Prime Minister Early Career Research Grant 2024: The Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF), established under the ANRF Act 2023, is committed to fostering a robust culture of research and innovation nationwide. Guided by the Hon’ble Prime Minister, ANRF has launched the Prime Minister Early Career Research Grant (PM ECRG) to empower early career researchers with the resources and support needed to excel in their fields.
Prime Minister Early Career Research Grant 2024
PM ECRG aims to provide an enabling environment for early career researchers, facilitating groundbreaking research and innovation. It supports them with a flexible budget and progressive measures to ease the research process. By empowering researchers, ANRF seeks to position India as a global leader in science and technology.
Prime Minister Early Career Research Grant Nature and Duration of Support
- Research grant of up to Rs. 60 lakh plus overheads for three years.
- Flexibility in utilizing funds under recurring heads, manpower recruitment, and travel expenses.
- Enhanced support for open-access publications, patent filing, and international travel for project-related activities.
- A maximum of 700 grants will be awarded annually across all subject areas.
Note: PM ECRG subsumes the Startup Research Grant (SRG) scheme of the erstwhile SERB.
Special Relaxations for the Current Call PM ECRG 2024
- The upper age limit is 42 (with a three-year relaxation for SC/ST/OBC/Physically Challenged and women candidates), calculated as of February 1, 2024.
- Applicants should have joined the institution on or after February 1, 2022.
Eligibility Criteria PM ECRG 2024
- Indian citizens with a PhD in Science or Engineering or MD/MS/MDS/MVSc degrees are eligible.
- Regular academic/research positions in recognized institutions are required.
- Applicants must apply within two years of joining the institution.
- Upper age limit: 42 years (relaxation applicable).
- Not eligible: Research Associates, Postdoctoral Fellows, Ad-hoc/Guest/Visiting faculties, and others specified by ANRF.
Applicants should not have received grants under previous schemes like YSS, ECR, SRG, CRG, or EMEQ of SERB or ANRF.
Application Process and Apply Link for PM ECRG
- Applications must be submitted online at www.anrfonline.in.
- Already registered users on SERB’s portal can log in with the same credentials.
- Fill in mandatory fields in the user profile, including biodata, photo, and institution details.
- Upload a single PDF (max 10 MB) with all project-related details as per the Technical Document Template.
- Apply Link for PM ECRG.
Documents Required for PM ECRG Grant 2024
- Biodata (under user profile section) Download Template
- Certificate from Principal Investigator Download Template
- Endorsement Letter from the Head of Institution Download Template
- Age Proof Certificate (Class X mark sheet or Birth certificate)
- Category Certificate (in case of Age Relaxation)
- Plagiarism undertaking Download Template
Selection Process
Applications will be reviewed by an Expert Committee based on merit. Notifications regarding calls for applications will be published on the official portal www.anrfonline.in.
Key Conditions
- PM ECRG is a one-time career grant and cannot be extended beyond three years.
- Projects cannot be transferred to another individual.
- Institution transfers are permitted only in specific cases with due approval from ANRF.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Q1: What is the age limit for PM ECRG?
- A1: The upper age limit is 42 years, with a three-year relaxation for SC/ST/OBC/Physically Challenged and women candidates.
- Q2: What is the grant amount and duration?
- A2: The grant is Rs. 60 lakh for three years, excluding overheads.
- Q3: Can I extend the project duration?
- A3: No, the project duration cannot be extended.
- Q4: How do I apply for PM ECRG?
- A4: Applications must be submitted online at www.anrfonline.in.
- Q5: Can I have a Co-PI or mentor?
- A5: Co-PIs and mentors are not allowed under this scheme.
Conclusion
PM ECRG provides a unique opportunity for early career researchers to contribute significantly to India’s scientific and technological landscape. Apply today to transform your innovative ideas into impactful research!