PM Early Career Research Grant gives Rs 60 lakhs to PhD holders, apply by December 2

The Anusandhan National Research Foundation has opened applications for its Prime Minister Early Career Research Grant. Eligible researchers can receive up to Rs 60 lakh in funding over three years. Here is everything applicants need to know.The Anusandhan National Research Foundation has opened applications for its Prime Minister Early Career Research Grant. Eligible researchers can receive up to Rs 60 lakh in funding over three years.New Delhi,Nov 4, 2026 15:11 ISTEarly-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.WHAT DOES THE Rs 60 LAKH GRANT COVER?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.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.CHECK THESE ELIGIBILITY RULES BEFORE APPLYINGApplicants 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.HOW TO APPLY FOR THE ANRF RESEARCH GRANTEligible 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.KEEP THESE DOCUMENTS READYApplicants must upload the following documents in PDF format:BiodataCertificate from the Principal InvestigatorEndorsement letter from the head of the institutionAge proof (Class 10 marksheet or birth certificate)Category certificate, wherever applicable for age relaxationPlagiarism undertakingIMPORTANT DETAILS AT A GLANCEParticularsDetailsSchemePrime Minister Early Career Research GrantConducting bodyAnusandhan National Research FoundationApplications openNovember 3, 2026Last dateDecember 2, 2026Maximum fundingRs 60 lakh plus overheadsDurationThree yearsNumber of grantsUp to 700 annuallyApplication modeOnlineSelectionExpert Committee recommendationsSelection 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.- Ends