ANRF Launches Prime Minister Professorship 2026 to Strengthen Research Ecosystems in State Universities

ANRF Launches Prime Minister Professorship 2026 to Strengthen Research Ecosystems in State Universities

New Delhi — The Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF) has officially invited nominations and applications for the prestigious Prime Minister Professorship for the year 2026. The initiative is structured to bring the expertise of eminent and seasoned academicians, scientists, and senior industry professionals to institutions with developing research infrastructure, placing a primary focus on state universities across India.

The scheme aims to foster high-level academic mentorship, cultivate scientific leadership, and drive sustainable knowledge exchange to build competitive research capabilities nationwide.

Quick Overview & Program Highlights

Strategic Objective of the Scheme

Under the national research mandate, the ANRF Prime Minister Professorship bridges the gap between premier national laboratories/institutions of eminence and regional or state public universities. By embedding distinguished leaders in less-endowed campuses, the program seeks to:

• Facilitate institutional research capacity-building through hands-on mentorship.

• Upgrade institutional laboratory ecosystems, grant-writing capabilities, and doctoral training programs.

• Form durable collaborative pipelines between host universities and top-tier scientific bodies globally and nationally.

Key Eligibility & Exclusion Guidelines

Applicants and nominating universities must note key operational guidelines under this cycle:

• Distinguished Profile: Open to distinguished academicians, scientists, and professionals with a proven track record of pioneering research, innovation, and leadership.

• Exclusion Criteria for Individuals: Existing PM Professors are not eligible to apply under the current call.

• Exclusion Criteria for Host Institutions: Any host institute that has already hosted a PM Professor is not eligible to nominate a candidate under this 2026 cycle.

Application Timeline & Submission Process

• Call Opening Date: 01 September 2026

• Final Submission Deadline: 15 October 2026, 5:00 PM IST

Interested candidates and nominating universities must submit complete proposals, host institutional endorsement letters, and planned research development agendas via the official ANRF portal before the October 15 cutoff.

For complete scheme guidelines, nomination formats, and host criteria, visit the official portal:

https://www.anrfonline.in/ANRF/PMProfessorship_anrf?HomePage=New