates network, mentoring, outreach roles
Impact tracking	Not widely reported yet	Track outcomes (publications, patents, mentorship) of awardees; publish annual report

Source: The Hindu

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Practice Question

Q. Discuss the objectives and structure of the Rashtriya Vigyan Puraskar (RVP). Critically examine the need for a transparent and hands-off approach in its selection process. (250 words)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

The Rashtriya Vigyan Puraskar (RVP) is a national award instituted by the Government of India in 2023 to recognize outstanding contributions by scientists, technologists, and innovators across various fields of science and technology.

The Ministry of Science and Technology, Government of India, confers the RVP awards on behalf of the Central Government.
The Principal Scientific Adviser (PSA) chairs the Rashtriya Vigyan Puraskar Committee, which recommends names of the awardees.

The RVP has four categories:
Vigyan Ratna – For lifetime achievements in science.
Vigyan Shri – For recent distinguished contributions.
Vigyan Yuva – Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar Award – For young scientists (below 45 years).
Vigyan Team Award – For collaborative scientific or technological innovation.