Call for
Inclusivity Research Grant
Application Deadline:
27 July 2025
About Organisation
The Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF) was established under the ANRF Act, 2023, passed by the Indian Parliament. It serves as a high-level strategic institution aimed at driving research, innovation, and entrepreneurship in a broad range of scientific disciplines. These include natural sciences, mathematical sciences, engineering, technology, environmental and earth sciences, health, agriculture, and the intersections of science and technology with the humanities and social sciences.
The foundation is envisioned to shape India’s research landscape by fostering collaborations across academia, industry, and government. It aims to position India globally in key research areas while aligning its scientific advancements with national developmental goals. By supporting inclusive and cutting-edge research initiatives, ANRF facilitates the development of future-ready solutions and ensures that the research ecosystem is both globally competitive and socially relevant. It actively promotes equitable participation and capacity building, making science accessible to all sections of society. The foundation’s initiatives are structured to nurture innovation from the grassroots to the national level and empower institutions to become centers of excellence.
About the Grant
The Inclusivity Research Grant (IRG) is an initiative launched by the Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF) to support and empower researchers from Scheduled Caste (SC) and Scheduled Tribe (ST) communities. Instituted as part of ANRF’s commitment to inclusive growth and capacity building, the IRG is a strategic move to bring equity in India’s scientific research landscape.
This grant enables SC/ST researchers to conduct advanced research in frontier areas of science and engineering by offering comprehensive funding and operational flexibility. The IRG has replaced the Empowerment and Equity Opportunities for Excellence in Science (EMEQ) scheme of the former SERB, with enhanced support mechanisms and simplified procedures.
Funding of up to ₹60 lakh plus overheads is available for a period of three years. This includes flexibility in the use of recurring funds, relaxed norms for manpower recruitment, enhanced provisions for travel and publication, and support for patent filing. International travel related to the project is also covered. By providing a robust and accessible platform for underrepresented researchers, the IRG fosters their transition into mainstream research programs and ensures they contribute meaningfully to India’s R&D goals.
Who can Apply?
The Inclusivity Research Grant (IRG) is exclusively open to Indian nationals belonging to the Scheduled Caste (SC) or Scheduled Tribe (ST) communities who are active researchers in the field of science and engineering. Applicants must be working on a regular basis in a recognized academic institution, national laboratory, or research and development (R&D) institution within India.
Eligible applicants must hold a PhD in Science or Engineering, or an MD/MS/MDS degree. Additionally, they must have at least four years of service left before superannuation as on the date of proposal submission. The grant is intended for individual investigators only; co-investigators are not permitted under this scheme.
Researchers who currently hold ongoing IRG projects or those from the previous EMEQ scheme are not eligible to apply again until the completion of their current project. Furthermore, a researcher can avail of IRG support for a maximum of three times during their entire career, including any prior grants received under the EMEQ program.
This grant is a significant opportunity for SC/ST researchers seeking financial and structural support to pursue high-impact research, integrate with the national scientific ecosystem, and expand their professional capabilities.
How to Apply?
Applicants must register on the designated online portal and complete their user profile by providing biodata, photo, and institutional details. During the proposal submission, essential project details such as title, summary, keywords, objectives, expected outcomes, and a detailed budget must be entered. A technical document containing additional information must be uploaded as a single PDF file not exceeding 10 MB in size.
Application Deadline
Applicants must ensure that their complete proposals are submitted before the specified deadline mentioned on the application portal. Late or incomplete submissions will not be considered under any circumstances.
Last Date to Apply
The last date to submit the proposal will be as notified on the official grant portal. Applicants are advised to check the portal regularly for updates on timelines and requirements.
Grant Amount
Successful applicants will receive funding support of up to ₹60 lakh plus applicable overheads for a maximum period of three years, including provisions for travel, manpower, publication, and patent-related expenses.
Last Date To Apply
For more information, please visit the grant website here.
