ANRF Launches Grants for Early-Career Researchers in Electric Vehicle R&D

The Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF) has announced two significant grants aimed at early-career researchers, focusing on developing a robust research and development ecosystem for electric vehicle (EV) components in India. The grants were launched on October 14, 2024, and include the Prime Minister Early Career Research Grant (PMECRG) and the Mission for Advancement in High-Impact Areas Electric Vehicle (MAHA-EV) initiatives.

These initiatives are designed to bridge the gap between academic research and industrial application, fostering innovation and excellence among researchers. The governing board’s first meeting, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, took place on September 10, 2024.

ANRF PM Early Career Research Grant (PMECRG)

The PMECRG aims to empower early-career researchers by providing a one-time grant that enables them to focus on innovation and contribute to India’s position as a global leader in science and technology. This initiative seeks to nurture a strong research and innovation culture within the country.

Grant Details:

• Amount: Up to ₹60 lakh, with additional benefits
• Registration Link: ANRF Registration
• Official Website: ANRF Official Site

Eligibility Criteria for ANRF PMECRG

To qualify for the PMECRG, applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Citizenship: Indian citizens or Overseas Citizens of India (OCI) / Persons of Indian Origin (PIO)
• Age Limit: Upper age limit is 42 years, with a three-year relaxation for SC/ST/OBC/PwD/Women.
• Education and Work Experience:
  • Must hold a PhD in Science or Engineering, MD, MS, MVSc, or MDS.
  • Must be a regular employee at any recognized public-funded R&D organization/laboratory in India.
  • Eligible to apply as Principal Investigator (PI) in collaboration with a Co-PI.

Exclusions:

• Research associates, post-doctoral fellows, guest faculties, consultants, ad-hoc facilities, visiting scientists, or faculty members on renewable contracts are excluded.
• Applicants already receiving other government scientist grants (e.g., CRG, YSS) are also excluded.

Documents Required for Application

Researchers wishing to apply for the ANRF PMECRG must prepare the following documents:

1. Biodata
2. Certificate issued by the Principal Investigator
3. Age Proof Certificate
4. Category Certificate (if applicable for age relaxation)
5. Endorsement Letter from the Institution
6. Acknowledgment of plagiarism policies

Templates for required documents can be downloaded from the official ANRF website.

Conditions of the ANRF PMECRG Grant

• The grant covers a period of three years with a total amount of up to ₹60 lakh, which can be allocated for various research-related expenses.
• Allowed expenses include manpower recruitment, patent filing, overhead charges, open-access publication costs, travel charges, and more.
• The program will offer a maximum of 700 grants across all project areas annually.
• International travel related to research activities is also covered.
• Researchers can apply for only one project under this grant, with no option for project extension.

Interested early-career researchers can register through the provided link and submit their applications, along with the required documents, after completing their profiles on the portal.

For more information and to apply, visit the official ANRF website.