Central Government Prime Minister Early Career Research Grant: Up to ₹60 Lakh, Apply by 2 December

If you want to start research at a new institution, the Prime Minister Early Career Research Grant (PM-ECRG) is the biggest opportunity for you. It is a scheme of the Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF). A selected researcher gets a grant of up to ₹60 lakh. The grant is given for 3 years and up to 700 grants are awarded every year. The aim of the scheme is to help young researchers start an independent research programme at their new institution. This scheme earlier ran as the SERB Start-up Research Grant, which ANRF has now absorbed. Applications for this cycle opened on 3 November 2026 and can be submitted till 2 December 2026, 5 PM.

How much money is given

The PM-ECRG grant covers the following.

Grant: up to ₹60 lakh — for a 3-year project.
Institutional overheads — the host institute gets overheads in addition to the grant.
Equipment — equipment needed for the research can be bought.
Research personnel — research assistants and staff can be hired for the project.
Consumables — chemicals, materials and other running expenses.
Travel: up to ₹3 lakh in 3 years — for domestic and international travel, unless a higher amount is specially sanctioned.
Duration: 3 years — it cannot be extended.

This grant is given only once in a career. The money is released through the host institution and every expense must be accounted for to ANRF.

Who can apply

This grant is for young researchers holding a regular position at a recognised institution.

The applicant must be an Indian citizen.
A PhD in Science or Engineering or an MD, MS, MDS or MVSc degree is required.
The applicant must hold a regular academic or research position at a recognised institution, national laboratory or research and development organisation.
The applicant must apply within 2 years of joining the institution. For this cycle a one-time relaxation has been given — researchers who joined on or after 1 February 2023 can also apply.
Age not more than 42 years. SC, ST, OBC, PwD and women applicants get 3 years of relaxation.
PIO and OCI researchers can also apply if they work in a regular position at a public-funded Indian research institution and have an Indian Co-Principal Investigator.

Who cannot apply

Some categories of researchers are not eligible for this grant.

Research Associates, post-doctoral fellows, guest faculty, visiting scientists, consultants and project fellows cannot apply.
Faculty members whose contracts are renewed every year are also not eligible.
Those who have already received grants like YSS, ECR, SRG, CRG or EMEQ cannot apply either.

How to apply

Applications are made online on the anrfonline.in portal. First read the new notice on the portal, then prepare the research proposal and upload the required documents. Applications opened on 3 November 2026 and close on 2 December 2026, 5 PM. Apply in time, because the portal closes after the deadline. Never pay anyone for applying.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: How much grant is given under PM-ECRG? A: Up to ₹60 lakh, plus institutional overheads; the project runs for 3 years. Q2: Who can apply? A: Indian researchers with a PhD in Science or Engineering, or an MD/MS/MDS/MVSc degree, holding a regular position at a recognised institution; age up to 42 years. Q3: What is the last date to apply? A: 2 December 2026, 5 PM; applications opened on 3 November 2026. Q4: Who cannot apply? A: Research Associates, post-doctoral fellows, guest faculty, consultants and project fellows; and those who have already received YSS, ECR, SRG or CRG grants.