The ANRF Ramanujan Fellowship 2026 is open for nominations from outstanding Indian and Indian-origin scientists and engineers who are currently working abroad and want to pursue research in India.
The programme offers a monthly fellowship of ₹1,35,000, including HRA.
Selected fellows also receive a research grant of ₹7 lakh per year and ₹60,000 per year in institutional overheads.
The fellowship runs for five years and cannot be extended.
For the 2026 cycle, nominations remain open throughout the year.
The final deadline is 31 December 2026 at 5:00 PM.
ANRF also states that results will be announced twice during the year.
However, there is one important requirement that applicants must understand from the beginning.
This is not a normal fellowship where a researcher simply completes an application and submits it independently.
The researcher must first identify an eligible host institution in India.
The institution must agree to host the scientist.
The applicant then completes the nomination form through the ANRF online system and sends it electronically to the institutional nominator.
The nominator reviews the application and formally submits the nomination to ANRF.
The ANRF Ramanujan Fellowship 2026 is therefore especially useful for talented Indian researchers abroad who want to return to India while maintaining the independence and financial support needed to establish a strong research programme.
What Is the ANRF Ramanujan Fellowship?
The Ramanujan Fellowship is a prestigious research fellowship administered by the Anusandhan National Research Foundation, or ANRF.
It was created to attract highly accomplished Indian and Indian-origin scientists and engineers working outside India.
The main goal is to give them an opportunity to return to India and continue high-quality scientific research.
ANRF describes the fellowship as scientist-specific and highly selective.
That wording is important.
The fellowship does not simply support a research project.
It supports the researcher.
Selection therefore depends heavily on the nominee's research record, achievements, publications, recognition and potential to build an important scientific programme in India.
The scheme also supports India's wider effort to bring internationally experienced researchers into Indian universities, scientific institutions and national laboratories.
In simple terms, the programme addresses what is often called reverse brain drain.
ANRF itself uses this concept when explaining why scientists already holding positions in India cannot use the fellowship.
What Is the Main Objective of the Ramanujan Fellowship?
The main objective is to encourage outstanding Indian and Indian-origin scientists working abroad to take up scientific research positions in India.
The fellowship gives these researchers financial support while they establish or continue independent research.
The programme is particularly useful for scientists who want to return to India but do not yet hold a permanent academic or research position.
Instead of waiting for a regular faculty appointment, an eligible researcher can work through a willing Indian host institution under the fellowship.
The fellow can then build a research programme, publish new work, supervise researchers where permitted and compete for additional research grants.
ANRF also allows Ramanujan Fellows to apply for other government research grants, provided they meet the eligibility requirements of those schemes.
Who Can Apply for the ANRF Ramanujan Fellowship 2026?
The eligibility conditions are quite specific.
The ANRF Ramanujan Fellowship 2026 is open to brilliant Indian and Indian-origin scientists and engineers who are currently working abroad.
The candidate must be below 40 years of age.
The nominee should also hold an advanced qualification.
This may include:
- PhD in Science
- PhD in Engineering
- Master's degree in Engineering or Technology
- MD in Medicine
- Another equivalent advanced qualification
The candidate should also have adequate professional experience.
However, having a doctorate and being below 40 does not automatically make someone competitive.
ANRF makes it clear that the fellowship is highly selective.
Candidates are expected to have an outstanding research track record.
Their achievements should be visible through publications, professional recognition and other evidence of research excellence.
Does the Applicant Have to Be Working Abroad?
Yes.
This is one of the most important eligibility requirements.
The nominee must be working abroad at the time of nomination.
A scientist who has already returned to India and taken up employment may therefore not qualify.
ANRF specifically states that the Ramanujan Fellowship is intended for scientists and engineers returning from abroad.
The programme is not designed as a fellowship for people who are already working in India.
Can a Scientist Already Working in India Apply?
No, not under the normal Ramanujan Fellowship eligibility rules.
A person holding a permanent, temporary, tenure-track or contractual employment position in India cannot be nominated simply because they meet the academic qualifications.
ANRF states that an institution can nominate an Indian or Indian-origin scientist only from outside India, with no current position or employment in India.
This rule reflects the central purpose of the programme.
It is designed to bring researchers back to India.
It is not intended to supplement an existing Indian salary.
What Is the Age Limit for the ANRF Ramanujan Fellowship?
The candidate should be below 40 years of age.
ANRF's current eligibility information states that the age of the candidate should not be more than 40 years.
Researchers close to the age limit should therefore check how ANRF calculates age under the active nomination cycle before delaying submission.
Which Research Areas Are Covered?
The Ramanujan Fellowship has a very broad scope.
ANRF states that all areas of science, in the broadest sense, are covered.
That can include fields such as:
- Physics
- Chemistry
- Mathematics
- Biology
- Biotechnology
- Engineering
- Materials science
- Earth sciences
- Environmental sciences
- Medical research
- Computer science
- Artificial intelligence
- Data science
- Energy research
- Nanotechnology
- Neuroscience
- Biomedical engineering
- Space science
- Climate science
- Agricultural science
- Interdisciplinary scientific research
The programme is therefore not restricted to one narrow discipline.
However, the research proposal should still be scientifically strong and suitable for the proposed host institution.
How Much Is the Ramanujan Fellowship?
The current fellowship amount is ₹1,35,000 per month.
This is a consolidated amount and already includes the HRA component.
That means applicants should not assume that a separate HRA payment will automatically be added on top of the ₹1.35 lakh.
The fellowship amount itself includes HRA.
Over 12 months, the fellowship component alone equals:
₹16.2 lakh per year.
Across the full five-year period, this could amount to:
₹81 lakh in fellowship payments, assuming the fellow remains eligible for the full duration and the funding terms remain applicable.
This does not include the separate research grant or institutional overheads.
How Much Research Funding Is Provided?
Each Ramanujan Fellow receives a research grant of ₹7 lakh per year.
The research grant can support approved activities such as:
- Consumables
- Research personnel
- Travel
- Contingencies
- Other eligible research expenses
Over five years, the annual research grant could provide up to:
₹35 lakh for research activities.
ANRF also provides ₹60,000 per year as overhead charges to the host institution.
Over five years, that equals:
₹3 lakh in institutional overhead support.
Taken together, the fellowship provides substantial support for a researcher returning to India.
What Is the Approximate Total Value of the Fellowship?
Based on the current published amounts, a fellow who completes the full five-year tenure could receive:
| Support | Annual Amount | Five-Year Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Fellowship | ₹16.2 lakh | ₹81 lakh |
| Research Grant | ₹7 lakh | ₹35 lakh |
| Institutional Overhead | ₹60,000 | ₹3 lakh |
| Approximate Total | ₹23.8 lakh | ₹1.19 crore |
This calculation is based on the current ANRF funding structure of ₹1.35 lakh per month, ₹7 lakh annual research support and ₹60,000 annual overheads.
The overhead amount goes to the host institution rather than to the fellow as personal income.
Is the Ramanujan Fellowship Taxable?
Yes.
ANRF states that the grant received under the Ramanujan Fellowship is taxable according to applicable Indian income-tax rules.
Selected fellows should therefore consider taxation when planning their finances.
How Long Does the Ramanujan Fellowship Last?
The fellowship lasts for five years.
There is no provision for extending the fellowship beyond the five-year period.
In other words, the maximum tenure is 60 months from commencement.
ANRF's current programme rules also state that its financial support is limited to 60 months from the fellowship's start date.
Can the Fellowship Be Extended Beyond Five Years?
No.
The five-year duration is fixed.
Applicants should therefore use those five years strategically.
A successful fellow should ideally use the period to build:
- An independent research programme
- A publication record in India
- A strong laboratory or research group
- New collaborations
- Competitive grant funding
- A pathway towards a long-term scientific career in India
Where Can a Ramanujan Fellow Work?
A fellow can work at a wide range of eligible scientific and academic institutions in India.
ANRF allows fellows to work at:
- Universities
- University departments
- Scientific institutions
- Academic institutions
- National laboratories
- Other suitable science and technology institutions
However, the host institution must be willing to provide the necessary administrative support and basic R&D infrastructure.
This means a researcher cannot simply name an institution in the application.
The institution must genuinely agree to host the fellow.
Can You Take the Fellowship Back to Your PhD Institution?
No.
This is one of the most important restrictions.
ANRF states that the fellowship is intended to help researchers move into new areas and laboratories.
Therefore, the fellow should work at an institution different from the institution where they pursued their doctorate.
A candidate cannot simply return to the same institution where the PhD was completed and use the Ramanujan Fellowship there.
ANRF also states that nominations from the candidate's PhD guide will not be considered.
Can Your PhD Supervisor Nominate You?
No.
Nominations from a candidate's PhD guide are not accepted.
This rule supports the programme's broader objective of encouraging scientific independence.
The researcher should develop a new research environment rather than simply continue working under the same PhD supervisor.
What Is the Role of the Host Institution?
The host institution has a major role.
It must be willing to support the fellow's research.
That means providing access to the basic infrastructure needed to carry out the proposed work.
Depending on the field, this could include:
- Laboratory space
- Office space
- Research equipment
- Institutional facilities
- Administrative support
- Access to libraries
- Computing resources
- Ethics or regulatory support
- Institutional research systems
The host institution also plays a formal role in the nomination.
The applicant submits the completed online nomination to an authorised nominator at the host institution.
That nominator then verifies and forwards it to ANRF.
Who Can Be the Nominator?
ANRF states that the nominator from the host institution should be the head of the organisation, university or institute, or an authorised academic official of that institution.
The nomination process therefore requires institutional involvement.
A candidate cannot bypass the host and independently submit the final nomination.
Can You Nominate Yourself?
The application process begins with the nominee completing the online form.
However, the final submission is a formal institutional nomination.
The candidate fills in the application and selects "Send to Nominator."
The nominated institutional official receives an email with access to the application.
The nominator can then:
- Review the application
- Return it for revision
- Submit the nomination to ANRF
Once the nomination has been formally submitted, both the nominee and nominator receive confirmation.
So, although the candidate prepares the application, the final nomination requires the host institution.
How to Apply for the ANRF Ramanujan Fellowship 2026
The application is completed online.
Step 1: Identify a Host Institution in India
This should happen before completing the nomination.
Look for an institution that fits your research.
The institution should have the infrastructure and scientific environment required for your proposed work.
Step 2: Contact the Institution
Discuss your proposed Ramanujan Fellowship with the relevant department, laboratory or institutional authority.
Do not assume that an invitation from an individual faculty member automatically means the institution has approved the nomination.
The host organisation must be prepared to support the fellowship formally.
Step 3: Register on the ANRF Online Portal
The nominee must register on the ANRF online portal.
Step 4: Complete Your Profile
After login, complete the mandatory profile information.
ANRF requires details such as:
- Photograph
- Institution
- Address
- Personal information
- Academic details
Step 5: Select the Ramanujan Fellowship
Under the form submission section, choose:
Scheme: Ramanujan Fellowship
Then complete the nomination form.
The form includes information on:
- Nominee details
- Qualifications
- Nominator details
- Research background
- Other required information
Step 6: Prepare the Research Proposal
Applicants must upload their proposed area of research and a brief outline of the proposed work.
The document should be provided as one PDF of no more than five pages.
Step 7: Upload the Required Documents
ANRF lists key PDF documents such as:
- Nomination letter on official letterhead
- CV of the nominee
- Plagiarism undertaking
Applicants should also check the portal carefully for any updated document requirements before final submission.
Step 8: Send the Application to the Nominator
After completing the application, click:
"Send to Nominator."
The nominator will receive an email notification.
Step 9: Nominator Reviews the Application
The nominator can either submit the application to ANRF or return it to the candidate for corrections.
Step 10: Final Submission
Once the nominator submits the nomination, both parties receive confirmation of successful submission.
What Should the Five-Page Research Proposal Contain?
ANRF states that the proposed area of research and brief research outline must fit within five pages.
With such limited space, the proposal should be focused.
A strong structure could include:
Research Background
Explain the scientific problem.
Keep this section concise.
Research Gap
What is not currently known?
Why does this problem matter?
Main Objective
State exactly what the research intends to achieve.
Research Questions
Identify the key questions or hypotheses.
Methodology
Explain how the research will be conducted.
Why the Host Institution?
Describe why the chosen institution is particularly suitable.
Expected Outcomes
Explain what the research should produce.
Possible outcomes could include:
- New scientific knowledge
- Publications
- Patents
- Technologies
- Datasets
- Models
- Prototypes
- Research tools
- New collaborations
Five-Year Direction
The proposal should also make it clear that the candidate can build a meaningful research programme during the fellowship.
What Makes a Strong Ramanujan Fellowship Candidate?
The fellowship is not designed for an average academic profile.
ANRF describes it as very selective.
A competitive nominee should have a track record that demonstrates research excellence.
This can include:
- Strong peer-reviewed publications
- High-quality independent research
- Citations
- Patents
- Important scientific discoveries
- Awards
- International recognition
- Invited talks
- Research leadership
- Significant technical contributions
- Strong collaborations
- Evidence of growing independence
However, numbers alone do not tell the full story.
A candidate with many publications but little evidence of independent research may be less convincing than a researcher who has made a smaller number of important contributions.
How Are Ramanujan Fellows Selected?
ANRF states that selection is carried out periodically by an empowered Selection Committee specially appointed for the purpose.
For 2026, ANRF says results will be announced twice during the year.
The programme does not present a simple points-based scoring system on the current page.
However, the eligibility requirements make the priorities clear.
The nominee's research record is central.
The proposed research must also be strong.
The host environment should make sense.
Because the fellowship is highly selective, meeting the minimum conditions should not be confused with being competitive.
What Should Applicants Focus on During Selection?
A strong nomination should establish four things.
1. The Candidate Is an Outstanding Researcher
The CV should show research achievements clearly.
2. The Candidate Is Becoming Scientifically Independent
The proposal should not look like an extension of the applicant's PhD work under the same supervisor.
3. The Proposed Research Matters
The research question should be important and timely.
4. India Is the Right Place for the Next Stage
The proposal should explain how the host institution can support the work and how the fellow can contribute to India's scientific ecosystem.
Can a Ramanujan Fellow Receive Other Research Grants?
Yes.
Ramanujan Fellows can apply for research grants from other government science and technology agencies, subject to the rules of those programmes.
This is a major advantage.
The ₹7 lakh annual research grant provides a foundation.
However, many ambitious research programmes cost much more.
A fellow can therefore use the Ramanujan Fellowship to establish an initial programme and then compete for larger extramural research grants.
Can a Fellow Receive a Salary From the Host Institution?
No.
A Ramanujan Fellow cannot continue receiving the fellowship while also drawing salary from a permanent, tenure-track or contractual position in India.
If the fellow receives such a position, the entire Ramanujan Fellowship must be relinquished.
This includes:
- The monthly fellowship
- The research grant
- Institutional overhead support
This rule is very important for researchers who intend to apply for faculty jobs during the fellowship.
Getting a permanent position may be excellent for the person's career.
However, once that happens, the Ramanujan Fellowship ends.
What If You Receive a Faculty Job During the Fellowship?
If a fellow obtains a permanent, tenure-track or contractual position, they become ineligible to continue receiving Ramanujan support.
The fellowship must therefore be closed according to ANRF procedures.
Applicants should view the fellowship as a research position in itself rather than an additional allowance on top of another academic salary.
Can a Ramanujan Fellow Change Host Institutions?
Yes.
A fellow may transfer the fellowship to another eligible host institution as long as the person has not accepted permanent, tenure-track or contractual employment.
ANRF requires the fellow to inform the foundation and seek approval.
The process involves documents such as No Objection Certificates from the institutions.
However, if the move is connected with accepting a salaried qualifying position, the fellowship must end.
Can the Research Grant Be Used for International Travel?
ANRF states that a Ramanujan Fellow may use the fellowship for one international travel per year, subject to the applicable rules.
This can be valuable for:
- International conferences
- Scientific collaborations
- Research visits
- Presenting results
- Building international partnerships
Applicants should always follow current ANRF travel rules before committing funds.
Can Ramanujan Fellows Supervise PhD Students?
ANRF encourages host institutions to consider granting eligible Ramanujan Fellows the right to supervise M.Phil or PhD scholars based on their research experience.
The final guideship decision still depends on the rules of the host institution.
However, this provision can help fellows establish independent research groups.
What Is the Status of a Ramanujan Fellow at the Host Institution?
For TA and DA purposes, ANRF states that a recommended Ramanujan Fellow is treated as equivalent to Scientist-D.
This provides an institutional reference point for travel and related administrative matters.
How Are Subsequent-Year Grants Released?
ANRF does not automatically release all five years of funding at once.
For subsequent years, the host institution must submit financial and progress documentation.
This includes:
- Statement of Expenditure
- Utilization Certificate
- Annual progress report
ANRF reviews the scientific work before subsequent funding is released.
Therefore, proper financial reporting and research progress are essential.
How Soon Must a Selected Fellow Join?
A successful candidate must join the host institution within six months of the Ramanujan Fellowship Selection Intimation letter.
If the candidate does not join within that period, ANRF states that the award will automatically be cancelled.
Researchers should therefore think about relocation issues before applying.
These can include:
- Employment notice periods abroad
- Visa and immigration matters
- Family relocation
- Housing
- Laboratory transition
- Shipping research materials
- Institutional joining requirements
Waiting until after selection to consider these issues can create problems.
ANRF Ramanujan Fellowship 2026 Deadline
Nominations for the ANRF Ramanujan Fellowship 2026 are being received throughout 2026.
The official deadline is:
31 December 2026 at 5:00 PM.
The India Science, Technology & Innovation portal also currently lists 31 December 2026 as the closing date for the call.
Unlike a short one-month call, applicants therefore have more flexibility.
However, waiting until December may not be a good strategy.
The candidate still needs to:
- Find a host
- Discuss institutional support
- Prepare the research plan
- Obtain the nomination letter
- Complete the online profile
- Submit the application to the nominator
- Allow the nominator to review and submit it
ANRF also plans two result announcements during the year.
Submitting earlier may therefore be useful for candidates who are ready.
ANRF Ramanujan Fellowship 2026 Key Facts
| Item | Details |
| Programme | Ramanujan Fellowship |
| Funding Agency | Anusandhan National Research Foundation |
| Short Name | ANRF Ramanujan Fellowship |
| Target Group | Outstanding Indian/Indian-origin scientists and engineers abroad |
| Applicant Location | Must be working abroad when nominated |
| Age Limit | Below 40 years |
| Qualification | Higher degree such as PhD, MTech/ME, MD or equivalent |
| Main Requirement | Outstanding research record |
| Fellowship | ₹1,35,000 per month including HRA |
| Research Grant | ₹7 lakh per year |
| Host Overhead | ₹60,000 per year |
| Duration | 5 years |
| Extension | Not permitted |
| Research Areas | All areas of science in the broadest sense |
| Host Institution | Eligible Indian scientific/academic institution |
| PhD Institution | Cannot normally be used as host |
| PhD Guide Nomination | Not accepted |
| Additional Research Grants | Permitted, subject to agency eligibility |
| International Travel | One per year under fellowship rules |
| Salaried Indian Position | Cannot be held together with fellowship |
| Joining Period After Selection | Within 6 months |
| 2026 Deadline | 31 December 2026, 5:00 PM |
| Results | Announced twice during 2026 |
The key figures and conditions above are taken from ANRF's current Ramanujan Fellowship information.
Common Mistakes Applicants Should Avoid
Choosing the Same Institution Where You Completed Your PhD
ANRF specifically restricts this.
The fellowship is designed to expand the candidate's research experience in a new environment.
Asking Your PhD Supervisor to Nominate You
Nominations from the PhD guide are not accepted.
Applying After Returning to an Indian Job
The candidate must be working abroad at the time of nomination.
Treating the Host Institution as a Formality
The host needs to provide real research and administrative support.
Writing a Weak Five-Page Proposal
The research plan is short, but it still needs to show originality, feasibility and significance.
Focusing Only on Publication Numbers
ANRF is looking for an outstanding scientist, not simply a long publication list.
Explain the significance of your work.
Waiting Until the Deadline to Find a Host
Institutional discussions can take time.
Start early.
Assuming You Can Keep the Fellowship After Getting a Faculty Job
You cannot continue the Ramanujan Fellowship after taking a qualifying salaried permanent, contractual or tenure-track position in India.
How to Make Your Ramanujan Fellowship Proposal Stronger
Start with a clear scientific problem.
Do not spend the first two pages describing the entire history of your field.
Explain the gap quickly.
Then state what you intend to do.
A good proposal should answer:
What is the problem?
Why does it matter?
What is currently missing?
What will you do differently?
Why are you capable of doing it?
Why is this host institution suitable?
What will exist after five years that does not exist today?
The answers should be visible without making the reviewer search for them.
How to Choose the Right Host Institution
Do not choose a host only because it has a famous name.
Choose it because it can support the research.
Suppose your project depends on advanced microscopy.
A university may have a strong global reputation but lack the equipment you need.
Another institution may be less famous but have an excellent microscopy centre and researchers directly relevant to your work.
The second institution could be the stronger scientific choice.
Look at:
- Available laboratories
- Major equipment
- Faculty expertise
- Research groups
- PhD programmes
- Collaborations
- Computing facilities
- Research administration
- Technology-transfer support
- Access to specialised facilities
Then explain the fit clearly in the proposal.
What Should You Discuss With the Host Before Applying?
Before accepting a nomination arrangement, clarify practical issues such as:
- Laboratory space
- Equipment access
- Office space
- Research staff
- PhD supervision rules
- Procurement
- Ethics approvals
- Institutional charges
- Housing support
- Joining process
- Research grant administration
- Access to central facilities
This can prevent problems after selection.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the ANRF Ramanujan Fellowship 2026?
It is a five-year research fellowship for outstanding Indian and Indian-origin scientists and engineers working abroad who want to pursue scientific research in India.
How much is the Ramanujan Fellowship per month?
The current fellowship is ₹1,35,000 per month, including HRA.
Is there a research grant?
Yes.
Each fellow receives ₹7 lakh per year as a research grant.
Does the host institution receive overhead funding?
Yes.
ANRF provides ₹60,000 per year in overhead charges to the host institution.
How long is the fellowship?
Five years.
It cannot be extended.
What is the age limit?
Candidates should be below 40 years of age.
Can an Indian researcher currently working in India apply?
No.
The nominee must be working abroad at the time of nomination and should not hold employment in an Indian institution.
Can an Indian-origin scientist apply?
Yes.
ANRF specifically states that Indian and Indian-origin scientists and engineers working abroad are eligible, subject to the programme conditions.
Do I need a PhD?
ANRF accepts higher qualifications such as a PhD in Science or Engineering, Master's in Engineering or Technology, MD in Medicine or equivalent qualifications, together with suitable professional experience.
Can I apply directly without a host institution?
No.
You must identify an eligible host institution that agrees to support the fellowship.
The final nomination is forwarded by the host institution through the online process.
Can my PhD university host me?
Normally, no.
ANRF states that the fellowship should be pursued at an institution other than the one where the nominee completed the doctorate.
Can my PhD supervisor nominate me?
No.
Nominations from PhD guides are not considered.
Can I receive another research grant while holding the fellowship?
Yes.
Ramanujan Fellows may apply for other research grants from government funding agencies if they meet those programmes' eligibility requirements.
Can I receive a faculty salary and the fellowship together?
No.
If you obtain a permanent, tenure-track or contractual salaried position, you must relinquish the Ramanujan Fellowship.
Can I change host institutions?
Yes, subject to ANRF approval and the required documentation, provided you have not taken an employment position that makes you ineligible.
Can the research grant cover international travel?
ANRF allows one international travel per year under the Ramanujan Fellowship, subject to its rules.
Is the fellowship taxable?
Yes.
ANRF states that it is taxable according to applicable income-tax rules.
When is the ANRF Ramanujan Fellowship 2026 deadline?
The deadline is 31 December 2026 at 5:00 PM.
How many times will results be announced in 2026?
ANRF states that results will be announced twice during the year.
Final Takeaway
The ANRF Ramanujan Fellowship 2026 is one of India's most attractive return-to-research opportunities for accomplished Indian and Indian-origin scientists working overseas.
It provides much more than a monthly fellowship.
Selected researchers receive ₹1.35 lakh per month, including HRA.
They also receive ₹7 lakh per year for research.
The host institution receives another ₹60,000 per year in overhead support.
The fellowship can continue for five years, giving researchers a substantial period to establish themselves in India's scientific ecosystem.
However, the programme is highly selective.
Simply being an Indian researcher abroad with a PhD is not enough.
ANRF expects nominees to have a proven and outstanding research record.
The strongest candidates should be able to demonstrate important scientific work, credible publications, professional recognition and the ability to establish an independent research programme.
The host institution also matters.
Applicants must identify a suitable institution in India before completing the nomination.
That institution should provide the scientific environment and basic infrastructure needed for the proposed research.
The host should normally be different from the institution where the candidate completed their PhD.
The applicant's PhD guide also cannot serve as the nominator.
Another important point is employment.
The ANRF Ramanujan Fellowship 2026 is designed for scientists returning from abroad who are not already employed in India.
If a fellow later obtains a permanent, tenure-track or contractual salaried position, the Ramanujan Fellowship must be relinquished.
This makes the programme especially suitable for researchers who want to establish themselves in India before moving into a permanent scientific or academic position.
It can provide the time, independence and resources needed to build a laboratory, develop new research, recruit project staff and compete for additional grants.
Successful fellows can also apply for other government research funding during their fellowship.
For the 2026 Ramanujan Fellowship call, ANRF is accepting nominations throughout the year until 31 December 2026 at 5:00 PM.
Results will be announced twice.
Applicants should still avoid waiting until the final weeks.
The most important first step is not filling an online form.
It is finding the right host institution.
Once the host is confirmed, the candidate should prepare a focused five-page research plan, organise the required documents and ensure that the institutional nominator has enough time to review and formally submit the application.
For an outstanding scientist abroad who wants to build the next stage of their career in India, the Ramanujan Fellowship can provide a strong bridge between an international research career and an independent research future in India.
Official Application Resources
The official Anusandhan National Research Foundation page provides the current eligibility rules, fellowship amount, research support, application procedure and 2026 deadline.
Applications and nominations are handled through the ANRF online system referenced in the official programme instructions.
The Government of India's India Science, Technology & Innovation portal also lists the 2026 nomination opportunity and the 31 December 2026 deadline.
India Science, Technology & Innovation – Ramanujan Fellowship 2026
Bottom Line
Programme: ANRF Ramanujan Fellowship 2026
Funding Agency: Anusandhan National Research Foundation
Target Applicants: Outstanding Indian/Indian-origin scientists and engineers working abroad
Main Goal: Encourage leading researchers abroad to return to India
Age Limit: Below 40 years
Fellowship: ₹1,35,000 per month including HRA
Research Grant: ₹7 lakh per year
Institutional Overhead: ₹60,000 per year
Duration: Five years
Extension: Not available
Research Fields: All areas of science in the broadest sense
Host: Eligible Indian university, scientific institution, academic institution or national laboratory
PhD Institution as Host: Not permitted under the stated rules
PhD Guide as Nominator: Not accepted
Employment in India at Nomination: Not permitted
Additional Research Grants: Allowed subject to other agencies' rules
International Travel: One trip per year under applicable fellowship rules
Joining Deadline After Selection: Six months
2026 Nomination Deadline: 31 December 2026 at 5:00 PM
2026 Results: Expected in two rounds
Application Route: Nominee completes the online application and host institution formally forwards the nomination to ANRF.
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