SERB – POWER Grant Research Scheme 2025

The SERB POWER Grant gives Indian women researchers up to Rs 60 lakh (Level I) or Rs 30 lakh (Level II) for 3 years to run a science or engineering research project, and the official page shows no fixed last date, so check the ANRF portal for the current call.

SERB POWER stands for Promoting Opportunities for Women in Exploratory Research. The POWER Grant supports emerging and experienced women researchers who want to do their own research in frontier areas of science and engineering. The funding level depends on the type of institution where the applicant works.

Quick Facts

Detail	Information
Scheme	SERB POWER Grant (POWER Research Grants)
Full form	Promoting Opportunities for Women in Exploratory Research
Run by	Science and Engineering Research Board (SERB), now handled on the ANRF portal
Who can apply	Indian women researchers with a regular research or academic position in India
Level I funding	Up to Rs 60 lakh for 3 years
Level II funding	Up to Rs 30 lakh for 3 years
Income limit	None mentioned
Mode	Online, direct mode only
Selection	Program Advisory Committee (PAC)
Last date	Not shown on the official page, check the ANRF portal

Key Highlights

• Funds individual research projects in any area of science and engineering
• No priority subjects: all disciplines are considered, and the project must be novel
• Two levels, based on your institution
• A female Co-PI from the same institute is mandatory
• Covers equipment, research staff, consumables, travel and contingency, plus overheads for the institute

Program Objectives

• Reduce the gender gap in research funding in science and engineering
• Give Indian women scientists equal access and weighted opportunities
• Support both emerging and eminent women researchers through competitive, individual-centric funding

About the Sponsor

The scheme was launched by the Science and Engineering Research Board (SERB) under the Department of Science and Technology. SERB schemes are now listed as "Erstwhile SERB Schemes" on the Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF) portal, where applications are made. The grant follows SERB Core Research Grant (CRG) guidelines.

Academic Criteria

• The applicant (Principal Investigator) and Co-PIs must hold a regular academic or research position in a recognised academic institution, national laboratory or other recognised R&D institution in India
• Faculty recruited through the UGC Faculty Recharge Programme can apply
• INSPIRE Faculty, Ramanujan and Ramalingaswamy Fellows can apply if they have at least three and a half years of tenure left on the date of submission

Financial and Social Criteria

• The scheme is for women researchers and scientists
• No income limit is mentioned
• A female Co-PI from the same institute is mandatory
• Male Co-PIs are not allowed
• The PhD guide cannot be a Co-PI
• Maximum two Co-PIs per project

Geographic Criteria

• The PI and all Co-PIs must be Indian citizens
• The institution must be in India

Which Level Do You Apply Under?

• Level I: IITs, IISERs, IISc, NITs, Central Universities and National Labs of Central Government institutions
• Level II: State Universities, Colleges and Private Academic Institutions

Restrictions

• You cannot apply if you have already received a POWER Grant
• You cannot apply if you are a JC Bose Fellow or have completed two CRG projects
• You cannot apply if you have an ongoing CRG, SRG, SURE or SUPRA project
• You can apply if you are a Co-PI on an ongoing CRG project
• You can apply if you have an ongoing EMEQ, IRHPA or MATRICS project
• You cannot hold the POWER Fellowship and the POWER Grant at the same time

Renewal

• The grant is for 3 years
• A PI who has already received a POWER Grant cannot apply again

Funding Amount

• Level I: up to Rs 60 lakh for 3 years
• Level II: up to Rs 30 lakh for 3 years

What the Grant Covers

• Equipment
• Research personnel
• Consumables
• Travel
• Contingency
• Overheads for the implementing institution

Good to Know

• For Level II (Tier II) institutions, the equipment budget is limited to Rs 14 lakh within the Rs 30 lakh limit
• The CRG rule of 50 percent sharing of non-recurring cost by national laboratories and research institutions does not apply to this grant
• Women scientists can apply for this grant in addition to ongoing EMEQ, IRHPA or MATRICS projects, as long as they meet the other rules

Documents and Details Required

• Registered ANRF portal profile with bio-data, photo and institute address
• Registered profiles for all Co-PIs
• Project title (up to 500 characters)
• Project summary (up to 3,000 characters)
• Up to 6 keywords
• Objectives (up to 1,500 characters)
• Expected output and outcome (up to 1,500 characters)
• Budget for research personnel, consumables, travel, equipment, contingency and overheads
• One PDF of other technical details (OTD) in the official template, maximum 10 MB

Steps to Apply

1. Register on the ANRF portal: https://anrfonline.in/ANRF/Registration
2. Log in and complete the Profile Detail section under User Profile
3. Make sure every Co-PI is also registered
4. Enter the proposal details and budget online
5. Upload the OTD as a single PDF using the official template
6. Submit the proposal. Proposals are accepted in direct mode only
7. Read the official scheme page before you start: https://anrfonline.in/ANRF/serbPowerInstructions

Selection Process

The Program Advisory Committee (PAC) reviews proposals and recommends who gets funded. Applicants may be called for a discussion or presentation.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much funding does the SERB POWER Grant give?

Up to Rs 60 lakh for 3 years under Level I and up to Rs 30 lakh for 3 years under Level II.

Who can apply for the SERB POWER Grant?

Indian women researchers who hold a regular academic or research position in a recognised institution in India. All Co-PIs must also be Indian citizens.

What is the difference between Level I and Level II?

Level I is for IITs, IISERs, IISc, NITs, Central Universities and National Labs of Central Government institutions. Level II is for State Universities, Colleges and Private Academic Institutions.

Is a female Co-PI compulsory?

Yes. A female Co-PI from the same institute is mandatory. Male Co-PIs are not allowed, the PhD guide cannot be a Co-PI, and you can have at most two Co-PIs.

Can I apply if I already have another research project?

It depends on the project. You can apply if you are a Co-PI on a CRG project or have an ongoing EMEQ, IRHPA or MATRICS project. You cannot apply if you have an ongoing CRG, SRG, SURE or SUPRA project, have already received a POWER Grant, are a JC Bose Fellow, or have completed two CRG projects.

Can I hold the POWER Fellowship and the POWER Grant together?

No. Women scientists cannot hold the POWER Fellowship and the POWER Grant at the same time.

What can the grant money be used for?

Equipment, research personnel, consumables, travel and contingency, with overheads paid to the institution. For Level II (Tier II) institutions, the equipment budget is limited to Rs 14 lakh.

How are applicants selected?

The Program Advisory Committee (PAC) recommends proposals for funding. Applicants may be called for a discussion or presentation.

How do I apply, and what is the last date?

Register and apply online on the ANRF portal. Proposals are accepted in direct mode only. The official scheme page does not show a last date, so check the ANRF portal for the current call.

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