Credentials

Early-career researchers looking to take their research projects forward have an opportunity to secure substantial financial support. The Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF) has invited applications for the Prime Minister Early Career Research Grant (PM ECRG), offering funding of up to Rs 60 lakh, along with overhead charges, for three years.
The application window opened on November 3 and will remain open until December 2, 2026. The scheme aims to support emerging researchers, encourage new ideas and make it easier for them to undertake independent research.
ANRF plans to award up to 700 grants annually across different subject areas.
The grant is designed to give researchers greater flexibility in managing their projects. Apart from funding research equipment, personnel, consumables, travel and contingency expenses, the scheme also provides:
Flexibility in recruiting project staff and using recurring funds.
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Support for open-access publication and patent filing charges.
Permission for international travel for project-related research activities.
Additional provisions for travel, contingency and institutional overheads.
The grant is a one-time career support scheme and the project period cannot be extended beyond three years.
Applicants must fulfil the following conditions:
Nationality: Indian citizens can apply. Eligible Persons of Indian Origin (PIOs) and Overseas Citizens of India (OCIs) employed in recognised, publicly funded research institutions in India can also apply with an Indian Co-Principal Investigator.
Qualification: A PhD in Science or Engineering, or an MD, MS, MDS or MVSc degree is required.
Employment: Applicants must hold a regular academic or research position at a recognised institution, national laboratory or research and development organisation.
Age limit: The upper age limit is 42 years. A three-year relaxation is available for SC, ST, OBC, persons with disabilities and women.
Experience: Applicants must ordinarily apply within two years of joining their institution.
For the current application cycle, ANRF has announced a one-time relaxation. Researchers who joined their institutions on or after February 1, 2023, can apply.
Research associates, postdoctoral fellows, guest faculty, consultants, project fellows and annually renewed contractual faculty are not eligible. Those who have previously received specified SERB or ANRF research grants are also excluded.
Eligible candidates can submit their applications online by following these steps:
Visit the official ANRF portal.
Register on the portal. Existing SERB Online users can log in using their previous credentials.
Complete the User Profile section, including biodata, photograph and institutional details.
Fill in the research proposal details, including its title, summary, objectives, keywords, expected outcomes and proposed budget.
Upload the technical document as a single PDF file, not exceeding 10 MB.
Upload the required supporting documents and submit the application.
Applicants must upload the following documents in PDF format:
Biodata
Certificate from the Principal Investigator
Endorsement letter from the head of the institution
Age proof (Class 10 marksheet or birth certificate)
Category certificate, wherever applicable for age relaxation
Plagiarism undertaking
Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
Scheme | Prime Minister Early Career Research Grant |
Conducting body | Anusandhan National Research Foundation |
Applications open | November 3, 2026 |
Last date | December 2, 2026 |
Maximum funding | Rs 60 lakh plus overheads |
Duration | Three years |
Number of grants | Up to 700 annually |
Application mode | Online |
Selection | Expert Committee recommendations |
Selection will be based on recommendations made by an Expert Committee. With applications closing on December 2, eligible researchers should ensure that their proposals and supporting documents are ready well before the deadline. The grant offers early-career researchers an opportunity to build independent research programmes, strengthen their work and pursue promising ideas with financial support over three years.
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