Share this message

ANRF Prime Minister Professorship 2026

The Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF) Prime Minister Professorship 2026 is an important research and academic opportunity for experienced scientists, retired faculty members, researchers and senior professionals with outstanding achievements in science, technology and innovation.

The programme is designed to bring the knowledge and experience of eminent researchers into institutions where research and innovation ecosystems are still developing. Selected Prime Minister Professors are expected to mentor faculty members and students, develop research programmes, encourage collaborations and help host institutions build stronger research capabilities.

According to the official ANRF information, the Prime Minister Professorship has a five-year duration and provides substantial financial support, including a fellowship of ₹30 lakh per year, a ₹24 lakh annual research grant, and a fixed ₹1 lakh annual institutional overhead.

The programme therefore offers not only financial support but also an opportunity for highly experienced researchers to contribute directly to strengthening India’s research and innovation ecosystem.

Important: The application dates shown in the supplied 2026 poster are 1 September 2026 to 15 October 2026 at 5:00 PM IST. Applicants should confirm the currently active call and exact deadline on the official ANRF/ANRF Online portal before submitting a proposal.

ANRF Prime Minister Professorship 2026 Highlights

Particular	Details
Programme	ANRF Prime Minister Professorship
Year	2026
Duration	5 Years
Fellowship	₹30 lakh per year
Monthly Equivalent	₹2.5 lakh per month
Research Grant	₹24 lakh per year
Institutional Overhead	₹1 lakh per year
Minimum Age	55 years
Upper Age Limit	No upper age limit
Work Arrangement	Full-time
Relocation	Required to the approved host institution
Application Mode	Online
Portal	ANRF Online
Poster Application Opening Date	1 September 2026
Poster Last Date	15 October 2026, 5:00 PM IST

The official ANRF programme page confirms that the fellowship is intended for active and superannuated scientists, faculty members, professors of practice and experienced industry professionals with outstanding research and innovation records.

What Is the ANRF Prime Minister Professorship?

The Prime Minister Professorship is an ANRF initiative aimed at using the expertise of eminent and experienced researchers to strengthen institutions where research and innovation are at an early stage.

A selected Prime Minister Professor works with an eligible host university or institute and helps improve its research ecosystem. The role is not simply an honorary position. ANRF states that the PM Professor must work on a full-time basis at the proposed host institution and relocate there. (ANRF Online)

The programme covers broad areas of science and technology, including engineering, agriculture, medicine and social sciences at the interface of science and technology.

The larger goal is to create stronger research programmes, develop researchers and students, improve collaboration and build an environment capable of producing high-quality research and innovation.

Fellowship and Research Funding

One of the strongest features of the ANRF Prime Minister Professorship 2026 is its financial support.

₹30 Lakh Fellowship Per Year

The official ANRF page states that a Prime Minister Professor receives a ₹30 lakh fellowship per annum. This is equivalent to ₹2.5 lakh per month.

₹24 Lakh Research Grant Per Year

In addition to the fellowship, ANRF provides a ₹24 lakh research grant every year. The research grant can support research-related requirements such as personnel, consumables, travel, contingencies and minor equipment, subject to the programme’s rules. (ANRF Online)

₹1 Lakh Institutional Overhead

A fixed ₹1 lakh per year is also provided as institutional overhead under the programme.

This combination makes the programme particularly valuable for senior researchers who want to use their experience to develop research capacity at another institution.

Who Can Apply for ANRF Prime Minister Professorship 2026?

The programme is primarily designed for highly experienced researchers and professionals with a strong record of research and innovation.

According to ANRF, eligible categories include:

Superannuated or retired faculty members from reputed institutions
Retired scientists from research laboratories
Scientists and faculty members with outstanding research records
Overseas scientists of Indian origin, including NRIs, PIOs and OCIs
Experienced industry professionals
Professors of Practice with distinguished achievements in research and innovation
Senior international professionals meeting the programme’s criteria

ANRF specifically states that applicants should have strong research credentials and demonstrate a commitment to mentoring faculty and students at eligible host institutions. (ANRF Online)

Age Eligibility

The applicant must be at least 55 years old on the date of application under the programme’s current eligibility information.

There is no upper age limit for the Prime Minister Professorship. University and laboratory faculty members generally need to be superannuated or retired on the application date, while eligible industry and international senior professionals may apply subject to the programme’s criteria.

Applicants should carefully check the latest call guidelines because eligibility requirements can be updated by ANRF.

Key Responsibilities of a Prime Minister Professor

The selected professor has an important mentoring and institution-building role.

Major responsibilities include:

1. Strengthening Research Capabilities

The PM Professor works with the host institution to improve its research and innovation capabilities.

2. Mentoring Faculty and Students

The professor may mentor faculty members, PhD scholars, postdoctoral researchers and Master’s students and provide guidance for high-quality research. (ANRF Online)

3. Developing Research Programmes

The professor works with departments at the host institution to formulate research programmes and improve the quality of research activities.

4. Building Research Collaborations

The programme encourages stronger connections between established institutions, industry and institutions with developing research ecosystems.

5. Promoting Innovation

The professor is expected to contribute to building an innovation culture and improving the host institution’s ability to undertake meaningful research.

6. Knowledge Exchange

Another important objective is sustainable knowledge sharing between experienced researchers and developing research institutions.

What Is the Duration of the Fellowship?

The ANRF Prime Minister Professorship is for five years.

ANRF also states that a performance review is conducted after three years by an expert committee constituted for this purpose.

The five-year period gives the professor enough time to understand the host institution, identify research gaps, develop programmes, mentor researchers and create sustainable research capabilities.

Host Institution and Relocation Requirement

Applicants cannot treat the programme as a part-time academic engagement.

The official ANRF information states that the Prime Minister Professor must work full-time at the proposed host university or institute and be willing to relocate. The host institution must be different from the institution where the professor previously served or superannuated.

Eligible host institutions are connected with the ANRF’s Partnerships for Accelerated Innovation and Research (PAIR) framework. ANRF also indicates that the proposed research activity should involve multiple departments, with at least two departments participating in the programme.

Selection and Proposal Process

The Prime Minister Professorship is not a simple job application. It involves a research-oriented proposal developed jointly with the proposed host institution.

The broad process includes:

Identify an eligible host institution.
Discuss the proposed research and mentoring plan with relevant departments.
Develop a joint proposal.
Explain the applicant’s research expertise and proposed contribution.
Describe the existing research ecosystem and gaps at the host institution.
Present a five-year plan for strengthening research and innovation.
Submit the proposal through the ANRF online portal.
Undergo expert evaluation and selection.

ANRF states that the proposal should clearly explain the mentor’s role and how the programme will improve research and innovation at the host institution. (ANRF Online)

Important Conditions for Selected Professors

Applicants should understand the programme conditions before applying.

The PM Professor must work full-time at the host institution. During the tenure, the professor cannot receive another salary, fellowship or honorarium from another organization. ANRF also states that the position can be terminated if the professor accepts another position providing regular salary, honorarium or fellowship. (ANRF Online)

The host institution is responsible for financial documentation, including audited statements and utilization certificates required for subsequent releases.

The professor must also acknowledge ANRF support in publications and patents arising from the supported work. Intellectual property generated through the research is governed by the host institution’s applicable rules. (ANRF Online)

Application Date for ANRF Prime Minister Professorship 2026

The supplied recruitment poster gives the following schedule:

Application Opens: 1 September 2026

Last Date to Apply: 15 October 2026

Closing Time: 5:00 PM IST

Application Mode: Online

Application Portal: ANRF Online

Because application dates can change or may depend on the specific call being displayed on the portal, applicants should verify the active call before submitting their proposal.

Official ANRF Prime Minister Professorship Information

ANRF Online Application Portal

ANRF Prime Minister Professorship Proposal Page

How to Apply for ANRF Prime Minister Professorship 2026

Eligible applicants should prepare their proposal carefully before accessing the online portal.

Step 1: Check Eligibility

Confirm that you meet the retirement, age, professional experience and research achievement requirements.

Step 2: Identify a Suitable Host Institution

Select an eligible institution where your expertise can make a meaningful contribution to research and innovation.

Step 3: Build a Strong Research Plan

Prepare a practical five-year plan explaining the research objectives, mentoring strategy, infrastructure requirements and expected outcomes.

Step 4: Work With Host Departments

The proposal should be developed jointly with relevant departments of the host institution.

Step 5: Submit Online

Complete the application through the official ANRF Online portal and upload all required documents before the deadline.

Step 6: Keep Records

Save the submitted application, proposal, supporting documents and acknowledgement for future reference.

How to Prepare a Strong Application

A strong application should go beyond listing academic achievements. Applicants should clearly demonstrate how their experience can transform the research ecosystem of the proposed host institution.

Useful points to address include:

Major research achievements
Publications and patents
Technology transfer experience
Awards and recognitions
Previous mentoring experience
International and national collaborations
Proposed research areas
Existing gaps at the host institution
Infrastructure requirements
Faculty development plans
Student mentoring strategy
Expected research outcomes
Long-term sustainability of the programme

The strongest proposals should connect the applicant’s expertise with the actual research needs of the host institution.

Why This Fellowship Matters

India’s research ecosystem includes institutions with very different levels of infrastructure, research funding and academic experience. Programmes such as the Prime Minister Professorship attempt to connect experienced researchers with institutions that need stronger research capabilities.

The programme therefore offers a dual benefit. Experienced scientists receive an opportunity to continue meaningful research and mentoring, while host institutions can benefit from high-level expertise, research networks and institutional development.

The official ANRF description specifically highlights the objective of raising the research and innovation ecosystem of less-endowed institutions toward world-class standards.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the ANRF Prime Minister Professorship 2026?

It is an ANRF programme that brings experienced scientists, faculty members and senior research professionals to eligible host institutions to strengthen research, innovation and mentoring.

What is the fellowship amount?

The official ANRF information states a fellowship of ₹30 lakh per year, equivalent to ₹2.5 lakh per month.

How much research funding is available?

The programme provides a ₹24 lakh research grant per year, subject to the programme’s terms and eligible expenditure.

What is the duration?

The duration is five years, with a performance review after three years.

Is there an upper age limit?

No. ANRF’s current programme information states that there is no upper age limit, although applicants must meet the minimum age and professional eligibility conditions.

Can the PM Professor work part-time?

No. The programme requires the PM Professor to work on a full-time basis at the proposed host institution. (ANRF Online)

Where can I apply?

Applications are submitted through the official ANRF Online portal.

Apply through ANRF Online

Final Words

The ANRF Prime Minister Professorship 2026 is a significant opportunity for experienced scientists, retired faculty members, researchers and senior professionals who want to contribute to India’s research and innovation ecosystem.

With a ₹30 lakh annual fellowship, ₹24 lakh annual research grant, ₹1 lakh institutional overhead and five-year tenure, the programme provides substantial support for experienced researchers to mentor students and faculty, develop research programmes and strengthen institutions where research capabilities are still developing.

Candidates should not view the opportunity simply as a financial fellowship. The central purpose is research leadership, mentoring, institutional development and knowledge transfer. Therefore, applicants should focus on preparing a strong, realistic and measurable five-year plan that demonstrates how their expertise can create lasting research impact.

Before applying, always check the latest eligibility conditions, eligible host institution list, official call guidelines and application status on the ANRF website and ANRF Online portal.