New Delhi, Oct 1 (INB) The Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF) has invited proposals under its Inclusivity Research Grant (IRG) scheme to support Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe researchers undertaking research in frontier areas of science and engineering, it said on Thursday.
The application window is open from October 1 to November 3, 2026, it added. The scheme aims to promote wider participation in research and help researchers from SC and ST communities strengthen their research capacity and move towards mainstream research programmes, according to ANRF.
The IRG subsumes the Empowerment and Equity Opportunities for Excellence in Science (EMEQ) scheme of the erstwhile Science and Engineering Research Board (SERB) and provides enhanced support with flexible norms. Under the scheme, researchers can receive funding of up to Rs 60 lakh, besides overheads, for three years. The support includes flexibility in utilisation of recurring resources and manpower recruitment, enhanced travel, contingency and overhead provisions, and assistance for open-access publications and patent filing charges. International travel for project-related activities is also permitted. Eligible applicants must be Indian nationals belonging to the SC or ST category and active researchers working regularly in an academic institution, national laboratory or recognised R&D institution in science or engineering. They must hold a PhD in science or engineering, or an MD, MS or MDS degree, and have at least four years of service remaining before superannuation. Applicants with ongoing IRG or erstwhile EMEQ projects are not eligible, while co-investigators are not permitted. An investigator can avail the grant a maximum of three times during their career, including EMEQ projects.
The selection will be based on recommendations of a Task Force Committee constituted for the purpose, with applicants potentially called for personal discussion if required, ANRF said. Proposals have to be submitted online through the designated ANRF portal www.anrfonline.in along with the prescribed documents.
