Rashtriya Vigyan Puraskar 2025 Highlights India’s Push for Research and Innovation
President Droupadi Murmu on Tuesday conferred the Rashtriya Vigyan Puraskar 2025 on leading scientists at a special ceremony held at Rashtrapati Bhavan, New Delhi . The national science awards celebrate exceptional and inspiring contributions in science, technology, and innovation , underlining India’s growing focus on research-driven development and scientific excellence.
National Science Awards Across Four Categories
The 2025 awards marked the second edition of the Rashtriya Vigyan Puraskar. A total of 24 awards were presented across four categories — Vigyan Ratna, Vigyan Shri, Vigyan Yuva, and Vigyan Team . Designed on the lines of the Padma Awards , the honours recognise contributions across 13 scientific domains , including physics, chemistry, biological sciences, medicine, engineering, agriculture, environmental science, atomic energy, and space science. The framework aims to acknowledge both individual brilliance and collaborative scientific efforts.
Vigyan Ratna Awarded Posthumously
The Vigyan Ratna , the highest honour under the awards, was conferred posthumously on eminent astrophysicist Jayant Vishnu Narlikar for his lifetime contributions to science and technology. Renowned globally for his pioneering work in cosmology , as well as his efforts in science communication and institution-building , Narlikar’s recognition highlights the award’s emphasis on long-term and transformative scientific impact.
Important Facts for Exams
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Rashtriya Vigyan Puraskar is India’s highest civilian recognition in science and technology
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Awards are presented in four categories: Vigyan Ratna, Vigyan Shri, Vigyan Yuva, Vigyan Team
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The honours span 13 scientific domains , including atomic energy and space science
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The award structure is modelled on the Padma awards
Excellence Across Generations and Disciplines
Eight scientists received the Vigyan Shri for notable achievements in fields such as agriculture, atomic energy, chemistry, environmental science, mathematics, and space technology. Fourteen young researchers were honoured with the Vigyan Yuva award, recognising early- to mid-career excellence in areas ranging from physics and medicine to earth sciences and technology innovation. The Vigyan Team award went to the CSIR-led Aroma Mission team for its collective contribution to agricultural science, innovation, and rural livelihoods.
Month: Current Affairs - December 24, 2025
Category: Awards & Honours