Introduction to ARG:The Advanced Research Grant (ARG) is a competitive program designed to support investigator‑driven research while embedding collaboration within India’s national R&D ecosystem. It aims to enable high‑impact, interdisciplinary research for complex scientific and societal challenges, aligned with the vision of Viksit Bharat.
Supports projects anchored in well‑defined research problems or hypotheses.
Focus on outcomes and impact in frontier areas of:
Natural Sciences (including Mathematical Sciences)
Engineering & Technology
Environmental Sciences
Earth & Atmospheric Sciences
Humanities & Social Sciences (scientific/technological interfaces)
Proposals that are incremental, low‑risk extensions, or lacking clear impact will not be considered.
🧭 Categories of Research
Fundamental Frontier Research
Addresses fundamental scientific/technological questions.
Generates new knowledge, robust data, and resolves knowledge gaps.
Use‑Inspired Basic Research
Advances fundamental understanding motivated by potential applications.
Creates pathways for future translational outcomes.
Applied / Translational Research
Focuses on prototypes, processes, or systems with real‑world applications.
Delivers measurable scientific, societal, or economic impact.
Encourages academia–industry collaboration for technological self‑reliance.
🎯 Objectives
Support high‑impact research that strengthens India’s R&D ecosystem.
Enable investigator‑driven projects across foundational, applied, and translational domains.
Catalyse interdisciplinary collaboration to address complex scientific questions.
Promote early‑stage academia–industry partnerships for translation and societal impact.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants (PI & Co‑PI) must be Indian citizens; OCI/NRI also eligible.
Must hold a Ph.D. in Sciences, Mathematics, Engineering OR M.D./M.S./M.D.S./M.V.Sc. (with 2 years post‑degree).
Under Quantitative Social Sciences, PI/Co‑PI must hold Ph.D. in Science/Math/Engineering OR Social Sciences with quantitative focus.
Must hold a regular position in recognized academic institutions, national labs, or research organizations in India.
Private institutions with UGC/AICTE/PCI approval, DSIR‑SIRO recognition, and NGOs registered under NITI Aayog Darpan are eligible.
INSPIRE Faculty, Ramanujan, and Ramalingaswamy Fellowship holders may apply.
PI must have at least project duration + 1 year of service remaining.
Age limit: PI/Co‑PI cannot continue beyond 70 years.
Maximum of two ANRF projects at a time (PI in one, Co‑PI in another).
📑 Application Process
Apply online at ANRF Online Portal.
Register, complete profile details (bio‑data, photo, institute address).
Proposal submission must include:
Project Title (≤500 characters)
Keywords (≤6)
Project Summary (≤3000 characters)
Subject classification (for Mathematical Sciences)
Documents Required (PDF):
Bio‑data (template)
1–2 page project proposal
List of 10 most significant publications
List of all publications (last 5 years)
Certificate from PI (template)
Endorsement letter from Head of Institution (template)
Plagiarism undertaking (template)
Timeline
Last Date for Submission: 10 June 2026
Review & Selection: July 2026
Contact & Links
Official Portal: ANRF Online – ARG Program
Internal Reference: Research Funding Opportunities – NGOportal.org
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