The Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF) has introduced two major research support programmes: Impact Centres of Excellence (ACE) and Inclusivity Research Grant (IRG). These initiatives aim to strengthen India's research and innovation ecosystem, promote research excellence, and encourage wider participation in science and engineering.
- The ACE programme funds high-impact research centres in academic institutions and national laboratories.
- It targets improving research infrastructure and boosting global rankings of Indian institutions.
- The IRG scheme provides funding to researchers from Scheduled Caste (SC) and Scheduled Tribe (ST) communities.
- IRG supports research in frontier science and engineering with flexible funding norms.
What is the ANRF ACE programme?
The ACE programme supports the establishment of high-impact research centres within academic institutions and national research laboratories. Its goal is to enhance research infrastructure, foster innovation, and help Indian institutions achieve global excellence in science and engineering. The programme aligns with the vision of Viksit Bharat @ 2047, aiming to accelerate Indian institutions as leading centres of research excellence and improve their positions in global institutional rankings.
How are proposals categorized under the ACE programme?
Proposals for the ACE programme are invited under three categories based on institutional rankings and eligibility:
- Category A: For public and private academic institutions ranked consistently among the top 20 in the National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF) Overall category in 2024 and 2025.
- Category B: For academic institutions ranked consistently among the top 70 in the NIRF Overall category in 2024 and 2025. If rankings vary, the most recent ranking is considered.
- Category C: For national research laboratory clusters under organisations like DST, DBT, CSIR, ICMR, DAE, DRDO, and others. These labs may submit up to three cluster proposals per organisation, which must be endorsed by the relevant department secretary or organisation head.
The ACE programme focuses on institutional projects rather than individual or small-team projects. Each proposal must include between one and three spoke partners and outline a roadmap to achieve internationally benchmarked research excellence, improve global rankings, and mobilise matching funds.
What is the Inclusivity Research Grant (IRG)?
The IRG scheme aims to promote equal participation in research by providing funding support to researchers from Scheduled Caste (SC) and Scheduled Tribe (ST) communities. It encourages these researchers to undertake studies in frontier areas of science and engineering, helping them build research capacity and progress to mainstream research programmes.
The IRG scheme replaces the earlier Empowerment and Equity Opportunities for Excellence in Science (EMEQ) scheme of the Science and Engineering Research Board (SERB), offering enhanced support with more flexible norms.
What funding and support does the IRG provide?
The IRG offers funding up to Rs 60 lakh plus overheads for a three-year period. It includes measures to simplify research activities, such as flexibility in resource utilisation under recurring heads, flexible manpower recruitment, and increased allowances for travel, contingency, and overhead charges.
The grant also covers expenses related to open-access publications and patent filing. International travel for project-related activities is permitted under the scheme.
What is the role of ANRF in India's research ecosystem?
Established through the ANRF Act of 2023, the ANRF undertakes initiatives to seed, grow, and facilitate research at academic and research institutions across India. Its governing board, chaired by the Prime Minister, focuses on strategic interventions to improve India's global positioning in key sectors, align research and development with national priorities, promote inclusive growth, and build research capacity.
