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ANRF Ramanujan Fellowship 2026 and ANRF, New Delhi (Open Throughout the Year)
The ANRF Ramanujan Fellowship 2026 is now accepting nominations, offering a prestigious pathway for brilliant Indian scientists and engineers working abroad to return and establish their research careers in India. This fellowship, initiated by the Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF), serves as a critical bridge for reversing the “brain drain” by providing high-value financial support and research independence.
With a massive funding boost—including a monthly fellowship of ₹1.35 Lakh and a research grant of ₹27 Lakh per year—this scheme is designed to empower researchers to pursue cutting-edge scientific work in Indian institutions. Whether you are a scientist aiming to start a new lab or an engineer looking to innovate within India’s S&T ecosystem, this fellowship provides the necessary platform and resources.
Program Highlights
| Feature | Details |
| Program Title | ANRF Ramanujan Fellowship 2026 |
| Organizing Body | Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF) |
| Application Mode | Online (Rolling Basis) |
| Cut-off Dates | 1st March and 1st September (Annually) |
| Fellowship Amount | ₹1,35,000 per month (including HRA) |
| Research Grant | ₹27,00,000 per year |
| Duration | 5 Years |
Program Overview
The Ramanujan Fellowship is a scientist-specific and highly selective scheme. Its primary objective is to attract high-caliber Indian researchers and engineers currently working overseas to India. The fellowship allows them to work in any Science & Technology (S&T) institution, university department, or national laboratory of their choice.
Unlike typical post-doctoral positions, this fellowship offers substantial independence. Nominees can choose their host institution (provided administrative and infrastructure support is guaranteed) and are encouraged to work in new areas to expand their research capabilities. Notably, candidates should not choose the same institute where they obtained their PhD, ensuring cross-pollination of ideas and expansion of research networks.
Eligibility Criteria
To ensure the fellowship supports the most promising talent, ANRF has set strict eligibility guidelines:
- Nationality: Open to Indian citizens or Persons of Indian Origin (PIO) currently working abroad.
- Age Limit: The applicant must be below 40 years of age at the time of nomination.
- Qualifications:
- PhD in Science/Engineering, OR
- Master’s in Engineering/Technology, OR
- MD in Medicine (or equivalent).
- Experience: Applicants must possess relevant professional experience and a proven, outstanding research track record (evidenced by quality publications and recognized contributions).
- Employment Status: Applicants must not hold any permanent, contractual, or tenure-track position in any Indian university or institute at the time of nomination.
Nature of Support & Grant Details
The Ramanujan Fellowship offers one of the most competitive financial packages for early-career researchers in India. The support is provided for a duration of 5 years.
- Monthly Fellowship: ₹1,35,000 per month (consolidated, includes HRA).
- Research Grant: ₹27,00,000 per year. This grant can be utilized for research expenses, equipment, consumables, and other project-related costs.
- Institutional Overheads: ₹60,000 per year is provided to the host institution to cover administrative costs.
Nomination & Host Institution Details
This section outlines the critical “Resource Persons” involved in your application—specifically, the Nominator and the Host Institution.
- Nominator: The application must be routed through a Nominator from the host institution. Individual scientists must approach an institution of their choice to host them.
- Host Institution: Can be any S&T Institution, University Department, or National Laboratory in India.
- Restriction: Nominations from the candidate’s PhD guide or the institute where they completed their PhD will not be considered.
- Selection Committee: An empowered Selection Committee appointed by ANRF will periodically review nominations and select fellows.
Expected Outcomes & Impact
By participating in this fellowship, researchers are expected to achieve the following outcomes:
- Establish Independent Research: Successfully set up a research program in a new laboratory or area.
- Capacity Building: Contribute to the expansion of India’s R&D capabilities in emerging fields.
- Scientific Contribution: produce high-impact publications, patents, or technologies beneficial to the Indian ecosystem.
- Global Connection: Act as a bridge between international research best practices and Indian academic environments.
Selection & Tenure
- Selection Process: Nominations are received throughout the year. However, they are processed in two cycles. Applications submitted up to 1st March and 1st September are evaluated, and decisions are made twice annually.
- Tenure: The fellowship is tenable for a fixed period of 5 years.
- Condition: The fellow must not hold a permanent position in India during the nomination. If a permanent position is secured later, the fellowship terms may be adjusted as per ANRF rules (typically the fellowship component ceases, though the research grant may continue subject to approval).
Registration Details
The application process is entirely online through the ANRF portal.
| Feature | Details |
| Registration Portal | ANRF Online Portal |
| Next Cut-off Date | 01 March 2026 |
| Registration Fee | Not Applicable |
| Submission Mode | Nomination via Host Institute |
| Official Notification | View Official Brochure |
How to Apply
- Register: The Nominee must register on
www.anrfonline.in. - Profile Update: Fill in all mandatory fields in the Profile Details section (Photo, Institution, Address).
- Form Submission: Select “Ramanujan Fellowship” and fill in Nominee Details, Qualification Details, and Nominator Details.
- Upload Proposal: Upload the proposed area of research and a brief outline (Single PDF, max 5 pages).
- Send to Nominator: Click “Send to Nominator” to forward the application.
- Final Submission: The Nominator will receive an email link to review and submit the nomination to ANRF.
Contact Information
For specific queries regarding the fellowship, candidates should contact ANRF directly.
- Website: www.anrfonline.in
- Program: Ramanujan Fellowship
- Department: Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF)
Additional Information
- Proposal Guidelines: Ensure your research proposal is concise (under 5 pages) yet comprehensive, highlighting the novelty and potential impact of the work.
- Revision: Nominators have the option to return the form to the Nominee for revision before final submission to ANRF.
- Notifications: Both the Nominee and Nominator will receive automated intimations upon successful submission.
Key Highlights
- High-Value Grant: A significant research grant of ₹27 Lakhs/year is rare and allows for extensive experimental or theoretical work.
- Flexibility: The ability to choose any host institution (other than one’s PhD institute) promotes mobility and fresh collaborations.
- Rolling Application: The “apply anytime” model reduces the pressure of a single annual deadline, though adhering to the March/September cut-offs ensures faster processing.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Who is eligible to apply for the ANRF Ramanujan Fellowship 2026?
The fellowship is open to Indian citizens or PIOs currently working abroad who are under 40 years of age and hold a PhD in Science/Engineering, Masters in Engineering/Technology, or MD in Medicine.
2. Can I apply if I am already working in India?
No, the applicant must not hold any permanent, contractual, or tenure-track position in any Indian university or institute at the time of nomination. This fellowship is specifically for those working abroad.
3. What is the financial value of the ANRF Ramanujan Fellowship 2026?
Selected fellows receive a monthly fellowship of ₹1,35,000 (including HRA) and a substantial research grant of ₹27,00,000 per year for five years.
4. Can I choose my PhD institute as my host institution?
No, nominations from the institute where the candidate pursued their PhD are not considered. You must choose a different S&T institution to expand your research capabilities in new environments.
5. How often are selections made for the fellowship?
While nominations are accepted throughout the year, they are processed and decisions are taken twice annually—after the cut-off dates of 1st March and 1st September.