ANRF invites academics, scientists, professionals aged 55+ for Prime Minister Professorship 2026

The Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF) has started accepting applications for the Prime Minister Professorship 2026 programme. The application window is open from September 1 and will remain upto October 15, 2026, at 5 pm. Interested researchers can apply for the scheme through the online ANRF portal, anrfonline.in.

The programme will bring experienced academicians, scientists and professionals to state-led institutions that have fewer research resources when compared to others. State universities and other less-endowed institutions will benefit from this initiative.

Through the Prime Minister Professorship, ANRF will support research by asking experienced professionals to share their research experience with host institutions. A PM Professor might mentor faculty members, PhD scholars, postdoctoral fellows, guide Master's students and also lead the research wherever required.

The PM Professorship will continue for 5 years. After 3 years, a performance review by the expert committee will be conducted. The scheme will provide a monthly fellowship of Rs 2.5 lakh, along with a research grant of Rs. 24 lakh per year for research-related expenses. An additional amount of Rs 1 lakh per year will be given per head.

ANRF Prime Minister Professorship 2026 eligibility

Preference will be given to state universities only within each state. Check the eligibility details mentioned below:

• Retired faculty or scientists from reputed Indian institutions, research laboratories, or private institutions
• Scientists, including NRIs, PIOs and OCIs
• Professors of Practice with a strong record in research and innovation
• Senior industry and international professionals aged 55 years or above can apply
• Applicants with strong research experience, actively involved and ready to mentor faculty at institutions where research is still developing
• Eligible host institutions like state, central and others

In any case, an applicant cannot be less than 55 years of age on the date of application. There is no upper age limit to apply for the ANRF Prime Minister Professorship scheme. 

ANRF said that current Prime Minister Professors cannot apply. Also, institutions that have already hosted a Prime Minister Professor cannot nominate anyone this year. Applicants should be ready to relocate to the host institution and work full-time.

Documents required

Here’s a list of the documents that applicants have to submit for the ANRF Prime Minister Professorship scheme:

• Biodata of PI/Mentor(under user profile section) Download Template
• Endorsement Letter from the Head of Institution Download Template
• Certificate from Team Download Template
• Details of research facilities/ labs and equipment available in the department/s proposed to work with and other departments, endorsed by the Head of the Institute. Download Template
• Undertaking from the PM Professorship applicant. Download Template
• Joining Report. Download Template

Note: The applicant cannot hold any administrative roles and functions. They should not receive any honorarium/fellowship/salary from any other organisation during the duration of the PM Professorship.