The Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF) has officially announced the Advanced Research Grant (ARG) 2026. The ARG is offering funding of up to ₹5 Crore for high-impact research projects.
ARG prioritizes transformative research with real impact. Initially, applicants have to submit a pre-proposal. Shortlisted candidates will be invited to submit a full proposal. Proposals that are incremental or lack innovation are unlikely to be funded. This grant supports various types of research.
ARG invites proposals under three major research categories:
- Fundamental Frontier Research
- Use-Inspired Basic Research
- Applied / Translational Research
Interested researchers can send their preproposals from 15 May to 10 June.
| Call | Advanced Research Grant (ARG) 2026 |
| Organization | ANRF |
| Start Date | May 15, 2026 |
| Closing Date | June 10, 2026 |
| Maximum Grant | ₹5 Crore |
| Project Duration | Up to 5 years |
Also see: ANRF ARG–MATRICS Call for Proposals 2026 (Apply by June 10)
Objectives of the Program
The ARG program aims to strengthen India’s research ecosystem by supporting high-quality projects in science and technology.
It encourages investigator-driven research, promotes interdisciplinary collaboration, and supports partnerships between academia and industry.
Eligibility Criteria
Indian applicants and Foreign nationals (including OCI and NRI) are eligible to apply.
The applicants should hold a PhD in science, mathematics, or engineering disciplines. Medical professionals with MD/MS/MDS qualifications are also eligible.
The applicant(s) (PIs and Co-PIs) must hold a regular position in a recognized academic institution, National Research Laboratory, or any other recognized research organisation in India.
Evaluation and Selection Process
The selection process for ARG is competitive and involves multiple stages. Initially, applicants have to submit a pre-proposal. Shortlisted candidates will be invited to submit a full proposal.
The full proposal undergoes rigorous expert review, and applicants may be called for presentations. Proposals exceeding ₹1 Crore are subject to additional levels of technical evaluation.
Evaluation criteria include originality, feasibility, clarity of outcomes, interdisciplinary integration, and potential impact. Strong methodology and well-defined deliverables are essential for success.
Application Process
- The applicant should first register on the ANRF portal.
- Fill all mandatory details in the User Profile (Bio-data, photo, institution details, etc.).
- Ensure all Co-PIs are also registered on the portal.
- Submit a pre-proposal in the prescribed format before the deadline.
- Shortlisted applicants will be invited to submit a full proposal.
Documents Required
- Bio-data
- Certificate from Principal Investigator
- Endorsement Letter from the Head of Institution
- Plagiarism/AI-Generated Content undertaking
- Other Technical Details
Official Website: https://anrfonline.in/ANRF/arg_anrf