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DRDO Opens Nominations for 2024-25 Defence Science & Technology Awards

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  Published in Science and Technology on Friday, November 21st 2025 at 3:36 GMT by Free Press Journal

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DRDO Opens Nominations for 2024‑25 Defence Science & Technology Awards – UGC Notifies Institutions to Begin the Process

The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has officially launched the nomination window for its flagship Defence Science & Technology (DST) Awards for the 2024‑25 cycle. The announcement, which appeared on the MSN India portal, was accompanied by a directive from the University Grants Commission (UGC) urging all eligible academic and research institutions to start the nomination process without delay. The move is part of a long‑standing tradition of recognising exceptional contributions to India’s defence technology ecosystem.

Why the DST Awards Matter

Since their inception in the early 2000s, the DST Awards have been a key instrument for the Indian government to honour scientists, engineers, technologists, and research establishments that have made tangible advances in defence-related research and development. The awards are presented by the Ministry of Defence and serve several purposes:

1. Celebrating Excellence – They highlight individuals and teams who have pushed the boundaries of technology for national security.
2. Encouraging Innovation – By awarding cutting‑edge work, the DST awards stimulate further research and attract talent to defence R&D.
3. Promoting Collaboration – They encourage partnerships between government laboratories, universities, and industry players.

With the 2024‑25 awards now open, the DRDO is once again turning its attention to the bright minds that have been working under its umbrella as well as those at allied institutions across the country.

Award Categories and Prize Money

The 2024‑25 cycle features several categories, each with its own prize amount and eligibility criteria. While the exact figures are announced on the DRDO website, the general breakdown is as follows:

These amounts are a blend of cash prizes, certificates, and, in some cases, additional support for future projects. The full, official list can be downloaded from the DRDO portal via the “Award Details” link provided in the announcement.

How the Nomination Process Works

1. Who Can Nominate?

• Academic Institutions – All universities, Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs), National Institutes of Technology (NITs), and other accredited higher‑learning bodies are invited to nominate faculty and researchers.
• Research Organizations – Public sector R&D labs (including DRDO labs), central universities, and research institutes under ministries of science and technology or defence can put forward candidates.
• Industry Players – Private companies engaged in defence R&D are also eligible to submit nominations.

2. Eligibility Criteria for Nominees

• Must have been actively involved in defence-related research or technology development during the last 10 years.
• Should have a verifiable record of publications, patents, or successful deployments in a defence context.
• In the case of the President’s and National Technology awards, the nominee’s work must have led to operational adoption by the armed forces.

3. Submission Requirements

• Nomination Form – A standardized form is available on the DRDO site, requiring details such as nominee’s bio, research summary, and impact statement.
• Supporting Documents – Publications, patents, awards, and references are mandatory.
• Letter of Recommendation – Issued by the institution’s head or a senior faculty member.
• Declaration of Conflict of Interest – To maintain transparency.

All documents must be uploaded electronically to the dedicated portal linked on the announcement page.

4. Timeline

• Nomination Period – 1 August 2024 to 30 September 2024.
• Shortlisting – Early October, after which a review panel will identify finalists.
• Award Ceremony – Scheduled for 10 January 2025, typically held at the Defence Research and Technology Laboratory (DRTL) or a venue chosen by the Ministry of Defence.

The UGC notification emphasised that institutions should begin the nomination procedure promptly to avoid last‑minute complications. In a letter attached to the MSN article, the UGC stressed the importance of “prompt and accurate submissions” and provided a link to the official guidelines.

What the Awards Signify for India’s Defence R&D Landscape

The 2024‑25 DST Awards are more than just monetary accolades; they represent an endorsement of India’s strategic technological self‑reliance. By spotlighting researchers who have bridged the gap between laboratory innovation and operational deployment, the awards signal the government’s commitment to an integrated defence‑R&D ecosystem. They also reinforce the message that excellence in defence science can lead to tangible national security benefits and open doors to further funding and collaboration opportunities.

Key Takeaways

• DRDO has opened the nomination window for 2024‑25 DST Awards.
• UGC has notified institutions to commence nominations immediately.
• Award categories range from the President’s Award (₹1 crore) to the Best Young Scientist Award (₹25,000).
• Eligibility requires demonstrable defence‑related research impact, with different thresholds for each category.
• Nominations must be submitted between 1 August and 30 September 2024, via DRDO’s online portal.
• The award ceremony is slated for 10 January 2025.

Institutions and individuals looking to benefit from this prestigious platform are encouraged to review the detailed guidelines on the DRDO website and submit their nominations within the stipulated timeframe. The upcoming DST Awards are poised to spotlight a new generation of defence scientists and innovators who will shape the future of India’s security architecture.