46-year-old Gopakumar has been awarded for his contribution in the Quantum Field Theory and String Theory.
The G D Birla award for scientific research was instituted in 1991 by K K Birla Foundation to recognise significant scientific research undertaken by Indian scientists below the age of 50, working in India.
The award carries a cash prize of Rs 1.5 lakh and a citation.
The selection of the award is made by a board comprising eminent scientists including Asis Datta and Anupam Varma.
He is a recipient of several other awards, including B M Birla Science prize in 2004.