In a strategic move to strengthen research capacity in India’s state universities, the newly formed Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF) has launched the Prime Minister Professorships. The initiative seeks to tap into the expertise of retired scientists and seasoned professionals to mentor faculty and students in institutions with emerging research ecosystems.
Substantial Fellowships and Research Grants
Each selected PM Professor will receive a generous annual fellowship of ₹30 lakh, along with ₹24 lakh in research grants. The funds will cover expenses such as consumables, domestic travel, contingencies, equipment, and other research-related costs. An overhead provision of ₹1 lakh per annum has also been allocated to support administrative needs.
This marks a significant upgrade from the earlier SERB Distinguished Fellowship—previously administered by the now-subsumed Science and Engineering Research Board (SERB)—which offered ₹20 lakh per annum in grants and a monthly stipend of ₹60,000.
Expanded Eligibility Criteria
Unlike previous schemes, the PM Professorships are open to a wider pool of candidates, including:
- Overseas scientists
- Non-Resident Indians (NRIs)
- Persons of Indian Origin (PIOs)
- Overseas Citizens of India (OCIs)
- Industry professionals
- Professors of Practice with a proven track record in research and innovation
This expanded eligibility aims to bring global and cross-sectoral expertise into India’s State-level academic ecosystem.
Focus on State Universities Under PAIR Framework
A defining feature of this programme is its exclusive focus on state universities classified as “spoke” institutions under Category A of ANRF’s Promoting Advanced and Inclusive Research (PAIR) initiative. The PAIR model is designed to foster mentorship networks by linking State universities (spokes) with limited research capacity to top-ranked institutions (hubs) such as select Central Universities, NITs, and IIITs. Institutions ranked 25 or lower in the National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF) qualify as hubs.
As reported by The Hindu, host universities may require selected professors to relocate, enabling them to offer sustained academic and research support to elevate institutional performance and build long-term capabilities.
Call for Active Researchers and Committed Mentors
The ANRF has emphasized that applicants must:
- Possess strong research credentials
- Remain actively involved in research and innovation
- Demonstrate a deep commitment to mentoring faculty and students in universities where research ecosystems are still developing
An official ANRF note stated that applicants with strong research credentials must actively pursue research and innovation activities and strongly commit to mentoring faculty at eligible State universities where research and innovation are still in the early stages.
