Applications are invited for the Prime Minister Early Career Research Grant 2024-25. The application is open until November 19th.
About ANRF Research Grant
Early career researchers are at the forefront of innovation and excellence, playing a vital role in the scientific and technological progress of the country. Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF) recognises that early career researchers are committed to produce research of the highest quality, bringing in new skills, breakthrough ideas and the zest to explore new frontiers, thereby expanding the boundaries of knowledge. This commitment of the early career researchers will significantly contribute in driving the ambitions of ANRF in positioning the country as a global leader in science and technology as well as creating a vibrant research ecosystem. ANRF considers its responsibility to empower and support the early career researchers in their pursuit of research excellence, providing them with an enabling environment to effectively conduct research with ease and flexibility.
Benefits
- Research grant up to Rs. 60 lakh plus overheads for a period of three years.
- The measures for ease of doing research include flexibility to utilize resources under recurring head; flexibility in manpower recruitment; enhanced travel, contingency and overhead charges; and support for expenses related to open access publications and patent filing charges.
- International travel for project related activities is also permitted.
- Maximum of 700 grants would be awarded per year across all subject areas.
Eligibility
- Applicant holding a PhD/MD/MS/MDS/MVSc degree and working in recognized R&D institutions.
- Must hold a regular academic/research position and apply within 2 years of joining the institution.
- Age limit: 42 years (with 3-year relaxation for SC/ST/OBC/physically challenged and women candidates).
- ANRF invites early career researchers to be part of the transformative journey in leading the country to the forefront of scientific excellence.
Deadline
The last date for the application is Tuesday, November 19, 2024.
How to Apply?
- The Call for applications will be notified through the website. The application should be submitted online at this link (Note : Already registered PIs with the SERBONLINE portal may Login using the same credentials).
- Selection will be based on the recommendations of Expert Committee.
Click here to view the official notification for the Prime Minister Early Career Research Grant
Q1. What is the age limit for availing PM ECRG?
A1: The upper age limit for PM ECRG is 42 years, with a relaxation of three years for SC/ST/OBC/ Physically challenged and women candidates.
Q2: What is the nature of support under PM ECRG scheme?
A2: PM ECRG is a one-time grant and carries a maximum research grant of Rs. 60 Lakhs (excluding overheads) for a period of three years. The research grant covers equipment, research personnel, consumables, travel and contingency apart from overheads.
Q3: What is the duration of the PM ECRG project? Can it be extended?
A3: PM ECRG project period is of 3 years. There is no provision for extension of the project duration.
Q4:When should I apply for PM ECRG? Can I apply for the projects throughout the year?
A4: The Call for applications will be notified through the website www.anrfonline.in and www.anrf.gov.in . The application form along with a proper research proposal highlighting the research work to be undertaken should be submitted online through the website www.anrfonline.in during the call opening period.
Q5: How should I apply for PM ECRG?
A5: All applications should be submitted through the ANRF online portal www.anrfonline.in
Q6: Can I have a Co-PI in PM ECRG project? Can I have a Mentor in PM ECRG?
A6: Co-PI or Mentors are not allowed in this scheme. However, foreign nationals are mandated to have an Indian Co-PI.
Q7: I am working abroad as post-doc, and I want to return to India. I intend to apply for PM ECRG. But I have not yet finalized my place of work. Am I eligible to apply under the scheme?
A7: No. The applicant must hold a regular academic/research position in a recognized academic institution/ or national laboratories or any other recognized R&D institutions. Only after joining a research or academic institution, one can apply for the grants under this scheme.
Q8: I am implementing an PM ECRG project for the last one year. Am I eligible to apply for another project under any other scheme/award or fellowship programs of ANRF?
A8: In general, a PI is allowed to operate only one ANRF project at a time. Exceptions are allowed for some specific calls under certain topics/programs/schemes. In all other cases, PI can submit another proposal under regular schemes of ANRF six months prior to the date of completion of the ongoing PM ECRG project.
Q9: What documents should I send for receiving the next instalments of the grant?
A9: The PIs should upload annual Progress Report and financial statements at the end of each financial year. The release of the next instalment of the grant will be considered only after submission of Utilization Certificate (separately for Recurring & Non-recurring) and Statement of Expenditure, financial year wise.
Q10: I intend to change my Host Institution? What procedure should I follow?
A10: Change of host institute will be considered only (i) from a private/public/government institution to any other public/government institution or (ii) General administrative transfers in government or public funded institutions. Change of institute will not be considered for any other cases. Change of host institution can be undertaken only after obtaining due approval from ANRF.Transfer of the project along with balance grant and the assets to the new institute is allowed, provided the administrative authority of both institutes agree in writing. NOC from the previous host institute and Endorsement Form from the new host Institute must be sent to ANRF through the online portal.
Q11: What is the procedure for surrendering PM ECRG project?
A11: For termination of the project, PI need to inform the ANRF through the host institution immediately. The implementing institute should not incur any expenditure from the date of termination of the project or the date of resignation of PI. The institute must also arrange for the submission of relevant documents.
Q12: Can I be away from the implementing Institute when I am implementing the PM ECRG project?
A12: The PIs must seek the consent of ANRF if he/she intends to be away from the implementing institute (except for field work related to the project) continuously for a period of more than eight weeks.
Q13: What should be done for the unspent grant under PM ECRG project after the completion of the tenure of the project?
A13: The following documents should be sent to the ANRF after the duration of the project is completed:
Final Consolidated Statement of Expenditure (in duplicate) , giving expenditure financial year wise (FY) from date of start till date of completion.
Utilization Certificates (FY wise) for all FYs (in duplicate) matching with Statement of Expenditure figures in that FY.
Project Completion Report (PCR) with a list of publications, and patents filed/granted.
DD/ cheque for the unspent grant, drawn in favor of ‘Science & Engineering Research Fund’.
The Principal Investigator is responsible for the timely submission of progress reports, utilization certificates, project closure report (PCR), refund of unspent balance amount etc. at the end or early closure of the project.
