PM Early Career Research Grant Offers Up to ₹60 Lakh

ANRF opens applications for the PM Early Career Research Grant 2026, offering up to ₹60 lakh plus overhead charges for three years. Eligible researchers can apply online by December 2.

The Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF) has invited applications for the Prime Minister Early Career Research Grant (PM ECRG), offering financial assistance of up to ₹60 lakh, along with overhead charges, to support early career researchers in India. The application window opens on November 3, 2026, and interested candidates can submit their proposals online until December 2, 2026.

The grant provides funding for a period of three years and aims to encourage innovative research across scientific and technological disciplines. ANRF plans to award up to 700 grants annually across all subject areas.

Also read: BITS Pilani Doubles Full Tuition Scholarships to 1,000 Students

Under the programme, selected researchers can receive up to ₹60 lakh, in addition to applicable overhead charges, for their proposed research projects. The funding framework offers flexibility in using recurring expenditure funds and recruiting project personnel.

The grant also supports international travel for project-related activities, open-access research publications and patent filing expenses. These provisions are intended to help researchers manage project requirements and pursue independent research with greater flexibility.

The PM ECRG subsumes the Start-up Research Grant scheme of the erstwhile Science and Engineering Research Board (SERB).

Applicants must be Indian citizens holding a PhD degree in Science or Engineering, or an MD, MS, MDS or MVSc qualification. They must also occupy a regular academic or research position at a recognised academic institution, national laboratory or other recognised research and development institution.

The general upper age limit is 42 years, with a relaxation of three years for candidates belonging to SC, ST and OBC categories, persons with disabilities and women.

For the current application cycle, ANRF has introduced a one-time relaxation in the institutional joining requirement. Applicants must have joined their respective institutions on or after February 1, 2023, instead of meeting the usual requirement of applying within two years of joining.

Research associates, postdoctoral fellows, ad hoc and guest faculty members, visiting scientists, consultants and project fellows are among those not eligible to apply. Applicants who have previously received specified research grants from the erstwhile SERB or ANRF, including YSS, ECR, SRG and CRG, are also ineligible.

Also read: Top Skills that will Shape tomorrow's Engineering Careers

Eligible researchers must submit their applications online through the official ANRF portal. Principal Investigators already registered on the former SERB Online portal can use their existing login credentials.

Applications will be evaluated based on recommendations from an Expert Committee. Candidates should review the official programme guidelines and ensure that their research proposals and supporting documents meet the prescribed requirements before submission.

The application deadline is December 2, 2026. Researchers are advised to complete the online process before the closing date and refer to the ANRF portal for the latest application instructions.