ICMR Extramural Grant 2026: Advancing Research Through Follow-On Funding

ICMR Extramural Grant 2026: Advancing Research Through Follow-On Funding

The ICMR extramural grant under the Follow-on SMALL Extramural Grants 2026 supports investigator-initiated research projects that strengthen medical and public health innovation in India. Issued as part of ICMR’s recruitment and funding initiatives, this opportunity enables Indian researchers to build on prior ICMR grants and translate promising research leads into impactful health solutions.

Grant Details:

• Grant Position: ICMR Extramural Grant – Follow-on SMALL Extramural Grants (ANVESHAN) 2026
• Job ID: No.: ICMR/IDC/EPMS/CallforProposal/2025
• Location: India

About the Institute:

The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) provides financial assistance to Indian scientists working outside ICMR institutes to conduct research in the fields of medicine, public health, and allied disciplines. Through its Extramural Research Programme, ICMR supports national health priorities while strengthening India’s research ecosystem through structured funding and ICMR recruitment-linked opportunities.

Qualifications:

Eligible Applicants:

• Principal Investigators with regular employment in Indian Medical Institutes, Research Institutes, Universities, Colleges, recognized R&D laboratories, Government and semi-government organizations, and NGOs
• Contractual or temporary faculty may apply under defined institutional conditions

Job Description:

The proposed research projects under this ICMR extramural grant are investigator-initiated, conceptualised, and implemented by the Principal Investigator and the team of co-investigators. The project should be well-circumscribed and time-bound to achieve specific and measurable objectives. Multidisciplinary projects addressing priority diseases and conditions will receive preference. This Follow-on Research Grant category has been introduced to ensure continuity beyond initial ICMR grants, enabling the transformation of research leads into advanced stages and maximizing the impact of ICMR’s research investments.

Key Responsibilities:

• Conceptualising and implementing investigator-initiated research projects
• Advancing research leads generated through previous ICMR extramural grant funding
• Achieving defined objectives within approved timelines
• Publishing study outcomes in indexed journals such as PubMed, Scopus, or Web of Science

Funding & Project Duration:

• Budget Range: ₹10 lakhs to less than ₹2 Crores
• Project Duration: Up to 3 years
• Preparatory Period: Up to 6 months (without additional cost)

Proposal Review Criteria:

• Background and rationale of the project – 20
• Possible impact on health outcomes – 20
• Novelty and innovation – 15
• Methodology – 30
• Implementation strategy and milestones – 15

Steps to Apply:

• Applications must be submitted online through the ICMR ePMS portal
• Mandatory inclusion of at least one Co-PI from the same institute
• Applicants are advised to submit proposals well before the deadline
• This call forms part of ICMR’s structured funding and ICMR recruitment-aligned research initiatives

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