Call for Advanced Research under Extramural Research Program (India)

Deadline: 31-Aug-2026

The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) Centre for Advanced Research (CAR)-2026 Grant supports experienced multidisciplinary research teams conducting advanced studies to address major public health challenges in India. The program provides grants ranging from INR 8 crore to less than INR 15 crore for projects lasting up to five years to generate innovative solutions in disease prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation.

Program Overview

The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has launched the Call for Centre for Advanced Research (CAR)-2026 under its Extramural Research Program to support high-quality research teams working on critical public health issues.

The Centre for Advanced Research (CAR) initiative aims to establish advanced research facilities capable of generating impactful scientific knowledge and practical solutions for important health challenges.

The program supports research that addresses disease causes, progression, prevention, diagnosis, treatment, management, and rehabilitation through innovative and multidisciplinary approaches.

Grant at a Glance

• Program: Centre for Advanced Research (CAR)-2026
• Funding Organization: Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR)
• Country: India
• Research Category: Advanced public health and biomedical research
• Grant Amount: INR 8 crore to less than INR 15 crore
• Project Duration: Maximum 5 years
• Application Mode: Online submission only
• Eligible Applicants: Experienced researchers and institutions

Program Objectives

The CAR-2026 program aims to:

• Support advanced research addressing major public health problems.
• Generate new scientific knowledge.
• Develop innovative health solutions.
• Strengthen disease prevention and management strategies.
• Promote multidisciplinary research collaborations.
• Build advanced health research capacity in India.
• Develop skilled health research professionals.
• Establish sustainable research centres.

Research Priority Areas

Applications are invited for research projects addressing major health challenges, including:

Communicable and Infectious Diseases

Research areas include:

• Infectious diseases.
• Epidemic and pandemic-prone diseases.
• Medical countermeasures.
• Disease prevention and control strategies.

Non-Communicable Diseases

Priority areas include:

• Cancer.
• Diabetes.
• Cardiovascular diseases.
• Respiratory diseases.
• Neurological disorders.
• Kidney diseases.
• Liver diseases.
• Mental health disorders.

Maternal, Child and Adolescent Health

Research may focus on:

• Reproductive health.
• Women’s reproductive health.
• Maternal health.
• Child health and development.
• Adolescent health.
• Nutrition-related challenges.

Other Priority Health Areas

The program also supports research related to:

• Blood disorders.
• Genetic diseases.
• Eye disorders.
• Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT) conditions.
• Surgical conditions.
• Oral health.
• Ageing.
• Disability and rehabilitation.
• Nursing research.
• Medical education.
• Climate change and health.

Understanding the Centre for Advanced Research (CAR)

A Centre for Advanced Research is expected to conduct high-impact research that contributes to solving important health challenges.

CAR projects should:

• Address significant public health problems.
• Generate evidence-based solutions.
• Develop innovative approaches.
• Strengthen research infrastructure.
• Train future health researchers.
• Create sustainable research capacity beyond the funding period.

Research Focus Areas

Projects may focus on:

• Disease prevention.
• Screening methods.
• Early diagnosis.
• Treatment innovations.
• Disease management.
• Rehabilitation approaches.
• Public health interventions.
• Translational research.
• Health technology development.

Why This Grant Matters

Major public health challenges require advanced scientific research and multidisciplinary collaboration.

The CAR-2026 grant helps:

• Develop new healthcare solutions.
• Improve disease prevention strategies.
• Strengthen India’s biomedical research capacity.
• Support innovative healthcare technologies.
• Build skilled research professionals.
• Create long-term research centres.
• Address national health priorities.

Who Is Eligible?

Eligible applicants include:

• Experienced research teams.
• Principal Investigators (PIs) with relevant expertise.
• Scientists and professionals working in eligible institutions.

Applicants must have regular employment in:

• Medical institutes.
• Research institutes.
• Universities.
• Colleges.
• Recognized Research and Development laboratories.
• Government organizations.
• Semi-government organizations.
• Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs).

Eligibility Requirements for Research Teams

Priority will be given to teams with:

• Outstanding research achievements.
• National or international recognition.
• Proven scientific excellence.
• Relevant technical skills.
• Previous research experience.
• Required infrastructure and facilities.
• Ability to conduct advanced research.

Preference will also be given to multidisciplinary teams working on:

• Prevention.
• Screening.
• Diagnosis.
• Treatment.
• Rehabilitation.

Funding Information

The funding support includes:

• Minimum Grant: INR 8 crore
• Maximum Grant: Less than INR 15 crore
• Project Duration: Up to 5 years

The funding is intended to establish and operate advanced research centres capable of continuing activities after the grant period.

Centre Sustainability Requirements

The host institution and Principal Investigator are expected to ensure that:

• The CAR facility continues after project completion.
• Research infrastructure remains operational.
• Trained personnel continue contributing to health research.
• The institute adopts CAR activities as a permanent function.

Role of Principal Investigator

The Principal Investigator must:

• Submit the proposal online.
• Lead the proposed research team.
• Coordinate project implementation.
• Manage research activities.
• Ensure achievement of project objectives.

Application Process

Applicants should follow these steps:

1. Confirm eligibility of the research team and institution.
2. Identify a major public health problem aligned with priority areas.
3. Develop a multidisciplinary research plan.
4. Prepare a detailed scientific proposal.
5. Include research objectives, methodology, expected outcomes, and sustainability plans.
6. Submit the proposal through the online application system.
7. Ensure all required institutional approvals and documents are included.

Expected Outcomes

Successful CAR projects should deliver:

• Advanced scientific discoveries.
• New healthcare solutions.
• Improved disease prevention approaches.
• Better diagnostic and treatment methods.
• Trained health research professionals.
• Stronger biomedical research infrastructure.
• Sustainable research capacity.

Restrictions and Exclusions

The following rules apply:

• ICMR scientists and ICMR institutes are not eligible to apply as applicants.
• ICMR scientists may participate as co-investigators.
• No funds will be provided to ICMR institutions or scientists participating as co-investigators.
• Projects must be conducted through eligible external institutions.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Applicants should avoid:

• Submitting proposals outside the priority research areas.
• Applying without sufficient research experience.
• Failing to demonstrate institutional infrastructure.
• Providing weak sustainability plans.
• Submitting incomplete proposals.
• Not explaining long-term public health impact.
• Applying without a multidisciplinary research approach.

Tips for a Strong Application

To improve the proposal:

• Select a research topic with high public health importance.
• Demonstrate strong scientific expertise.
• Build a multidisciplinary research team.
• Provide clear objectives and measurable outcomes.
• Explain how research findings can influence healthcare practices.
• Include a strong sustainability strategy.
• Highlight institutional commitment.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the ICMR Centre for Advanced Research (CAR)-2026 Grant?

It is a funding opportunity under ICMR’s Extramural Research Program that supports advanced research centres addressing major public health problems.

How much funding is available under the CAR-2026 program?

Each project can receive between INR 8 crore and less than INR 15 crore.

What is the maximum project duration?

Projects can run for a maximum period of five years.

Who can apply for this grant?

Experienced research teams led by eligible Principal Investigators working in medical institutes, research institutions, universities, R&D laboratories, government organizations, semi-government organizations, or NGOs can apply.

Can ICMR scientists apply as Principal Investigators?

No. ICMR scientists and ICMR institutes are not eligible to apply. However, ICMR scientists may participate as co-investigators without receiving funding.

What research areas are supported?

The program supports research across communicable diseases, non-communicable diseases, maternal and child health, nutrition, climate change and health, mental health, rehabilitation, medical education, and other priority health areas.

What happens after the grant period ends?

The host institution is expected to continue operating the CAR facility and maintain the research activities as a permanent institutional function.

Conclusion

The ICMR Centre for Advanced Research (CAR)-2026 Grant provides significant support for experienced research teams working on India’s most important public health challenges. By funding advanced multidisciplinary research centres, the program aims to generate innovative healthcare solutions, strengthen research capacity, develop skilled professionals, and create sustainable scientific infrastructure that continues beyond the funding period.

For more information, visit ICMR.