Scheme Overview & Objective
The Mathematical Research Impact Centric Support (MATRICS) scheme, administered by the Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF), is a government initiative designed to support theoretical researchers in India. This program provides a fixed grant of ₹6 Lakh over three years, offering financial flexibility for computational facilities, research literature, collaborations, and scholarly travel. Unlike experimental science schemes, MATRICS focuses on theoretical and computational research, covering disciplines such as Mathematics, Statistics, Theoretical Physics, and Computer Science.
Eligibility Criteria & Scope
To qualify for the ANRF MATRICS grant, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Citizenship and Employment: Indian citizens holding a regular academic or research position in a recognized academic institution or national R&D lab in India.
- Educational Qualification: A PhD in Mathematics, Statistics, Theoretical Physics, Theoretical Computer Science, or allied fields.
- Research Track Record: An active research record with publications in reputed peer-reviewed journals.
- Research Proposal: The proposal must be purely theoretical or computational, with no experimental or wet lab components.
- Grant Exclusivity: Investigators with active experimental grants (e.g., CRG) are ineligible during the tenure of those grants.
- Institutional Affiliation: Faculty from central universities, IITs, IISERs, TIFR, CMI, IMSc, and state universities are eligible.
Key Financial & Growth Benefits
The ANRF MATRICS scheme offers several key benefits:
- Fixed Grant: A guaranteed ₹2 Lakh per annum for 3 years, totaling ₹6 Lakh.
- Financial Flexibility: Funds can be used for high-end laptops, mathematical software, books, and page charges.
- Scholarly Travel: Support for domestic and international travel to collaborate with peers and attend conferences.
- Simplified Application: No need for complex equipment quotations or heavy procurement procedures.
- Broad Disciplinary Coverage: Supports research in pure math, theoretical physics, cryptography, algorithms, and econometrics.
- Rapid Sanctions: Streamlined assessment based on the candidate's track record of high-impact publications.
Application Procedure & Documents
To apply for the ANRF MATRICS grant, follow these steps:
- Prepare the Research Proposal: Submit a concise proposal in the ANRF MATRICS format, including a Problem Statement, Methodology, and Research Plan.
- Compile Required Documents: Gather the following documents:
- Curriculum Vitae (CV) with a full list of peer-reviewed publications.
- Endorsement Letter from the Head of the Host Institution.
- Proof of Regular Employment.
- Institutional Bank Account Details for fund transfer.
- Submit Application: Apply through the official ANRF portal, ensuring all documents are complete and accurate.
For detailed guidance, visit the official scheme page at ANRF MATRICS Scheme.
Official FAQs
Q: Who is eligible to apply for the ANRF MATRICS grant?
A: Indian citizens with a PhD in relevant fields, holding a regular academic or research position, and an active research track record.
Q: What disciplines are covered under the scheme?
A: The scheme covers Mathematics, Statistics, Theoretical Physics, Theoretical Computer Science, Mathematical Biology, and Econometrics.
Q: Can I apply if I already have an experimental grant?
A: No, investigators with active experimental grants are ineligible during the tenure of those grants.
Q: What is the total funding amount?
A: The total funding is ₹6 Lakh, provided as ₹2 Lakh per year for 3 years.
Q: How are applications evaluated?
A: Applications are evaluated based on the candidate's track record of high-impact theoretical publications and the quality of the research proposal.
