ICAR Emeritus Professor Scheme 2026: Teaching Opportunities, Eligibility & Application

At a glance

About the scheme

Launched by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research under the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, the ICAR Emeritus Professor Scheme taps into the knowledge and expertise of outstanding superannuated professionals from the National Agricultural Research and Education System (NARES). The scheme engages retired scientists and faculty members in teaching undergraduate and postgraduate courses, mentoring students, addressing national agricultural policy concerns, and preparing textbooks and digital resources, especially supporting institutions in economically and ecologically underprivileged regions.

Benefits

• Opportunity to undertake teaching for undergraduate and postgraduate programmes in agricultural universities
• Provision to offer guidance for student research activities
• Scope to develop instructional materials, textbooks, and e-learning resources for national agricultural education and distance learning
• Engagement in addressing nationally significant agricultural policy issues
• Tenure of service under the scheme for up to three years or until reaching the age of 70 years, whichever is earlier

Who can apply (eligibility)

• Applicant must be an outstanding superannuated teacher or scientist from universities, colleges, or institutions under the ICAR-AU System (State Agricultural Universities, Central Agricultural Universities, ICAR Deemed Universities, or Central Universities with an agricultural faculty)
• Applicant must have a consistent record of published research work
• Applicant must possess a minimum of 5 years of teaching or training experience
• Teachers or professors who are scheduled to retire within the next 12 months are also eligible to apply
• The maximum age limit at the time of application is 65 years
• Preference is given to applicants who have superannuated within one year from the date of the vacancy notification

Documents required

• Completed application in the prescribed proforma endorsed by the host institution executive authority
• Record of published research work and academic credentials
• Proof of age and superannuation or retirement date documentation
• Service experience certificate showing a minimum of 5 years in teaching or training

How to apply

1. 1Check the vacancy notification issued by ICAR for available Emeritus Professor slots.
2. 2Visit the official ICAR application portal at http://rlbs.icar.gov.in.
3. 3Consult the official online user manual available at https://rlbs.icar.gov.in/Uploads/RLBS_EP_Manual.pdf before starting your submission.
4. 4Fill out the online application form in the prescribed format with all academic and career records.
5. 5Route and submit the application through the Executive Authority of the institution where you propose to work, addressed to the Deputy Director General (Education), ICAR.
6. 6Ensure final submission is completed within the timeline advertised in the official circular.

Frequently asked questions