The Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF) is India's apex body for research funding, established in 2023 under NEP 2020. It has replaced SERB as the single destination for national research grants and runs three major fellowship and grant schemes every Indian researcher should know about. In 2026, two are actively accepting applications — and one is expected to reopen shortly.
What's Open Right Now
Ramanujan Fellowship
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₹1,35,000/month for Indian scientists working abroad — open until 31 December 2026.
JC Bose Grant
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₹25 lakh/year for senior professors — August 2026 call.
N-PDF
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Up to ₹80,000/month for early-career researchers — watch anrfonline.in for the next cycle.
Ramanujan Fellowship 2026
Open Now · Deadline 31 December 2026For brilliant Indian scientists and engineers returning from abroad.
| Component | Amount | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly Fellowship | ₹1,35,000 | Consolidated, including HRA |
| Research Grant | ₹7 lakh/year | Travel, personnel, materials |
| Overhead | ₹60,000/year | To host institution |
| Duration | 5 years | Plus extramural grant eligibility |
Who Can Apply
- Indian or Indian-origin scientists and engineers currently working outside India
- Below 40 years of age
- PhD in science/engineering, MD, or Masters in engineering with professional experience
- Outstanding publication record and international recognition
- Must not hold any permanent, tenure-track, or contractual position in any Indian institution
- Fellowship lapses immediately if a permanent Indian position is taken during tenure
Deadline: 31 December 2026. Selections are taken twice yearly. Apply at anrfonline.in.
JC Bose Grant 2026
August 2026 CallIndia's largest individual research grant for senior scientists.
| Component | Amount | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Research Funding | ₹25 lakh/year | For 5 years = ₹1.25 crore |
| Monthly Supplement | ₹25,000 | Above regular salary |
| Overhead | ₹1 lakh/year | To host institution |
| Duration | 5 years | All disciplines included |
Who Can Apply
- Professor-level or equivalent position at an Indian institution
- Age between 45 and 65 years at time of application
- Indian national or OCI with sufficient residual service at host institution
- All disciplines — science, engineering, agriculture, medicine, humanities (at science interface)
- Maximum 3 terms as JC Bose fellow/grantee (lifetime cap)
- If holding an active JC Bose grant, the current grant must conclude within 6 months of the new application date
Deadline: August 2026 call. Check serb.gov.in for the exact date and apply there.
N-PDF 2026 — National Postdoctoral Fellowship
Next Cycle Coming SoonFor early-career researchers after PhD completion.
| Component | Amount | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Fellowship (PhD holders) | ₹80,000/month | HRA applicable |
| Fellowship (thesis submitted) | ₹50,000/month | HRA applicable |
| Research Grant | ₹2 lakh/year | Consumables, travel |
| Duration | Up to 2 years | Once in a career |
Who Can Apply
- Indian citizens with PhD, MD, or MS from a recognised university or national laboratory
- Thesis-submitted scholars are eligible at the lower fellowship rate
- Maximum age 35 years (5-year relaxation for SC/ST/OBC/Women/PwD)
- N-PDF can be availed only once in a career
- No other government or non-government fellowship can be held simultaneously
Prepare now: The 2026 early cycle closed on 20 February 2026. The next cycle is expected to open later in 2026 — windows move fast with 4–6 weeks notice. Build your research proposal now so you are ready the moment it opens. Monitor anrfonline.in.
Which Scheme Is Right for You?
INDIAN SCIENTIST ABROAD
Ramanujan Fellowship
- Below 40, exceptional research record
- Want to return to India
- Open until 31 December 2026 — selections twice a year
SENIOR PROFESSOR · 45–65 YEARS
JC Bose Grant
- Established in India with a strong publication record
- Want major research funding
- India's largest individual research grant
RECENT PhD · BELOW 35 YEARS
N-PDF
- PhD completed or thesis submitted
- Want independent postdoctoral research in India
- Prepare your proposal now — next cycle opens at short notice
How to Strengthen Your ANRF Application
1
Lead with research impact, not just output
All three schemes evaluate your research impact — citation counts, field-changing work, and recognition — not just how many papers you have published. Build your application around what your research has changed.
2
Write a proposal that goes beyond your PhD or last project
For both the N-PDF and Ramanujan, reviewers look for a research direction that extends beyond your previous work. A proposal that appears to just continue your thesis weakens your application.
3
Choose your host institution strategically
For the Ramanujan and N-PDF, the quality and fit of your chosen host institution matters. A strong research environment strengthens your application significantly.
4
Strengthen your publication record now
A Scopus or WoS indexed publication record strengthens every ANRF application. If your publication portfolio needs work before you apply, address it now rather than after missing a cycle.
Key Takeaways
- Ramanujan Fellowship: ₹1,35,000/month plus ₹7 lakh/year research grant for 5 years — open until 31 December 2026.
- JC Bose Grant: ₹25 lakh/year for 5 years (about ₹1.25 crore) plus ₹25,000/month supplement for professors aged 45–65.
- N-PDF: up to ₹80,000/month for up to 2 years — the next cycle opens at short notice, so prepare now.
- All three reward research impact and a proposal that goes beyond your previous work.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Ramanujan Fellowship open right now in 2026?▾
Yes. The Ramanujan Fellowship is actively accepting nominations until 31 December 2026 via anrfonline.in. Selection decisions are taken twice a year — apply early to be considered in the next round.
What is the total value of the JC Bose Grant over 5 years?▾
The JC Bose Grant provides ₹25 lakh per year in research funding for five years — approximately ₹1.25 crore in total. This is in addition to a monthly supplement of ₹25,000 on top of the applicant's regular salary and ₹1 lakh per year as institutional overhead.
When will the N-PDF next cycle open in 2026?▾
The 2026 early cycle closed on 20 February 2026. The next cycle is expected later in 2026 — windows typically open with four to six weeks notice. Monitor anrfonline.in and anrf.gov.in regularly.
Can I hold the Ramanujan Fellowship and apply for other grants simultaneously?▾
Yes. Ramanujan Fellows remain eligible to apply for extramural research grants from other S&T agencies during their fellowship period. However, if you accept a permanent, tenure-track, or contractual position at an Indian institution during the fellowship, you must relinquish the Ramanujan Fellowship entirely.
What is the ANRF and is it the same as SERB?▾
ANRF (Anusandhan National Research Foundation) was established in 2023 under NEP 2020 and now acts as the apex body for research funding in India. SERB continues to operate as an implementing arm under ANRF. For new applications, anrfonline.in and anrf.gov.in are the primary portals.
Need Help Preparing a Stronger Application?
A strong ANRF application depends on your publication record. SAMVIK Research Solutions helps Indian researchers strengthen manuscripts, select the right Scopus and WoS indexed journals, and prepare research proposals that stand up to competitive review.
Talk to SAMVIK → Try AI TopicGen Free →Related reading: ANRF Fellowships & Research Grants 2026: Complete Guide — Life After the PhD: Mapping Your Path — PhD Admission in India 2026