In the light of the background of scientific research activities of M. P. Birla Institute of Fundamental Research and also to acknowledge path breaking contribution of Indian scientists in the field of astronomy, astrophysics, space science and related areas, the management has instituted an  Award.  This award is known as the “M. P. BIRLA MEMORIAL AWARD” and the recipient gets a citation, a trophy and a cash award.

1.   This Award is given once in two years and the selected awardee delivers a lecture called “THE M. P. BIRLA MEMORIAL LECTURE” on the occasion of the presentation of the award. The lecture delivered by the awardee has to be on a topic related to his field of research activity.

2.   The nomination for this award can be made by any of the following:
(i) Vice-Chancellors of Universities
(ii) Deans of Science of Universities
(iii) Directors of Indian Institutes of Technologies
(iv) Directors of National Laboratories of the Government of India
(v) Directors of Scientific Institutions like the Indian Institute of Science, Observatories, Indian Space Research Organisation and Deemed Universities etc.
(vi) Distinguished astronomers and scientists
(vii) By the Management of the M. P. Birla Institute of Fundamental Research.

3.   The Management constitutes a Jury consisting of eminent persons in the fields of astronomy as well as other sciences and from public life to select the awardee for this Award.  The recommendation of the Jury is put up before the Management of the M. P. Birla Institute of Fundamental Research for their concurrence.

4.   The Management may in a particular year nominate on its own a very distinguished and renowned scientist who might have done exemplary research work of a very high order and who might have been recognized by the Central Govt. and State Govt. Concerned and would have received National Honours