ANRF Tightens Disclosure Norms for Advanced Research Grant

The Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF) introduced mandatory disclosure norms for researchers applying to its Advanced Research Grant (ARG) programme on 4 May 2026. The rules require applicants to disclose details and reasons for any publication retractions in the previous five years, and they apply to Principal Investigators and Co-Investigators.

Anusandhan National Research Foundation

The ANRF was established in August 2023 under the Anusandhan National Research Foundation Act, 2023. It functions as the apex body for promoting research and innovation in India and supports competitive research funding across universities, laboratories, and research organisations.

Advanced Research Grant Framework

The ARG programme accepts pre-proposals online from 15 May to 10 June 2026. Eligible applicants include researchers from recognised Indian academic institutions, national research laboratories, and research and development organisations. Successful ARG projects can receive funding of up to ₹5 crore for a maximum period of five years. The grant covers expenditure heads such as equipment, manpower, and travel.

Disclosure, AI Use and Plagiarism Rules

Under the revised rules, PIs and Co-PIs must sign an undertaking stating that the proposal is not AI-generated. Any AI-assisted text used in the proposal must be explicitly cited. The ANRF follows a zero-tolerance policy for plagiarism, and proposals under the ARG programme may undergo third-party plagiarism checks. The new framework also removes the mandatory 50% cost-sharing requirement for national laboratories and allows up to five Co-PIs from different institutions.

Important Facts for Exams

• The ANRF was set up in August 2023.
• The ARG programme can fund projects up to ₹5 crore for five years.
• Pre-proposals for the 2026 cycle are open from 15 May to 10 June 2026.
• India accounted for 20% of about 4,000 global research retractions in 2025, while publishing 5% of the world’s research papers.

The ANRF introduced the new ARG disclosure rules on 4 May 2026. The revised framework permits up to five Co-PIs from different institutions.