Prime Minister Early Career Research Grant Now Open for Applications

The Anusandhan National Research Foundation has opened applications for the Prime Minister Early Career Research Grant, providing up to ₹60 lakh for young researchers in science and engineering. This grant aims to support early-career researchers in advancing their projects. Eligible candidates must hold a PhD or equivalent degree and be under 42 years of age. The application deadline is December 2, 2026. This is a unique opportunity for researchers to secure funding for essential research activities, including equipment purchase and travel costs. Don't miss out on this chance to boost your research career!

By Ambika Singh Nov 10, 2026, 14:19 IST

Exciting Opportunity for Young Researchers

Young researchers in science and technology have a promising opportunity as the Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF) has launched the application process for the Prime Minister Early Career Research Grant (PM ECRG). This initiative aims to provide financial backing to early-career researchers to kickstart and enhance their research endeavors. Successful applicants can receive funding of up to ₹60 lakh over a three-year period.

Moreover, an additional overhead amount will be allocated to assist with institutional costs. Interested individuals can submit their applications online until 5:00 PM on December 2, 2026.

Objective of the PM ECRG Scheme

The PM ECRG scheme is designed to support researchers at the beginning of their careers in science and engineering. Awardees will receive a one-time grant that can be utilized for various purposes, including purchasing research equipment, compensating project staff, acquiring necessary materials, covering travel expenses, and addressing incidental costs. The grant also supports expenses related to publishing open-access research papers and filing patents, as well as international travel for project-related activities.

Eligibility Criteria

To qualify for this grant, candidates must possess a PhD in a science or engineering field. Additionally, those with MD, MS, MDS, or MVSc degrees are also eligible. Applicants should hold a regular academic or research position at a recognized institution, national laboratory, or research and development organization.

Age Limit

The maximum age for applicants is set at 42 years. However, a three-year relaxation is available for candidates from SC, ST, and OBC categories, as well as for persons with disabilities (PwD) and women. Furthermore, candidates who joined their institutions on or after February 1, 2023, are also eligible. Persons of Indian Origin (PIO) and Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) cardholders can apply under specific conditions.

Ineligibility Criteria

Researchers who have previously benefited from certain specific research grant schemes from SERB or ANRF are not eligible for this grant. It is crucial to review the terms and conditions of any prior grants before applying.

Application Process

Candidates can apply through the ANRF online portal at anrfonline.in. New applicants must register first, while those already registered on the 'SERB Online' portal can log in with their existing credentials. During the application, candidates need to upload a research proposal, a certificate from the Principal Investigator, a letter of endorsement from the head of the institution, and proof of age. The research proposal should clearly define the project's subject, objectives, and work plan.

Selection Process

Selection will be based on recommendations from an expert committee that will evaluate all research proposals. Eligible candidates will be chosen accordingly. As this grant is a one-time opportunity, extensions for project duration will not be allowed. The final submission deadline is 5:00 PM on December 2, 2026.