
Application Deadline:
30 September 2025
About Organisation
The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), operating under the Department of Health Research, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, is India’s apex body for the formulation, coordination, and promotion of biomedical research. Established to strengthen the country’s health systems, ICMR works towards advancing scientific knowledge, supporting innovation, and addressing pressing national health challenges. Its mandate includes conducting, funding, and facilitating research in biomedical sciences, public health, epidemiology, environmental health, and clinical trials. The council plays a crucial role in identifying priority health concerns, guiding policy-making, and promoting ethical standards in research. Through its various initiatives, ICMR fosters interdisciplinary collaborations, encourages translational research, and bridges the gap between laboratory discoveries and their practical applications in society. With its focus on capacity-building, fostering innovation, and enabling evidence-based solutions, ICMR continues to be instrumental in improving health outcomes across India. By providing financial support through schemes like the Grant-in-Aid, the organization aims to empower researchers, institutions, and inter-sectoral partners to contribute to India’s vision of accessible, affordable, and quality healthcare for all.
About the Grant
The Grant-in-Aid (GIA) Scheme for Health Research Proposals 2025–26 invites innovative research projects that align with India’s national health priorities. This scheme emphasizes interdisciplinary and inter-sectoral collaboration to generate impactful solutions for pressing health concerns. Proposals are encouraged in key areas such as biomedical research, public health, epidemiology, environmental and occupational health, and clinical trials for new drugs, vaccines, medical devices, and diagnostic kits. The scheme provides an opportunity for researchers and institutions to secure funding to advance their work, with a focus on projects that can deliver tangible and scalable health benefits. Applications will be evaluated on scientific merit, potential for innovation, collaboration strength, and their relevance to the nation’s health needs. The program seeks to create a platform for translating scientific research into real-world outcomes, ensuring that discoveries contribute to improved healthcare systems and community well-being. Funding support will be based on availability of resources, quality of the proposal, and alignment with the evaluation criteria.
Who can Apply?
The Grant-in-Aid scheme is open to a wide range of applicants who are committed to advancing health research in India. Eligible entities include state and central government departments, universities, medical colleges, research institutions, and organizations working under the purview of relevant ministries. Applicants must demonstrate the ability to undertake high-quality, interdisciplinary, and collaborative research aligned with national health priorities. While individuals may apply through recognized institutions, all proposals must be institutionally supported. Importantly, any research involving human participants or animals requires prior clearance from the appropriate Institutional Ethics Committees to ensure adherence to ethical research standards. The scheme encourages projects that involve cross-sector partnerships and foster innovation, particularly those with the potential to scale up for wider health benefits. Previous recipients of support are also eligible to apply with new proposals, provided they meet the outlined requirements. The selection process will prioritize applicants who bring forward innovative ideas with a strong scientific foundation and the ability to make meaningful contributions to India’s healthcare landscape.
How to Apply?
Applicants must prepare their proposals in the prescribed format and submit them through the official portal before the closing date. Proposals should include project details, objectives, methodology, collaboration plans, and necessary ethical clearances.
Application Deadline
The deadline for submission of research proposals under the Grant-in-Aid scheme is September 30, 2025, at 11:59 p.m. IST. Late entries will not be accepted.