ANRF Invites Applications for PM Early Career Research Grant; Researchers Can Receive Up to Rs 60 Lakh
ANRF invites applications for its three-year research grant, offering up to Rs 60 lakh to eligible researchers.
The Impressive TimesThe application process began on November 2, 2026, and interested candidates can submit their applications online until December 2, 2026, at 5 PM.
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Scheme | Prime Minister Early Career Research Grant |
| Implementing agency | ANRF |
| Maximum financial assistance | Rs 60 lakh plus overhead charges |
| Project duration | 3 years |
| Number of grants | Up to 700 annually |
| Application mode | Online |
| Last date to apply | December 2, 2026, 5 PM |
The grant is intended for researchers with the required academic qualifications and institutional appointments. Applicants must fulfil the following eligibility conditions:
Academic qualifications: Candidates must hold a PhD in Science or Engineering or an MD, MS, MDS or MVSc degree.
Institutional position: Applicants should be working in a regular academic or research position at a recognised university, national laboratory or R&D institution.
Date of joining: Under a one-time relaxation for the current cycle, researchers who joined their present institution on or after February 1, 2023, are eligible to apply.
Age criteria: The upper age limit is 42 years. Women candidates and applicants belonging to SC, ST, OBC and PwD categories are eligible for a three-year age relaxation.
Previous research funding: Candidates who have already received specified research grants from the former SERB or ANRF cannot apply.
Indian researchers are eligible for the programme. PIO and OCI applicants may also apply, subject to the prescribed conditions, including the requirement of an Indian Co-Principal Investigator.
Eligible candidates can complete the application process through the official ANRF portal. The steps are as follows:
Visit the official website, anrfonline.in.
Register as a new user or log in using existing SERB Online credentials.
Update and complete the personal and professional details in the user profile.
Access the PM ECRG application form and provide the required information.
Prepare and upload a detailed research proposal outlining the proposed project.
Attach the necessary documents, including the Principal Investigator certificate, institutional endorsement letter and age proof.
Review the application and submit it before the prescribed deadline.
Under the scheme, selected applicants can receive financial support of up to Rs 60 lakh for a project period of three years. Institutional overhead charges will be provided separately.
The funding is intended to meet various research-related expenses, including:
Purchase of research equipment.
Recruitment of project staff and personnel.
Procurement of consumables.
Domestic and international travel for project-related activities.
Contingency expenses.
Open-access publication and patent filing charges.
The scheme aims to provide researchers with the resources required to carry out independent research and develop new scientific and technological ideas.
Applications will be evaluated by an Expert Committee, which will make recommendations based on the submitted research proposals. Candidates are expected to present a clear research plan demonstrating the objectives and proposed outcomes of their projects.
The PM ECRG is a one-time career support grant. The sanctioned project will run for three years, and extensions beyond the prescribed duration will not be permitted.
Important: Applicants are advised to check the detailed eligibility conditions, guidelines and document requirements on the official ANRF portal before submitting their applications. The last date for submission is December 2, 2026, at 5 PM.
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