Researchers from Scheduled Caste (SC) and Scheduled Tribe (ST) communities working in the fields of science and engineering are invited to apply for research funding through the Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF) Inclusivity Research Grant (IRG) 2026. The application window opens on 1 October 2026 and closes on 3 November 2026.
This scheme is intended to provide support to eligible researchers undertaking research in frontier areas of science and engineering. It offers funding of up to ₹60 lakh, along with applicable overheads, for a project duration of three years.
The grant may provide financial support to eligible researchers interested in preparing research proposals to address significant scientific questions and develop their research programmes.
What Is the ANRF Inclusivity Research Grant?
The ANRF Inclusivity Research Grant is a research funding initiative aimed at encouraging more inclusive participation in India’s research ecosystem.
The programme intends to offer research support to eligible SC/ST researchers and help build their capacity to participate in mainstream research programmes. It focuses on frontier areas of science and engineering, including research that can contribute to scientific knowledge and technological development.
ANRF is a national research funding organisation established under the Anusandhan National Research Foundation Act, 2023. It also has a wider role in supporting research, innovation and capacity-building in relevant scientific and technological fields.
The IRG programme is a research funding opportunity, not a recruitment drive, academic admission notice or conference announcement.
What Is the Amount of Funding Available?
Under the IRG scheme, eligible applicants can seek funding of up to ₹60 lakh, plus applicable overheads, for a period of three years.
Here are the key details of the 2026 call:
- Funding programme: ANRF Inclusivity Research Grant (IRG)
- Application opening date: 1 October 2026
- Application deadline: 3 November 2026, 4:59 pm
- Maximum funding: ₹60 lakh plus applicable overheads
- Project duration: Three years
- Research focus: Frontier areas of science and engineering
- Application procedure: Online application through the official ANRF portal
The maximum funding amount should not be considered an automatic award. Applicants must meet the scheme’s eligibility criteria, and proposals are subject to the applicable evaluation and selection process.
Who Can Apply?
The scheme is intended for researchers who meet the prescribed eligibility criteria. According to the published programme information, applicants generally must meet the following requirements:
- Be an Indian national.
- Belong to the Scheduled Caste or Scheduled Tribe category.
- Be an active researcher working regularly at a recognised academic institution, national laboratory or other recognised research and development organisation in science and engineering.
- Hold a PhD in science or engineering, or an eligible medical qualification such as MD, MS or MDS.
- Have at least four years of service remaining before superannuation on the date of proposal submission.
- Not hold an ongoing project under the IRG or previous EMEQ scheme, as specified in the relevant eligibility rules.
The scheme also states that co-investigators are not permitted. Applicants should consult the official call documents to verify all conditions, including restrictions related to existing grants or previous participation.
Meeting the basic eligibility conditions does not guarantee funding. Researchers should check that their proposed work fits the programme’s objectives and submission requirements before applying.
What Type of Research Will the Grant Support?
The IRG programme supports research in frontier areas of science and engineering. The exact scope, required documents and evaluation criteria for the 2026 funding cycle are provided in the official call for proposals.
Researchers preparing an application should clearly explain the question their project seeks to answer, why the question matters, how the research will be conducted and what outcomes are anticipated.
A well-prepared proposal should include a clear research objective, an appropriate methodology, a realistic budget and a credible plan for completing the work within the proposed project period. Applicants should use the prescribed application format and follow the instructions on the official portal.
The grant announcement does not report the results of a completed scientific study. Instead, it invites eligible researchers to submit proposals for research that may be undertaken if they are selected for support.
What Makes This Funding Opportunity Significant?
Research requires more than a promising idea. It also depends on access to facilities, equipment, materials, skilled personnel and sufficient time to investigate a scientific question.
Funding programmes such as IRG can assist eligible researchers in carrying out research projects and increasing their engagement with the wider scientific community. The scheme also seeks to broaden participation in research and development by focusing on researchers from SC/ST communities.
The programme’s potential value will depend on the quality of the proposals selected, the research undertaken and the results achieved. Therefore, the announcement should be understood as an invitation to apply for funding, not as evidence that particular scientific or healthcare benefits have already been realised.
The programme may be relevant to Ayurveda and healthcare researchers if their proposed projects fall within the eligible scope of science and engineering. However, applicants should not assume that every Ayurveda-related project qualifies. They must verify that their research area, qualifications and institution meet the requirements of the current call.
How to Apply
Interested researchers should visit the official ANRF portal and read the complete Inclusivity Research Grant call documents before starting their applications.
Applicants should:
- Review the official programme rules, guidelines and eligibility criteria.
- Confirm that their qualifications, research position and proposed project meet the requirements.
- Register or log in to the official ANRF online portal.
- Complete the required profile and proposal details.
- Prepare and upload the requested documents in the prescribed format.
- Submit the application before the deadline and retain the submission confirmation.
Application deadline: 3 November 2026, at 4:59 pm.
Official programme details and application access: https://anrfonline.in/ANRF/inrg_anrf
Applicants should refer to the official call documents for the final requirements and any subsequent updates.
Key Takeaways for Researchers
- The ANRF Inclusivity Research Grant 2026 is a research funding call for eligible SC/ST researchers.
- Funding of up to ₹60 lakh, plus applicable overheads, is available for three years.
- Applicants must meet the prescribed qualification, employment and other eligibility requirements.
- Applications should be submitted online through the official ANRF portal.
- The deadline is 3 November 2026, at 4:59 pm.
- Researchers should review the full guidelines before preparing and submitting a proposal.
Conclusion
The ANRF Inclusivity Research Grant 2026 offers an opportunity for eligible SC/ST researchers to seek financial support for research in frontier areas of science and engineering. The programme aims to strengthen India’s research ecosystem by providing funding and supporting wider participation in research.
Researchers who meet the eligibility criteria should review the official guidelines carefully and prepare their proposals according to the prescribed procedure. The outcome will depend on the quality of the proposed research, compliance with the call requirements and the formal evaluation process.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only. Please verify eligibility, funding terms and application requirements against the official ANRF notification.
References
- Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF), official website: https://anrfonline.in/ANRF/HomePage
- ANRF Inclusivity Research Grant programme information: https://anrfonline.in/ANRF/inrg_anrf
- India Science, Technology & Innovation (ISTI) Portal, Inclusivity Research Grant: https://www.indiascienceandtechnology.gov.in/programme-schemes/research-and-development/inclusivity-research-grant-irg
