India Sets Up Anusandhan Foundation to Boost National Research
ECONOMY & POLICY

India Sets Up Anusandhan Foundation to Boost National Research

In a landmark move to strengthen India’s scientific research and innovation ecosystem, the Government has established the Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF) under the ANRF Act, 2023, which was officially notified in February 2024. The foundation is designed to mobilise and manage significant funding across multiple streams for research and development activities across the country.

The ANRF will receive financial support through various dedicated streams—the ANRF Fund, Innovation Fund, Science and Engineering Research Fund, and Special Purpose Funds. A budgetary provision of Rs 140 billionhas been allocated by the Central Government, while additional contributions will be sourced from public sector undertakings, private organisations, philanthropic bodies, and recovered or reinvested earnings. Furthermore, funds from the former Science and Engineering Research Board have been merged into this initiative. For the financial year 2024–25, the ANRF received a Revised Estimate of Rs 9.66 billion, of which Rs 7.21 billionhas already been utilised.

Competitive Research Grants for Universities Higher education institutions can access research grants by submitting proposals under competitive schemes advertised by ANRF, aligned with specific programme guidelines. So far, five major calls have been issued:

Prime Minister Early Career Research Grant (PMECRG) EV-Mission Inclusive Research Grant (IRG) Partnerships for Accelerated Innovation and Research (PAIR) JC Bose Grant

Among these, the PAIR programme stands out for its unique approach of pairing developing research institutions with well-established ones through a ‘Hub & Spoke’ model. This initiative aims to bolster research capacity in institutions where scientific exploration is still in a nascent stage but shows strong potential.

Key Objectives of the PAIR Programme: Support internationally competitive research with high impact

Create strong collaborative networks between institutions

Elevate institutional capacity through: Infrastructure and capability enhancement Improved research quality Adoption of best practices and cultivation of a strong research culture

PAIR Budget and Structure The programme has earmarked a budget of Rs 15 billion crore over five years, with up to Rs100 crore allocated to each selected PAIR network. Of this, 30% of funding is assigned to the Hub institution and 70% to the Spoke institutions. The paired institutions are expected to jointly develop impactful research proposals aligned with specified thematic areas.

In its initial phase, the PAIR programme is targeting universities with promising national rankings and a clear trajectory for growth in research output. Evaluation of proposals under various ANRF calls is currently underway.

As of now, there is no plan to establish regional centres of ANRF in collaboration with educational institutions. However, under the PAIR programme, hub institutions will be strategically located across India to ensure broad regional representation and impact.

This information was shared in a written reply in the Lok Sabha by Dr Jitendra Singh, Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science & Technology and Earth Sciences.

In a landmark move to strengthen India’s scientific research and innovation ecosystem, the Government has established the Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF) under the ANRF Act, 2023, which was officially notified in February 2024. The foundation is designed to mobilise and manage significant funding across multiple streams for research and development activities across the country. The ANRF will receive financial support through various dedicated streams—the ANRF Fund, Innovation Fund, Science and Engineering Research Fund, and Special Purpose Funds. A budgetary provision of Rs 140 billionhas been allocated by the Central Government, while additional contributions will be sourced from public sector undertakings, private organisations, philanthropic bodies, and recovered or reinvested earnings. Furthermore, funds from the former Science and Engineering Research Board have been merged into this initiative. For the financial year 2024–25, the ANRF received a Revised Estimate of Rs 9.66 billion, of which Rs 7.21 billionhas already been utilised. Competitive Research Grants for Universities Higher education institutions can access research grants by submitting proposals under competitive schemes advertised by ANRF, aligned with specific programme guidelines. So far, five major calls have been issued: Prime Minister Early Career Research Grant (PMECRG) EV-Mission Inclusive Research Grant (IRG) Partnerships for Accelerated Innovation and Research (PAIR) JC Bose Grant Among these, the PAIR programme stands out for its unique approach of pairing developing research institutions with well-established ones through a ‘Hub & Spoke’ model. This initiative aims to bolster research capacity in institutions where scientific exploration is still in a nascent stage but shows strong potential. Key Objectives of the PAIR Programme: Support internationally competitive research with high impact Create strong collaborative networks between institutions Elevate institutional capacity through: Infrastructure and capability enhancement Improved research quality Adoption of best practices and cultivation of a strong research culture PAIR Budget and Structure The programme has earmarked a budget of Rs 15 billion crore over five years, with up to Rs100 crore allocated to each selected PAIR network. Of this, 30% of funding is assigned to the Hub institution and 70% to the Spoke institutions. The paired institutions are expected to jointly develop impactful research proposals aligned with specified thematic areas. In its initial phase, the PAIR programme is targeting universities with promising national rankings and a clear trajectory for growth in research output. Evaluation of proposals under various ANRF calls is currently underway. As of now, there is no plan to establish regional centres of ANRF in collaboration with educational institutions. However, under the PAIR programme, hub institutions will be strategically located across India to ensure broad regional representation and impact. This information was shared in a written reply in the Lok Sabha by Dr Jitendra Singh, Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science & Technology and Earth Sciences.

Next Story
Infrastructure Transport

Metro Line 2B Phase 1 to Boost Realty in Mumbai’s Eastern Suburbs

Mumbai’s real estate sector is set for a major boost as Phase 1 of Metro Line 2B, between Mandale and Diamond Garden, nears completion. The Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) has confirmed that mandatory rectifications are done, and inspections by the Commissioner of Metro Railway Safety (CMRS) have been carried out. The 5.39-km stretch with five stations forms part of the larger DN Nagar–Mandale corridor, designed to ease congestion and improve east–west connectivity. Passenger operations are expected by December 2025, with the full line slated for 2027. ..

Next Story
Resources

WattPower wins Best Inverter award at Global Solar Expo 2025

WattPower, a leading renewable energy solutions provider, has won the award for “Best Inverter in the Utility Segment” at the Global Solar Expo 2025. The recognition underscores the company’s commitment to delivering reliable, high-performance and future-ready solar solutions for large-scale projects. At the forefront of utility-scale solar, WattPower manufactures advanced string inverters that directly feed power into the Indian grid. With robust technology, high-quality components and comprehensive product lifecycle support, its solutions stand among the most sophisticated in the ..

Next Story
Real Estate

Awfis delivers 67,000 sq. ft. innovation hub for eBay in Bengaluru

Awfis Space Solutions, India’s largest flexible workspace provider and the first publicly listed workspace solutions platform, has partnered with eBay to establish a 67,000 sq. ft. innovation hub at Embassy Tech Village, Bengaluru. The mandate covers design, build and management of the new office, which will act as a strategic hub supporting diverse functions and accelerating eBay’s AI-first commerce strategy. The centre will focus on artificial intelligence, engineering, product development and applied research, strengthening eBay’s growth in India. Embassy Tech Village, North Beng..

Advertisement

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Get daily newsletters around different themes from Construction world.

STAY CONNECTED

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Talk to us?