Prime Minister’s Early Career Research Grant
The Prime Minister’s Early Career Research Grant (PM ECRG) is a flagship initiative by the Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF), established under the ANRF Act 2023. This program aims to empower early-career researchers, providing them with the necessary resources to initiate and excel in research at their institutions.
Program Overview
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Grant Name | Prime Minister Early Career Research Grant (PM ECRG) |
| Organizing Body | Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF) |
| Objective | To support early-career researchers in initiating high-impact research in India |
| Funding Support | Up to ₹60 lakh plus overheads for a period of three years |
| Total Grants Awarded | Up to 700 grants per year across all subject areas |
| Website | Official ANRF Website |
Key Benefits of the Grant
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Flexible Budget Allocation | Researchers can utilize funds across recurring research expenses. |
| Manpower Recruitment | Flexibility in hiring research assistants, project staff, and associates. |
| International Travel | Funds can be used for project-related global collaborations and conferences. |
| Open Access & Patent Support | Financial assistance for publishing in open-access journals and filing patents. |
| Enhanced Contingency & Overheads | Additional funding provisions for miscellaneous research expenses. |
This program aims to accelerate India’s research ecosystem by making research easier, more flexible, and globally competitive.
Eligibility Criteria
| Criteria | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Age Limit | Upper age limit 42 years (Relaxation: +3 years for SC/ST/OBC/Physically Challenged & Women) |
| Institution Tenure | Applicant must have joined the institution on or after February 1, 2022 |
| Research Domain | Open to all subject areas |
| Career Stage | Must be an early-career researcher |
Note:
- Prime Minister’s Early Career Research Grant subsumes the Startup Research Grant (SRG) scheme of the former Science and Engineering Research Board (SERB).
- The age relaxation and tenure requirements mentioned above apply only for the current call.
Application & Selection Process
| Step | Details |
| Step 1 | Prepare Research Proposal with a clear scientific objective, methodology, and expected impact. |
| Step 2 | Submit the application online through the ANRF portal. |
| Step 3 | Applications undergo scientific review and evaluation by expert committees. |
| Step 4 | Shortlisted candidates may be invited for further assessment or clarification. |
| Step 5 | Final selection based on research potential, feasibility, and national impact. |
Important Notes:
- Ensure that the research proposal aligns with India’s research priorities and scientific advancement goals.
- The grant is highly competitive, so applicants should highlight their research innovation and significance effectively.
Why Apply for PM ECRG?
- Early-career support with substantial research funding.
- International exposure through travel and collaboration grants.
- Flexibility in fund utilization, recruitment, and publication assistance.
- Opportunity to establish a strong research base in India.
This initiative enables India’s brightest researchers to make significant contributions to global science and technology.
For more such blogs, visit Scrollwell Plus.
Join the Scrollwell WhatsApp Community
Get timely updates on faculty jobs, FDPs, research opportunities, and professional development resources. Connect with a growing network of educators across India.
Join WhatsApp
