PM ECRG 2025: Young Scientists Can Win Research Grants Up to ₹60 Lakh — Check Eligibility and How to Apply

PM Early Career Research Grant 2025: Empowering India’s Next Generation of Innovators

The Government of India has introduced a golden opportunity for young scientists and researchers looking to advance their careers in science and technology. The Prime Minister Early Career Research Grant (PM ECRG) 2025, managed by the Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF) under the Ministry of Science and Technology, offers financial assistance of up to ₹60 lakh for early-career researchers.

This prestigious grant aims to nurture innovation, encourage independent research, and strengthen India’s position as a global leader in science and technology. Let’s understand its objectives, benefits, eligibility, and how to apply.

🎯 Objective of the PM ECRG 2025 Scheme

The Prime Minister Early Career Research Grant is designed to create a flexible and supportive environment for researchers beginning their careers. The key objectives include:

• Encouraging young scientists to conduct high-quality research independently.

• Strengthening India’s global standing in science and technology by promoting world-class innovation.

• Developing an active research ecosystem within Indian institutions.

• Expanding the boundaries of knowledge by introducing new ideas, skills, and scientific breakthroughs.

💰 Benefits Under PM Early Career Research Grant

The PM ECRG 2025 offers generous financial support of up to ₹60 lakh along with additional overheads for a three-year research period.

Key highlights of the grant include:

• Funding for research materials, human resources, travel, publications, and patent filing.

• Permission for international travel related to the project.

• Flexible guidelines that allow researchers to manage resources as per project requirements.

• Up to 700 grants are awarded each year across various scientific disciplines.

This structure ensures that young innovators have the necessary financial backing and operational freedom to bring their research ideas to life.

👩🔬 Who Can Apply for PM ECRG 2025?

To apply for the PM ECRG 2025, candidates must meet the following eligibility criteria:

• Must be an Indian citizen, or an OCI (Overseas Citizen of India) / PIO (Person of Indian Origin) working regularly at an Indian institution.

• Should hold a PhD, MD, MS, MDS, or MVSc degree.

• Must hold a regular academic or research position in a recognized institution.

• Eligible applicants can apply within two years of joining their institution.

• The maximum age limit is 42 years, with a three-year relaxation for SC, ST, OBC, women, and differently-abled candidates.

• The applicant must not have previously received funding from schemes like YSS, ECR, SRG, CRG, EMEQ, ANRF, or SERB.

• Only one proposal can be submitted per call, and the grant is awarded only once in a career.

• The project cannot be transferred unless there is an official administrative shift between government institutions.

🚫 Who Cannot Apply

Certain categories are not eligible for the PM ECRG 2025. These include:

• Research Associates, Post-Doctoral Fellows, Guest Faculty, Consultants, or Project Fellows.

• Co-Principal Investigators (Co-PI) are not allowed.

• OCI or PIO candidates who are not employed full-time in India cannot apply.

📝 How to Apply for PM ECRG 2025

Eligible researchers can apply online through the official ANRF portal by following these steps:

Visit https://www.anrfonline.in and create an account.

Fill in your user profile with details like your biodata, photograph, and institutional address.

Complete the project proposal form by providing:

• Project title and abstract

• Keywords and objectives

• Expected outcomes and detailed budget

Upload all required documents in a single PDF file (under 10 MB).

Submit the proposal before the deadline to be considered for evaluation.

Once submitted, proposals undergo expert peer review, and successful applicants receive funding directly through their host institution.

🌟 Why PM ECRG 2025 Matters

The PM Early Career Research Grant serves as a cornerstone for India’s scientific progress by empowering early-career researchers to innovate without financial barriers. It not only supports individual growth but also strengthens the nation’s capacity to produce groundbreaking research.

By investing in young talent today, the government is fostering a future where Indian science leads global innovation in medicine, engineering, technology, and environmental research.