The Prime Minister Early Career Research Grant (PM ECRG) is an initiative by the Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF) under the Department of Science & Technology, Government of India. It is designed to empower early career researchers by providing flexible funding and support to initiate their research careers at new institutions. The grant aims to foster a vibrant research ecosystem and position India as a global leader in science and technology.
Objectives
- Empower Early Career Researchers:
Provide a supportive environment with a flexible budget to help researchers initiate and sustain innovative research. - Enhance Global Competitiveness:
Contribute to India’s global standing in science and technology by nurturing breakthrough ideas and research excellence. - Create a Vibrant Research Ecosystem:
Support progressive initiatives and ease of doing research through enhanced funding, flexibility in resource utilization, and support for open access and patent filing.
Benefits
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Funding:
- Research grant of up to ₹60 lakhs per year (plus overheads) is provided for a period of three years.
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Flexibility:
- Flexible utilization of recurring funds.
- Enhanced allowances for travel, contingencies, and overheads.
- Support for expenses related to open access publications and patent filing.
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International Travel:
- Project-related international travel is permitted.
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Annual Award Limit:
Up to 700 grants are awarded per year across all subject areas.
Eligibility
- Citizenship:
Applicants must be Indian citizens. Additionally, Overseas Citizens of India (OCI) or Persons of Indian Origin (PIO) working as regular employees in recognized, publicly funded R&D institutions in India are eligible as Principal Investigators (PIs) (in collaboration with an Indian Co-PI) provided they meet the ANRF funding guidelines. - Academic Qualification:
Applicants must hold a Ph.D. degree in Science, Engineering, or an MD/MS/MDS/MVSc degree. - Employment:
The applicant must hold a regular academic or research position at a recognized academic institution, national laboratory, or any other R&D institution. - Experience:
The applicant should be eligible to apply within two years of joining the institution. - Age Limit:
The upper age limit is 42 years, with a relaxation of three years for SC/ST/OBC/Physically Challenged and women candidates. - Exclusions:
Applicants who have received funding under YSS, ECR, SRG, CRG (erstwhile EMR), EMEQ, or any other project grant from SERB or ANRF are not eligible. - Additional Conditions:
- Only one proposal per applicant is allowed per call.
- This is a one-time career grant; no extensions are permitted.
Application Process
Mode: Online via the ANRF portal (https://www.anrfonline.in/)
- Registration:
- Applicants must register on the ANRF online portal. (Existing SERB portal users can log in using the same credentials.)
- Proposal Submission:
- Fill in all mandatory fields including project title (max 500 characters), project summary (max 3000 characters), keywords (max 6), objectives (max 1500 characters), expected outcomes (max 1500 characters), and detailed budget (covering research personnel, consumables, travel, equipment, contingency, and overheads).
- Upload a single PDF file (maximum 10 MB) as a Technical Document.
- Submission:
- Complete and submit the proposal through the portal.
- Evaluation:
- Proposals are evaluated based on the recommendations of an Expert Committee.
Documents Required
- Biodata (as per the online profile)
- Certificate from the Principal Investigator
- Endorsement Letter from the Head of the Institution
- Age Proof Certificate (e.g., Class X marksheet or Birth Certificate)
- Category Certificate (if claiming age relaxation)
- Any additional documents as specified in the guidelines
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- What is the age limit for availing the PM ECRG?
The upper age limit is 42 years, with a relaxation of three years for SC/ST/OBC/Physically Challenged and women candidates. - What is the duration of the PM ECRG project?
The grant is provided for a period of three years, with no extension permitted. - Can I apply for the PM ECRG throughout the year?
Yes, applications are accepted throughout the year. - Can I have a Co-PI in my project?
Yes, but the applicant must work in collaboration with an Indian Co-PI, especially in the case of OCI/PIO applicants. - Am I eligible if I am working abroad as a post-doc and wish to return?
Yes, OCI/PIO applicants working as regular employees in recognized institutions in India can apply if they meet all other eligibility criteria. - Can I apply if I have already received funding from other SERB or ANRF schemes?
No, applicants who have received funding under other specified schemes (YSS, ECR, SRG, etc.) are not eligible. - What expenses are covered under the grant?
The grant covers research-related expenses including equipment, consumables, travel, contingency, overheads, open access publication fees, and patent filing charges. - How is the evaluation process conducted?
Proposals are reviewed by an Expert Committee, and the selection is based on research potential, quality of the proposal, and the innovative impact of the project.