- It is a science award in India given annually by the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) for notable and outstanding research, applied or fundamental, in biology, chemistry, environmental science, engineering, mathematics, medicine and Physics.
- It was first awarded in 1958 and is the most coveted award in multidisciplinary science in India.
- The award is named after the founder Director of the CSIR, Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar.
- The prize is distributed by the Prime Minister of India.
Criteria for Award
- Any citizen of India engaged in research in any field of science and technology up to the age of 45 years is eligible for the prize.
- The prize is awarded on the basis of contributions made through work done in India only during the five years preceding the year of the prize.
- The prize is divided into seven disciplines, namely: Biological Sciences; Chemical Sciences; Earth, Atmosphere, Ocean and Planetary Sciences; Engineering Sciences; Mathematical Sciences; Medical Sciences; Physical Sciences.
- The prize comprises a citation, a plaque, and a cash award of ₹5 lakh. In addition, recipients also get Rs. 15,000 per month up to the age of 65 years.
- Names of candidates are proposed by a member of the governing body of CSIR, Vice-Chancellors of universities or institutes of national importance, deans of different faculties of science and former awardees.
Why important? CSIR Platinum Jubilee Celebrations in 2016