**Summary:**
The Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF), established on February 5, 2024, has launched several schemes and programs to promote Research and Development (R&D) across India. These initiatives include the Prime Minister Early Career Research Grant (PMECRG), Inclusivity Research Grant (IRG), Mission for Advancement in High-impact Areas (MAHAEV Mission), Advanced Research Grant (ARG), and Partnerships for Accelerated Innovation and Research (PAIR). As of July 31, 2025, a total of 930 projects have been sanctioned across these schemes: 209 under IRG, 7 under MAHAEV Mission, 9 under PAIR, and 705 under PMECRG.
The Executive Council (EC) of ANRF has approved mission-mode programs focused on EV (Electric Vehicle) technologies and Advanced Materials. The MAHAEV Mission mandates that 10% of the project cost be contributed by the industry as co-funding.
ANRF's grant processing procedure is transparent and accessible to the public. Detailed Calls for Proposals (CFP) are published on the ANRF website for each program (e.g., EVMission, PAIR, IRG, JC Bose Grant, ARG, PMECRG, Ramanujan Fellowship, and NPDF), outlining eligibility criteria, application process, timelines, formats, evaluation and selection procedures, and FAQs. Proposals undergo review by at least two independent experts and may involve a presentation before a subject expert committee.
ANRF programs are open to all eligible institutions, including universities, colleges, research institutions, and R&D laboratories nationwide, regardless of location.
This information was provided by Dr. Jitendra Singh, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology, Earth Sciences, MoS PMO, MoS Personnel, Public Grievances Pensions, Department of Atomic Energy and Department of Space, in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha.
Key Entities Referenced
Anusandhan National Research Foundation: A newly established research foundation referred to as ANRF, aimed at promoting Research and Development across the country.
Prime Minister Early Career Research Grant: A scheme/program (PMECRG) launched by the ANRF.
Inclusivity Research Grant: A scheme/program (IRG) launched by the ANRF.
Mission for Advancement in Highimpact Areas MAHAEV Mission: A scheme/program (MAHAEV Mission) launched by the ANRF where 10% of the project cost is contributed by the industry.
Advanced Research Grant: A scheme/program (ARG) launched by the ANRF.
Partnerships for Accelerated Innovation and Research: A scheme/program (PAIR) launched by the ANRF.
JC Bose Grant: A grant program launched by ANRF
Dr. Jitendra Singh: Union Minister of State Independent Charge for Science and Technology, Earth Sciences, MoS PMO, MoS Personnel, Public Grievances Pensions, Department of Atomic Energy and Department of Space.
Ministry of Science & Technology
PARLIAMENT QUESTION: ESTABLISHMENT OF
NRF AND PRIVATE PARTICIPATION
Posted On: 31 JUL 2025 5:06PM by PIB Delhi
Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF), has launched several schemes/programs including the
Prime Minister Early Career Research Grant (PMECRG), Inclusivity Research Grant (IRG), Mission for
Advancement in High-impact Areas (MAHA)-EV Mission, Advanced Research Grant (ARG), and
Partnerships for Accelerated Innovation and Research (PAIR), among others. As of now, the number of
projects sanctioned under different schemes/ programmes are as follows:
Total No. of Projects
Schemes/Program
sanctioned
Inclusivity Research Grant 209
Mission for Advancement in High-impact Areas (MAHA)-EV Mission 7
Partnerships for Accelerated Innovation and Research (PAIR) 9
Prime Minister Early Career Research Grant 705
Grand Total 930
Under the MAHA-EV-Mission scheme, it is mandatory that 10% of the project cost is contributed by the
industry as co-funding.
th
The ANRF came into force on 5 February 2024. In its Ist meeting, the Executive Council (EC) approved the
launch of mission-mode programs in two key areas: EV-Mission and Advance Material, reflecting ANRF’s
focus on strategic and emerging technologies. Additionally, through its competitive programmes such as IRG
(Inclusivity Research Grant), ARG (Advanced Research Grant), and PAIR (Partnerships for Accelerated
Innovation and Research), ANRF has targeted several critical domains, including innovation, environment,
and health technologies.
The grant processing procedure of ANRF is displayed transparently and is available in the public
domain. ANRF has launched several programs such as EV-Mission, PAIR, IRG, JC Bose Grant,
ARG, PMECRG, Ramanujan Fellowship, and NPDF. For each program, a detailed Call for
Proposals (CFP) is published on the ANRF website, outlining eligibility criteria, application process,
timelines, formats, evaluation and selection procedures, and FAQs. Proposals are reviewed by at
least two independent experts, and may involve a presentation before a subject expert committee,
ensuring a fair and transparent evaluation process.
The ANRF is committed to promoting Research & Development (R&D) across the country through
the implementation of various programmes conducted in a competitive and inclusive manner. These
programmes are open to all eligible institutions, including universities, colleges, research
institutions, and R&D laboratories regardless of their geographical location.
This information was given by Dr. Jitendra Singh, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) forScience and Technology, Earth Sciences, MoS PMO, MoS Personnel, Public Grievances &
Pensions, Department of Atomic Energy and Department of Space, in a written reply in the Rajya
Sabha today.
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NKR/PSM
(Release ID: 2150813)