The ANRF announces the applications for the PM ECRG 2026 (Prime Minister Early Career Research Grant) for early career scientists. Replacing the former SERB Startup Research Grant (SRG), this initiative offers up to Rs 60 lakh (plus overheads) over three years to help early-career scientists launch independent research pathways.
ANRF aims to select 700 fellows annually across scientific and engineering disciplines.
PM ECRG 2026 Key Timelines
- Applications Opened: November 2, 2026
- Submission Deadline: December 2, 2026 (5:00 PM IST)
Funding & Application
The budget covers equipment, consumables, manpower, and travel. Travel and contingencies are capped at Rs 3 lakh each. No extensions are permitted. Proposals must be submitted via the official ANRF Portal before the deadline.
Eligibility Criteria
- Qualifications: Applicants must hold a PhD in Science/Engineering or an MD/MS/MDS/MVSc degree and occupy a regular, full-time position at a recognized Indian institution. Postdocs and contract staff are excluded.
- Career Window & Age: Application must be filed within two years of joining the institution (relaxed for those joining on/after February 1, 2023). The upper age limit is 42 years, with a 3-year relaxation for SC, ST, OBC, women, and physically disabled candidates.
- Nationality: Open to Indian citizens and eligible PIO/OCI holders. Past SERB-SRG or early-career grant recipients are ineligible.
PM ECRG 2026 is a research funding initiative by ANRF that supports early-career researchers in India.
Eligible researchers can receive up to ₹60 lakh, plus overheads, for a period of three years.
The application deadline is December 2, 2026.
