ANRF invites proposals from SC, ST researchers under Inclusivity Research Grant scheme

The Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF) has started inviting research proposals from researchers who belong to the Scheduled Caste (SC) and Scheduled Tribe (ST) communities under its Inclusivity Research Grant (IRG) scheme. The grant will support research projects in areas of science and engineering.

Applications for the IRG scheme started on October 1, 2026, and researchers can submit their proposals till November 3. All applications must be submitted through the ANRF online portal.

The IRG scheme will expand research participation by offering funding and other support to SC and ST researchers. According to ANRF, the initiative will also help researchers to boost their capacity and participate in research programmes.

The IRG scheme has replaced the earlier Empowerment and Equity Opportunities for Excellence in Science (EMEQ) scheme of the Science and Engineering Research Board (SERB). ANRF also said that the new scheme will provide flexible provisions for researchers.

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Funding support, other provisions

Under IRG, researchers can get funding of up to Rs 60 lakh, along with overhead costs, for projects that will be active for three years. The grant will also allow researchers flexibility in using funds and hiring staff related to the project. It will also give better support for travel, contingency expenses and overhead costs.

A researcher or scientist can receive the IRG grant up to three times during their career, including projects which have been received under the earlier EMEQ scheme. The scheme will also give financial support for expenses which are related to open-access publication and patent filing. 

In case the researchers have to travel internationally for activities connected with the research project will be permitted under the grant. The application portal is live through ANRF’s official websites, anrfonline.in and anrf.gov.in.

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Eligibility criteria

Researchers should meet the following eligibility criteria:

• Interested applicants should be Indian Nationals
• Applicants should be researchers under the Scheduled Caste or Scheduled Tribe category who are working regularly with an academic institution/national lab or any other recognized R&D institution in the field of Science and Engineering
• Researchers should have a post-doctoral degree in Science or Engineering or an MD/ MS/ MDS degree
• The applicant should have a minimum of four years of service remaining before superannuation on the date of proposal submission

Note: Scientists/ Co-investigators who already have ongoing projects under the IRG cannot apply to the scheme