DRDO Opens Nominations For 2024–25 Defence Science & Technology Awards; UGC Notifies Institutions To Begin Nominations; Check Prize Amount

DRDO invites nominations for two prestigious awards of national level to recognize outstanding contributions in Defence Science and Technology. The University Grants Commission has notified all higher education institutions to take note and initiate nominations accordingly.

Two Awards Carrying ₹10 Lakh Each

DRDO announces two major awards for outstanding individual achievements in defence-related research, each consisting of a citation and a cash prize of ₹10 lakh:

Dr. Kothari Defence Science Award – for excellence in basic research in defence science

Dr. Kalam Defence Technology Award: for innovation and technology development in the defence sector

These awards are open to individuals serving in government organisations, PSUs, private organisations, academia, industry, and R&D laboratories.

Nomination Process & Eligibility

Nominations will not be accepted directly from individuals; they have to be routed through the authorized bodies such as ministries, departments, organizations, or private agencies.

Applications must include:

• Prscribed nomination form
• Personal Information Form (PIF)
• A five-slide PowerPoint presentation
• Supporting documents (qualifications, achievements, publications, patents, awards, etc.)

Nominees are asked to submit a 100-word summary of their key contributions and another 100-word summary of the global technology level in the area in which they work.

Submission Details & Deadline

All nominations to be addressed to the Directorate of Personnel, DRDO HQ, New Delhi, should reach within 45 days from the date of advertisement. Two hard copies along with a soft copy should be sent to: Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. phone: 011-23007218

Selection Procedure The nominations would then be processed first by the Screening Committee, next by the Apex Committee, and finally approved by the Defence Minister. Awardees would be announced later on the DRDO website.