ANRF researcher grants and fellowships
A programme by Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF) (Anusandhan National Research Foundation)
Grants, fellowships and chairs for academics and scientists, such as PM ECRG, Ramanujan, J. C. Bose and N-PDF. Not for startups.
At a glance
| Best for | Academics and scientists with a regular research post |
|---|---|
| Format | Online |
| Cost | Free, no equity |
| Grant support | For selected startups. A place in the programme does not by itself guarantee a grant. |
About ANRF researcher grants and fellowships
ANRF's application portal lists many programmes for individual researchers, including the Prime Minister Early Career Research Grant, Ramanujan Fellowship, J. C. Bose Grant, National Science Chair, National Post Doctoral Fellowship, Advanced Research Grant, Inclusivity Research Grant and Prime Minister Professorship. They are listed here so a founder who lands on ANRF can tell they are not startup grants.
Who can apply
- Academics and scientists in recognised institutions and laboratories
- The Prime Minister Early Career Research Grant has an upper age limit of 42 years, relaxed by three years for SC, ST and OBC candidates, women and physically challenged applicants. It is a one-time, three-year grant
- Ramanujan Fellowship nominations for 2026 are received until 31 December 2026, as stated on ANRF's home page
- J. C. Bose Grant nominations for the latest call closed on 10 February 2026
How to apply: Each scheme has its own page and call on ANRF's site and portal. A company founder without a research post is not eligible for most of them.
Where to apply
Other ANRF programmes
- MAHA MedTech MissionANRF's mission to fund medical devices and diagnostics from technology readiness level 3 to 8, open to DPIIT startups, MSMEs, hospitals and academic teams.
- ANRF Translational Research and Innovation (ATRI)Funds academic teams to set up centres that move technology from technology readiness level 4 to 7 and mentor startups.
- MAHA Drones ProgramA consortium programme for drone subsystems that needs at least one industry or startup partner alongside an academic or laboratory lead.
- MAHA Water ProgramA mission for water technologies from technology readiness level 2 to 7, led by academic or laboratory teams with startups and industry as cash-contributing collaborators.
- ANRF Catalytic Partnership ProgramSeed funding for institutions that want to create a new, large research and innovation institution with industry and philanthropic partners.
- Research Development and Innovation (RDI) FundA government fund that lends and invests through fund managers into private research and development, including startups. It does not give grants.
Everything about Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF)