Overview
The Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF) was established through the ANRF Act, 2023, passed by Parliament in August 2023, to provide high-level strategic direction for research, innovation, and entrepreneurship in natural sciences, including interdisciplinary research. ANRF replaces the erstwhile Science and Engineering Research Board (SERB), established under the SERB Act, 2008.
ANRF is designed to be India’s apex body for funding and promoting research across all disciplines. With a total budget of Rs 50,000 crore over five years (2023-28), it represents the most ambitious public research funding initiative in India’s history. Of this, the Central Government contributes Rs 14,000 crore, while Rs 36,000 crore is expected to be mobilised from the private sector, philanthropic organisations, foundations, and international bodies.
| Parameter | Detail |
|---|---|
| Established through | ANRF Act, 2023 (passed August 2023) |
| Replaces | Science and Engineering Research Board (SERB) |
| Total budget (5 years) | Rs 50,000 crore |
| Government contribution | Rs 14,000 crore |
| Private sector mobilisation target | Rs 36,000 crore |
| Administrative department | Department of Science and Technology (DST) |
| Governing Board President | Prime Minister (ex-officio) |
| Vice-Presidents | Union Minister of S&T + Union Minister of Education (ex-officio) |
| Executive Council Chair | Principal Scientific Adviser (PSA) |
| Governing Board members | 15 members |
| Executive Council members | 16 members |
Governance Structure
Governing Board
- Headed by the Prime Minister as ex-officio President
- Union Minister of Science and Technology and Union Minister of Education serve as ex-officio Vice-Presidents
- 15-member board provides high-level strategic direction
- Includes eminent researchers and professionals across disciplines
Executive Council
- Chaired by the Principal Scientific Adviser (PSA) to the Government of India
- 16-member council responsible for implementing the provisions of the ANRF Act
- Oversees day-to-day operations, grant disbursement, and programme management
Funds Under ANRF
ANRF operates through multiple specialised funds:
| Fund | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Anusandhan National Research Foundation Fund | Salaries, allowances, and administrative expenses |
| Innovation Fund | Recognising outstanding creativity and disruptive innovation |
| Science and Engineering Research Fund | Continuation of existing SERB Act 2008 projects |
| Special Purpose Funds | Specific projects and targeted research programmes |
| RDI Fund | Rs 1 lakh crore Research, Development, and Innovation fund for deep-tech |
The Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) audits ANRF accounts annually.
Key Programmes and Initiatives
PMRF 2.0 (Prime Minister Research Fellowship)
Announced in Union Budget 2025-26, PMRF 2.0 will award 10,000 fellowships over five years with an outlay of Rs 8,313 crore, administered through ANRF.
RDI Fund (Research, Development and Innovation)
ANRF is operationalising the Rs 1 lakh crore RDI Fund designed to channel patient capital into deep-tech, high-impact projects. A dedicated RDI Cell within DST and an RDIF Business Unit within ANRF are being established.
Private Sector R&D Promotion
Union Budget 2025-26 allocated Rs 20,000 crore to support private sector-led R&D, channelled through ANRF mechanisms.
Latest Developments
- January 2026: Deadline for SLFM (State-Level Funding Mechanism) proposals under ANRF, following outreach events in Mumbai, Bangalore, Panchakula, Delhi, and Hyderabad
- Union Budget 2025-26: Rs 20,000 crore allocated for private sector-led R&D; PMRF 2.0 announced with 10,000 fellowships (Rs 8,313 crore outlay)
- 2025: ANRF Governing Board constituted and notified in the Gazette of India; Executive Council operationalised
- Late 2024-25: Multiple outreach events held across India to engage research institutions and industry in ANRF programmes
- August 2023: Parliament passed the ANRF Act, 2023; SERB subsumed into the new body
Prelims Importance
- ANRF Act passed: August 2023; replaces SERB (established 2008)
- Total budget: Rs 50,000 crore over 5 years (Govt: Rs 14,000 crore + Private: Rs 36,000 crore)
- Governing Board: Headed by PM (ex-officio); 15 members
- Vice-Presidents: Union Minister of S&T + Union Minister of Education
- Executive Council: Chaired by Principal Scientific Adviser (PSA); 16 members
- Administrative department: DST, Ministry of Science and Technology
- PMRF 2.0: 10,000 fellowships, Rs 8,313 crore (Budget 2025-26)
- RDI Fund: Rs 1 lakh crore for deep-tech innovation
- CAG audits ANRF accounts annually
Mains & Interview Importance
GS3 — Science and Technology; Economy
- India’s R&D deficit: India spends only ~0.64% of GDP on R&D vs. 2.5-3% in developed nations; ANRF aims to boost this by crowding in private sector investment
- Public-private partnership in research: The 14:36 (Government:Private) funding ratio is unprecedented in Indian science policy and tests whether India can replicate the US/Israel model of industry-funded R&D
- NEP 2020 alignment: ANRF fulfils the National Education Policy 2020 recommendation for an apex research funding body that promotes interdisciplinary and translational research
- Comparison with global models: Compare with NSF (US, $9.9 billion annual budget), ERC (Europe), and JSPS (Japan) for understanding ANRF’s ambition and challenges
GS2 — Governance
- Institutional design: ANRF’s governance structure (PM as President, PSA chairing Executive Council) raises questions about autonomy vs. political direction in research funding
- SERB to ANRF transition: Continuity of existing SERB-funded projects while scaling up to a much larger mandate
Interview Angles
- “ANRF expects Rs 36,000 crore from the private sector. Is this realistic given India’s low private R&D spending?”
- “How can ANRF balance fundamental research with the pressure to deliver commercially viable innovations?”
- “Should the PM head the Governing Board, or should ANRF have an independent research leader at the top?”