Awards Framework

Eligibility & Core Selection Parameters

The National Research Excellence & Innovation Awards 2026 follow a structured, transparent, and merit-based evaluation framework designed to recognise sustained, high-impact contributions to research, innovation, and societal development.

All nominations are assessed on clearly defined qualitative and quantitative parameters to ensure fairness, academic integrity, and national relevance.

Eligibility & Scope

Open to individual researchers, faculty members, innovators, research collectives, and registered organisations with demonstrable contributions of sustained significance (typically a minimum of five years).
Eligibility extends to Indian citizens and registered Indian organisations. Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) and Persons of Indian Origin (PIOs) with demonstrable international contributions aligned with India’s development priorities are also eligible.
Nominations must present verifiable evidence of outcomes, impact, and relevance to academic, industrial, or societal contexts.
Self-nominations and third-party nominations are both permitted, subject to completeness and authenticity of documentation.

Core Selection Parameters

Research Quality & Originality

Assessment of scholarly rigour, originality of ideas, methodological soundness, and contribution to the advancement of knowledge.

Innovation & Practical Relevance

Evaluation of novel approaches, technologies, models, or practices with demonstrable applicability and replicability.

Societal & National Impact

Evidence of positive impact on communities, policy, industry, sustainability, or national development goals.

Scalability & Future Potential

Potential for wider adoption, long-term relevance, and contribution to capacity building and institutional growth.

Integrity, Ethics & Compliance

Nominees are expected to demonstrate the highest standards of ethical conduct, transparency, and professional integrity in their work.

Any evidence of academic misconduct, plagiarism, data falsification, or unethical practices may result in disqualification at any stage of the evaluation process.

The awards committee reserves the right to seek additional clarifications or documentation to ensure compliance with ethical and professional standards.