AI SummaryPrime Minister Early Career Research Grant is a Central Government scheme run by Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF) to help early career Indian researchers start their research work at a new institution with a flexible budget and easier processes. An eligible researcher can get up to ₹60 lakh plus overheads for a period of three years under this scheme.
ANRF opens fresh calls for proposals every year through its online portal, so early career researchers can apply when the next call is announced. The grant encourages high quality research and fresh ideas in science, engineering, health and related fields. This grant now takes the place of the old Startup Research Grant of the erstwhile SERB.
Prime Minister Early Career Research Grant - Introduction
Prime Minister Early Career Research Grant, launched by Anusandhan National Research Foundation under the Department of Science and Technology, gives researchers the money support and flexibility needed to begin their research career at a new institution. It creates a supportive setting that makes doing research simpler. Researchers who want details on other ANRF support can also read about the Teachers Associateship for Research Excellence scheme on this portal.
Main aims of the scheme:
- Help early career researchers reach excellence by giving them an enabling and flexible research environment.
- Place India as a global leader in science and technology by encouraging a strong research culture.
- Produce high quality research that brings fresh skills, new ideas and a love for exploring new frontiers of knowledge.
For the current call, ANRF has relaxed one eligibility condition. Instead of asking that the applicant apply within two years of joining the institution, the applicant should have joined the institution on or after February 1, 2023. This makes it easier for researchers who took up a new post recently to apply.
Key Information
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Scheme Name | Prime Minister Early Career Research Grant |
| Launched By | Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF) |
| Level | Central |
| Beneficiaries | Early career Indian researchers |
| Benefit Amount | Up to ₹60 lakh plus overheads |
| Duration | 3 years |
| Application Mode | Online |
| Official Website | anrfonline.in |
Benefits
The scheme gives strong money support so that research work moves ahead without money problems. Some of the main benefits are:
| Benefit Type | Details |
|---|---|
| Research Grant | Up to ₹60 lakh plus overheads |
| Duration | 3 years |
| Annual Award Limit | Maximum of 700 grants a year |
The scheme allows flexibility in using funds under the regular head, easy engagement of research personnel, higher travel and contingency allowances, and covers expenses for open access publications and patent filing. International travel for project related work is allowed within the project rules.
Eligibility
An applicant should be an Indian citizen. Overseas Citizens of India (OCI) or Persons of Indian Origin (PIO) working as regular employees in recognized public funded R&D labs or institutions in India can apply as Principal Investigator along with an Indian Co-PI, subject to ANRF rules.
The applicant should hold a PhD in Science or Engineering, or an MD, MS, MDS or MVSc degree. The applicant must hold a regular academic or research position in a recognized institution, national laboratory or other recognized R&D body.
For the current call, the applicant should have joined the institution on or after February 1, 2023. The upper age limit is 42 years, with a relaxation of three years for SC/ST/OBC, physically challenged and women candidates.
The applicant should not have earlier received YSS, ECR, SRG, CRG, EMEQ or any other project grant of erstwhile SERB or ANRF.
Exclusions
Research associates, post-doctoral fellows, ad-hoc faculty, guest faculty, visiting scientists, consultants, project fellows and faculty whose contract is renewed every year are not eligible under this grant. Co-PIs are not allowed in this scheme, except in PIO/OCI cases.
Application Process
STEP 1 - Go to the official ANRF online portal at anrfonline.in and register yourself. Researchers who already have an account with the earlier SERB online portal can log in with the same details.
STEP 2 - Log in and fill all the required fields under the User Profile section, including bio-data, photo and institute address.
STEP 3 - Enter the proposal details such as project title, project summary, objectives, expected output and the budget head covering research personnel, consumables, travel, equipment, contingency and overheads.
STEP 4 - Upload the Technical Document as a single PDF file of not more than 10 MB using the official template, then submit the proposal online.
An Expert Committee reviews each proposal, and successful candidates are informed through the official website when they are selected.
Documents
Keep the following documents ready in PDF format before applying:
- Bio-data filled in the official portal template.
- Certificate from the Principal Investigator.
- Endorsement letter from the Head of Institution.
- Proof of age, which can be a Class X marksheet or a birth certificate.
- Category certificate, if claiming age relaxation.
- Plagiarism undertaking.
References
For detailed rules and updates, visit the official pages given below:
FAQ's
What is the age limit for Prime Minister Early Career Research Grant?
The upper age limit is 42 years. Women and candidates from SC/ST/OBC and physically challenged categories get a three year age relaxation.
What is the grant amount under this scheme?
An eligible researcher can get up to ₹60 lakh (excluding overheads) over a period of three years to cover equipment, research personnel, consumables, travel and contingency.
Can the project duration be extended?
No. This is a one-time career grant with a three year project period, and there is no provision for extension.
Can I have a co-principal investigator?
Co-PIs and mentors are not allowed under this scheme, except for Overseas Citizens of India (OCI) or Persons of Indian Origin (PIO) applicants, who must have an Indian Co-PI.
Can I apply if I have an ongoing project?
Generally a researcher can hold one active ANRF project at a time. However, a candidate with an ongoing TARE project can apply six months before that project is completed, subject to other rules.
Can I move funds between regular and non-regular budgets?
No. Moving or reappropriating funds between the regular and non-regular budgets is not allowed under any circumstances.