Call for Proposals: Prime Minister Early Career Research Grant (India)

The foundation is set to commence several new initiatives to strengthen India’s research and innovation ecosystem and accelerate scientific advancement through programs with diverse mandates as well as a series of measures to enhance ease of doing research.

Early career researchers are at the forefront of innovation and excellence, playing a vital role in the scientific and technological progress of the country. ANRF recognizes that early career researchers are committed to produce research of the highest quality, bringing in new skills, breakthrough ideas and the zest to explore new frontiers, thereby expanding the boundaries of knowledge. This commitment of the early career researchers will significantly contribute in driving the ambitions of ANRF in positioning the country as a global leader in science and technology as well as creating a vibrant research ecosystem. ANRF considers its responsibility to empower and support the early career researchers in their pursuit of research excellence, providing them with an enabling environment to effectively conduct research with ease and flexibility. Pursuant to this objective, ANRF is initiating the program, Prime Minister’s Early Career Research Grant with a flexible budget and progressive initiatives for ease of doing research.

ANRF invites early career researchers to be part of the transformative journey in leading the country to the forefront of scientific excellence.

Funding Information

• Research grant up to Rs.60 lakh plus overheads for a period of three years.
• The measures for ease of doing research include flexibility to utilize resources under recurring head; flexibility in manpower recruitment; enhanced travel, contingency and overhead charges; and support for expenses related to open access publications and patent filing charges.
• International travel for project related activities is also permitted.
• Maximum of 700 grants would be awarded per year across all subject areas.

Eligibility Criteria

• The applicant should be an Indian citizen. PIO/OCI working as regular employees in any of the public funded and recognized R&D laboratories/institutions in India are eligible to apply as PI in collaboration with an Indian Co-PI, provided they fulfill the eligibility criteria notified by ANRF. The applicant should hold a PhD degree in Science or Engineering or MD/MS/MDS/MVSc degree.
• The applicant must hold a regular academic/research position in a recognized academic institution, national laboratories or any other recognized R&D institution.
• The applicant is eligible to apply within two years of joining the institution.
• The upper age limit for PM ECRG would be 42 years, with a relaxation of three years for SC/ST/OBC/Physically challenged and women candidates.
• Research Associates, Post-doctoral Fellows, Ad-hoc faculties, Guest faculties, Visiting Scientists, Consultants, Project Fellows and faculty members whose contract is renewed every year are not eligible under PM ECRG. In respect of cases that are not mentioned above, ANRF reserves the right to determine the eligibility.
• Co-PIs are not allowed except in the case of PIO/OCI.
• The applicant should not have received YSS, ECR, SRG, CRG (erstwhile EMR) or any other grant of the erstwhile SERB or ANRF.

Selection Criteria

• Selection will be based on the recommendations of Expert Committee.

Application Requirements

• Biodata
• Certificate from Principal Investigator
• Endorsement Letter from the Head of Institution
• Age Proof Certificate (Class X marksheet or Birth certificate)
• Category Certificate (in case of Age Relaxation)
• Plagiarism undertaking.

For more information, visit Anusandhan National Research Foundation.