Application Deadline:
30 September 2026
About Organisation
The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) is India’s apex body for the formulation, coordination and promotion of biomedical research. It operates under the Department of Health Research, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India. ICMR supports research addressing important medical, public health and biomedical challenges and operates research institutes and centres across the country. Through its Intramural Research Programme, ICMR provides financial support for research aligned with institutional priorities and encourages high-risk, high-reward scientific work. Its funding programmes also help scientists develop research capabilities and generate evidence that can contribute to healthcare, medicine and public health advancement in India.
About the Grant
The ICMR Intramural Ignition Grant 2026 provides one-time research support to newly recruited ICMR scientists for developing independent research capabilities. The grant supports research projects addressing priority topics under the mentorship of a senior ICMR scientist. The programme is designed to help early-career scientists develop research proposals, strengthen scientific and professional skills and build a foundation for securing larger research grants. This medical research grant in India can support innovative and potentially high-risk research while helping new scientists establish themselves within ICMR’s research ecosystem. The grant is available for projects with a maximum duration of three years.
Who can Apply?
The ICMR Intramural Ignition Grant 2026 is specifically intended for eligible newly recruited ICMR scientists. Applicants must be Scientist B, C, D or E and must have joined ICMR through direct recruitment in a permanent position. For the 2026–27 call, the joining date must fall between 1 April 2023 and 31 March 2026. Applicants must be posted at an ICMR institute or centre and have completed the applicable probation period by 31 August 2026. Institutional Scientific Advisory Committee (SAC) approval is mandatory before submission. The opportunity therefore targets eligible ICMR scientists rather than general startups, universities or independent researchers.entered stories.
How to Apply?
Eligible ICMR scientists should develop a research proposal addressing a relevant priority topic and obtain the required institutional approval. The proposal must be reviewed and approved by the institution’s Scientific Advisory Committee before submission. Applicants should complete the required documentation and submit the proposal through the ICMR Intramural Electronic Project Management System (i-ePMS) during the active application period. Institutional authorities must verify the required documents and eligibility before the proposal is submitted.
Application Deadline
The application deadline is 30 September 2026 at 5:00 PM.
Last Date To Apply
For more information, please visit the grant website here.
