Question 1

If I have developed a brilliant and highly detailed concept for a new polymeric material but haven't actually built a working model yet, can I submit my idea for consideration?

Accepted Answer

Theoretical hypotheses and concepts that remain strictly in the idea phase are expressly prohibited. You must present an actionable product, process, or a tangible improvement, rather than just an untested theory.

Question 2

Our university research lab wants to submit an application jointly, but our project involved a large number of researchers and faculty members. Is there any restriction on the size of the group applying?

Accepted Answer

When applying collectively as a group or research unit, the maximum permissible size is rigidly restricted. You must ensure your submission includes no more than five participating members.

Question 3

We successfully commercialized a revolutionary new polymer processing machinery design approximately four years ago, which is still highly popular today. Are we allowed to submit this established technology for the commendation?

Accepted Answer

Submissions must focus on recent technological advancements. The product or process you are submitting cannot be older than three years at the time you formally submit your online application.

Question 4

Our private limited enterprise wishes to secure the recognition officially under our corporate identity rather than attributing it to an individual employee. How should we correctly fill out the application details to reflect this?

Accepted Answer

To ensure the accolade is granted to the corporate entity itself, you must explicitly list the organization's legal name within the designated primary applicant field on the submission form.

Question 5

My manufacturing plant is known for its excellent human resources practices and low attrition rates, but we only commenced operations about two years ago. Do we qualify for the best employer recognition?

Accepted Answer

Manufacturing industries or Research and Development units must demonstrate a minimum of three consecutive years in active operation to qualify for this specific evaluation track.

Question 6

I am an independent researcher currently residing abroad and operating my own foreign-registered entity, though I frequently collaborate with Indian universities. Does my current residential and registration status align with the eligibility requirements?

Accepted Answer

Submissions are strictly limited to Indian citizens, organizations, start-ups registered within India, or entities officially established by Central, State, or Union Territory authorities.

Question 7

I was fortunate enough to be recognized and received an accolade during one of the previous annual events organized by the department. Will my past success prevent me from submitting a new application this year?

Accepted Answer

Individuals or entities who secured a win in the immediate three preceding editions are disqualified from participating in the current cycle. You will be eligible again once that three-year restriction period concludes.

Question 8

Does my submission necessarily have to be a completely newly invented material from scratch, or is it acceptable if I have simply enhanced the safety and lifespan of a currently available product?

Accepted Answer

You do not need to invent something entirely new. Significant improvements made to existing products or processes that tangibly enhance safety, reliability, lifespan, or consumer advantages are perfectly acceptable.

Question 9

I have developed several different innovative agricultural polymer products and packaging solutions over the past year. Is there a cap on how many distinct entries I can submit across the various available categories?

Accepted Answer

Participants are restricted from submitting an unlimited number of entries. You are formally permitted to submit a maximum of two applications within each of the two major overarching categories.

Question 10

We conduct extensive internal testing on all our new polymeric products and have comprehensive data proving our claims. Will our internal laboratory reports be sufficient to validate our submission?

Accepted Answer

Internal validation is insufficient for the final evaluation process. You must substantiate your claims using formal test reports from a reputed Government Institute or an agency recognized by the National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories.

Question 11

We are a recently established company focusing entirely on importing high-quality polymer additives from Europe and selling them in the domestic market. Do we meet the criteria for the start-up venture category?

Accepted Answer

This specific category targets new ventures producing innovative products, acting as import substitutes, or utilizing indigenous technologies. Mere importation and resale of foreign products does not align with these mandatory objectives.

Question 12

Our Research and Development unit has been operating successfully for five years, but we currently maintain a very small, highly specialized core team consisting of only ten full-time staff members. Are we eligible for the workplace excellence category?

Accepted Answer

To be considered for the employer-focused recognition, your organization or research unit must officially employ a minimum of twenty personnel actively on its payroll.

Question 13

I have been working as a junior technician in a related industry for about five years and have made some minor improvements to our daily workflow. Could I potentially be considered for the lifetime achievement recognition?

Accepted Answer

This specific honor is reserved exclusively for seasoned members who have demonstrated exceptional longevity in the field alongside a history of significant, outstanding contributions and major achievements.

Question 14

I am currently pursuing my postgraduate studies and conducting experiments on original polymeric material processing in my university's laboratory. Is there a designated pathway for someone currently enrolled in an academic program to participate?

Accepted Answer

Yes, there is a dedicated classification specifically intended for individual or teams of research students operating within academic institutes and research laboratories who are developing prototypes for future industrial applications.

Level	Central
Scheme type	Central Sector Scheme
Category	Education & Learning, Business & Entrepreneurship
Beneficiaries	Individual, Business Entity, University / Institution, Government Organisation
Benefit type	Composite
Application mode	Online

The applicant must be an Indian citizen, institution, industry, organisation, or Start-up registered in India.
The applicant must be an entity created by the Central government, State governments, or Union Territories.
The applicant must limit the maximum number of members to five, in case of applying as a team or group.
The applicant must present an innovation that is an original product, process, or an improvement on an existing product or process.
The applicant must ensure the innovation increases the utility of the product or process by enhancing consumer advantages, accuracy, reliability, safety, product life, or versatility.
The applicant must not submit a mere theoretical hypothesis, an innovation simply in the idea stage, or a perpetual motion machine.
The applicant must present an innovation that is not older than three years at the time of submitting the application.
The applicant must not be an awardee of previous editions of the National Petrochemicals Awards for the immediate three preceding editions or years.

Petrochemicals Research & Innovation Commendation(PRIC)

About PRIC

Provider

Ministry Of Chemicals And Fertilizers

Key details

Important dates

Eligibility criteria

Award & benefits

Documents required

How to apply

Official links

PRIC – FAQ