Anusandhan NRF — Research Funding

What is Anusandhan NRF — Research Funding?

Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF), established through the Anusandhan National Research Foundation Act 2023, is India's apex body for funding, coordinating, and promoting research and innovation across all disciplines — science, technology, engineering, mathematics, humanities, and social sciences. ANRF was created to replace the SERB (Science and Engineering Research Board) and subsumes it. Budget: ₹50,000 crore over 5 years (2023-28), with 70% to be mobilized from industry/private sector and 30% from government (₹10,000 crore). Key focus: (1) Industry-academia collaborative research — 70% industry contribution ensures research is market-relevant; (2) Mission-mode national research in 7 priority sectors: Natural farming, clean energy, quantum, AI for agriculture, health, semiconductors, and climate; (3) Early career researcher grants; (4) Seed grants for new universities and colleges to start research. ANRF is chaired by PM and Governing Board has industry leaders — a shift from pure academic funding to industry-led R&D.

Under this scheme, eligible beneficiaries receive Research grants across all disciplines + Mission-mode research funding + Seed grants for new researchers + Industry-academia collaboration grants + Fellowship funding for PhD/PostDoc researchers. The scheme was launched in 2023 and is implemented by the Government of India.

Who is Eligible for Anusandhan NRF — Research Funding?

• ✓Faculty members and researchers at recognized universities, colleges, IITs, NIITs, and research institutions
• ✓Early career researchers (PhD scholars, post-doctoral fellows) for specific grant categories
• ✓Industry researchers and industry-academic joint teams for collaborative grants
• ✓Research institutions (government or private) registered with UGC/AICTE/national academies
• ✓Start-ups with research focus can apply for innovation-to-market grants

Documents Required for Anusandhan NRF — Research Funding

How to Apply for Anusandhan NRF — Research Funding Online?

1. 1Visit anrf.gov.in → Register as researcher with your institution credentials
2. 2Browse open calls for proposals (CFPs) in your domain
3. 3Submit research proposal through ANRF online portal (review is peer-reviewed, 3-6 months)
4. 4For early career grants: Check ANRF START scheme specifically designed for new faculty (< 5 years experience)
5. 5Mission-mode projects: Apply when specific mission calls are announced (quantum, clean energy, AI for agriculture)

Frequently Asked Questions — Anusandhan NRF — Research Funding