HomeAsiaPrime Minister Early Career Research Grant (PM ECRG) 2025 – ANRF’s New Call for India’s Emerging Researchers
Prime Minister Early Career Research Grant (PM ECRG) 2025 – ANRF’s New Call for India’s Emerging Researchers

Prime Minister Early Career Research Grant (PM ECRG) 2025 – ANRF’s New Call for India’s Emerging Researchers

Apply for the Prime Minister Early Career Research Grant (PM ECRG) 2025 by the Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF). Funding up to ₹60 lakh for early-career researchers in India. Deadline: 2 December 2025.


Prime Minister Early Career Research Grant (PM ECRG) 2025 – ANRF’s Flagship Opportunity for Early-Career Scientists

The Prime Minister Early Career Research Grant (PM ECRG) 2025, launched by the Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF), is one of India’s most significant new initiatives supporting early-career researchers. The program aims to nurture independent and high-impact research that can contribute to India’s long-term scientific growth and innovation ecosystem.

This call for proposals provides a unique chance for young scientists, faculty, and early-career professionals to establish themselves as independent researchers and lead projects of national relevance.


About the Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF)

The Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF), established through the ANRF Act, 2023, is India’s apex body for advancing research, innovation, and development. Acting as a bridge between academia, industry, and government, ANRF’s vision is to make India a global hub of scientific excellence.

Through various programs such as the Prime Minister Early Career Research Grant (PM ECRG), MAHA MedTech Mission, and AI for Science & Engineering, ANRF supports cutting-edge research across disciplines including natural sciences, engineering, health, and social sciences.

You can learn more about ANRF’s structure and other calls on the official website: Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF).


Objective of the PM ECRG

The Prime Minister Early Career Research Grant (PM ECRG) is designed to:

  • Empower early-career researchers to pursue independent research;

  • Foster innovation and creativity at the start of a researcher’s career;

  • Strengthen India’s R&D capacity across universities and institutes;

  • Build pathways for young researchers to contribute to national scientific goals.

This program provides flexible funding and autonomy, enabling recipients to lead projects in emerging areas of science and technology.


Key Features of the PM ECRG 2025

Successful grantees will receive robust financial and institutional support:

  • Funding Amount: Up to ₹60 lakh (plus overheads) over three years.

  • Eligible Fields: All areas of science, technology, engineering, mathematics, medicine, and social sciences.

  • Grant Flexibility: Funds can be used for hiring research staff, purchasing equipment, consumables, travel, contingency, and international collaboration.

  • Scale: Around 700 grants will be awarded annually across India.

  • Funding Body: Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF) under the Government of India.

This structure allows young scientists to set up their laboratories, collaborate internationally, and translate ideas into impactful outcomes.


Eligibility Criteria

To apply for the Prime Minister Early Career Research Grant (PM ECRG), candidates must meet the following conditions:

  • Be Indian citizens or PIO/OCI working in an Indian R&D or academic institution.

  • Hold a Ph.D. (or equivalent: MD/MS/MDS/MVSc) degree.

  • Have joined their current institution on or after 1 February 2023 as a regular faculty or researcher.

  • Be below 42 years of age (with relaxation for SC/ST/OBC, women, and PwD candidates).

  • Must not have received previous young investigator awards such as YSS, ECR, SRG, or CRG from SERB/ANRF.

Eligible institutions include recognized universities, IITs, IISERs, national laboratories, and research centers across India.


How to Apply

The application process for the Prime Minister Early Career Research Grant (PM ECRG) 2025 is entirely online.

  • Visit the official ANRF portal: https://www.anrfonline.in/ANRF/ecrg_anrf?HomePage=New

  • Register or log in using your credentials (existing SERB Online users can use the same login).

  • Fill out the online proposal form, upload supporting documents (Ph.D. certificate, CV, institutional endorsement), and submit before the deadline.

  • Review the call guidelines carefully before submission.

 Application Window:

  • Opening Date: 3 November 2025

  • Closing Date: 2 December 2025 (5:00 PM IST)

 Apply Here: Prime Minister Early Career Research Grant (PM ECRG) – ANRF Portal


Evaluation and Selection Process

Applications for the PM ECRG will undergo a rigorous peer-review and panel evaluation process. The selection will consider:

  • Scientific quality and innovation potential;

  • Feasibility and methodology;

  • Applicant’s track record and independence;

  • Relevance to national and global research priorities.

Proposals demonstrating originality, cross-disciplinary collaboration, and potential societal impact are particularly encouraged.


Why Apply for the PM ECRG?

The Prime Minister Early Career Research Grant (PM ECRG) offers unparalleled benefits to young researchers, such as:

  • Autonomy: Full freedom to design and implement independent research projects.

  • Visibility: Recognition at the national level, strengthening one’s research profile.

  • Support: Access to infrastructure and resources for early-career growth.

  • Impact: Opportunity to contribute to India’s innovation and development goals.

This program not only supports scientific excellence but also empowers researchers to turn knowledge into real-world impact — a core mission of the Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF).


Conclusion

The Prime Minister Early Career Research Grant (PM ECRG) 2025 by ANRF is a transformative initiative for India’s emerging scientists. Offering up to ₹60 lakh in funding, flexibility, and recognition, it helps early-career researchers turn bold ideas into measurable innovation.

If you are a motivated young academic or researcher in India, this is your opportunity to build your research independence and contribute to the nation’s scientific future.

Application Deadline: 2 December 2025
Apply Here: Prime Minister Early Career Research Grant (PM ECRG) – ANRF Official Portal


For more international career opportunities, visit Opportunities For Youth

Comments are off for this post.

Scroll to Top