The ANRF POWER Grant offers up to ₹60 Lakh in funding for women scientists in India, addressing gender disparities in STEM research. This comprehensive guide dissects the financial structure, subsidies, and ROI of the grant, providing actionable insights for applicants in 2026.
Scheme Overview & Objective
The ANRF POWER Grant, administered by the Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF), is a gender-affirmative initiative under the Department of Science and Technology (DST), Government of India. Launched to empower women scientists, the grant provides substantial funding for exploratory research across disciplines like biomedical engineering, climate science, and astrophysics.
The scheme is structured into Tier I (premier labs like IITs, IISc) and Tier II (state universities) with funding caps of ₹60 Lakh and ₹30 Lakh, respectively. The grant covers equipment, research staff, consumables, and travel expenses, fostering breakthrough discoveries and career advancement for women in STEM.
Eligibility Criteria & Scope
Eligibility for the ANRF POWER Grant is stringent yet inclusive, targeting Indian women scientists with a PhD in Science, Engineering, Medicine, or allied fields. Applicants must hold a regular academic/research position at an Indian institution, which can be a Central University, IIT, IISc, NIT, State University, private university, or National R&D Lab.
- Exclusive to Women Scientists: Only female researchers are eligible.
- Research Proposal: Must outline original, high-impact exploratory research.
- Grant Exclusivity: Applicants cannot hold multiple active SERB/ANRF grants concurrently.
- Tier Allocation: Determined by the host institution's category.
Key Financial & Growth Benefits
Financial Breakdown
| Component | Tier I (Up to ₹60 Lakh) | Tier II (Up to ₹30 Lakh) |
|---|---|---|
| Capital Equipment | 40% | 35% |
| Research Staff | 30% | 35% |
| Consumables | 20% | 20% |
| Travel & Contingency | 10% | 10% |
Subsidies & ROI
The grant’s subsidy structure is designed to maximize ROI for both researchers and institutions. Institutional overheads are credited directly to the host institution, fostering long-term support for women in STEM. Additionally, the POWER Fellowship Integration offers a ₹15,000/month top-up honorarium for top-performing investigators, enhancing financial viability and career prospects.
Growth Benefits
- State-of-the-Art Resources: Access to advanced lab equipment and research scholars.
- Global Collaborations: Funding for international conference travel.
- Mentorship Network: Connections with leading female scientists.
- Career Acceleration: Pathways to leadership roles in academia and research.
Application Procedure & Documents
Step-by-Step Application Process
- Registration: Create an account on the ANRF Scientific Portal.
- Proposal Submission: Upload the detailed project proposal in the prescribed format.
- Budget Justification: Provide itemized quotations for equipment and consumables.
- Institutional Endorsement: Submit the endorsement letter and employment proof.
- Review & Approval: Proposals undergo all-women expert committee peer review.
Document Checklist
- Detailed Project Proposal (ANRF POWER format)
- Itemized Budget Breakdown with quotations
- Curriculum Vitae (CV) with publication list
- Endorsement Letter from Host Institution
- Proof of Regular Employment
- Ethics/Bio-safety Clearances (if applicable)
Official FAQs
Can private university faculty apply?
Yes, faculty from private universities are eligible, provided they meet the academic and research position criteria.
Is the grant renewable beyond 3 years?
No, the grant is non-renewable with a fixed tenure of 3 years.
Can applicants hold other grants concurrently?
No, applicants cannot hold more than one active individual research grant from SERB/ANRF simultaneously.
How are Tier I and Tier II institutions defined?
Tier I includes premier institutions like IITs, IISc, IISERs, and CSIR labs, while Tier II comprises state universities and colleges.
