Background: Expression of Interest – Establishing Technical Resource Centres (TRCs) 2026 Centre for Evidence‑Based Guidelines. Department of Health Research (DHR), Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, Government of India. The Department of Health Research (DHR), under the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare (MoHFW), has instituted a coordinated framework for evidence‑based guideline development in collaboration with the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) and the Department of Health & Family Welfare (DoHFW).
In 2024, 27 Technical Resource Centres (TRCs) were established nationwide to support systematic reviews and meta‑analyses.
With the growing number of guideline topics across diverse health areas, additional TRCs are now required to strengthen India’s evidence synthesis capacity.
Selected TRCs will conduct systematic reviews, meta‑analyses, and apply the GRADE methodology (Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation) to assess certainty of evidence.
Goal: To expand the national network of TRCs for systematic evidence synthesis, thereby strengthening the development and implementation of evidence‑based health guidelines in India.
Objectives
Augment the existing pool of TRCs to meet increasing demand.
Conduct high‑quality systematic reviews and meta‑analyses using standardized methodologies.
Build capacity through training, mentoring, and knowledge dissemination.
Ensure timely availability of evidence to support guideline development.
Criteria for Establishment
Institutions must demonstrate:
Strong capability in systematic reviews and GRADE methodology.
Infrastructure, human resources, and institutional commitment.
Preference for diverse and under‑represented subject expertise.
Only one TRC per department to ensure wider representation.
Eligibility
At least 4 published systematic reviews in indexed journals (first/corresponding author).
Minimum 2 workshops conducted on systematic reviews/GRADE methodology.
PI must designate a Co‑PI (permanent faculty from same institution).
🖥 Application Process
Eligible researchers/faculty/scientists in Medical Institutes, Research Institutes, Universities, or Colleges may apply via the online portal.
Applications evaluated by expert committee using structured scoring.
Selected participants notified via email and on the DHR website in July 2026.
Apply Online Here: Application Form – TRCs 2026
Funding Support
Up to ₹16.5 Lakhs per year per TRC (as per existing norms).
Funding contingent on performance and deliverables.
Terms & Conditions
Annual report + utilization certificate required.
Regular monitoring visits and corrective actions.
Minimum 2 training programs per year.
Performance reviewed on timeliness, quality, and adherence to standards.
Non‑performing TRCs may be discontinued.
Deliverables
Detailed technical protocol for systematic reviews/meta‑analyses.
Evidence grading profiles using GRADE’s four levels (high, moderate, low, very low).
Completion of specified number of reviews annually.
Training sessions/workshops on evidence synthesis.
Publications in peer‑reviewed journals.
Annual progress + comprehensive reports.
Presentation of findings at expert group meetings/webinars.
Timeline
Release of Call: 13 May 2026
Last Date for Submission: 12 June 2026 (17:00 hrs IST)
Review & Selection: July 2026
Original Government notification can be seen here: https://www.icmr.gov.in/icmrobject/uploads/Call/1778647759_eoifortechnicalresourcecentres2026.pdf
Contact
Dr. Tushar Karmarkar
Deputy Secretary, Department of Health Research
Email: ce*****************@***il.com
External: Department of Health Research – MoHFW
External: Apply Online – TRCs 2026