The Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF) has announced two major initiatives aimed at fostering innovation in India— the Prime Minister Early Career Research Grant (PMECRG) and the Mission for Advancement in High-Impact Areas Electric Vehicle (MAHA-EV). These grants aim to support early-career researchers and contribute to building a robust research and development (R&D) ecosystem for Electric Vehicle (EV) components in the country.
Launched on October 14, 2024, these programs are part of ANRF’s vision to bridge the gap between academic research and industrial applications. The initiatives focus on empowering young researchers and encouraging creativity, excellence, and innovation in science and technology.
Prime Minister Early Career Research Grant (PMECRG) Overview:
- Grant Amount: Up to ₹60 lakh with additional benefits
- Purpose: To support early-career researchers in science, technology, and innovation
- Eligibility:
- Must be an Indian citizen or hold OCI/PIO status
- Age limit: 42 years (relaxed by 3 years for SC/ST/OBC/PwD/Women)
- Must hold a PhD or equivalent degree in Science, Engineering, or relevant fields
- Must be a regular employee of a recognized, public-funded R&D institution
- Exclusions: Research associates, post-doctoral fellows, and others on contract are not eligible
- Grant Conditions:
- Covers expenses such as manpower recruitment, patent filing, publication fees, travel, and more
- Limited to 700 grants per year
- Grant duration: 3 years
- No project extensions allowed
How to Apply:
Interested candidates can apply by completing their profiles on the official ANRF portal and submitting the required documents, including biodata, certificates, and endorsement letters from their institutions. The application process is outlined on the ANRF website: https://anrfonline.in/.
