The National Education Policy 2020 has envisioned the establishment of ANRF with an overarching goal to enable a culture of research to permeate through universities and to undertake major initiatives to seed and grow research at state universities and other academic institutions where research capability is currently limited. As a first step towards fostering research across a broader range of institutions, a new program Partnerships for Accelerated Innovation and Research (PAIR) has been initiated. The motivation is to go beyond empowering researchers of institutions through individual-centric research grants, to a more holistic approach of uplifting the research culture and excellence of the entire institution in a systematic manner.
PAIR Program has been designed to boost the research capability of those institutions where research is at a nascent stage but which have the potential to perform well, in a mentorship mode by pairing them with well-established top-tier research institutions in a hub and spoke framework. The proposed hub and spoke model is a powerful tool to efficiently accelerate the progress of institutions as it works on a pull-and-push approach. While the hub pulls together the available potential and skills of the spokes for the envisioned research activities, they concurrently push scientific advancement and excellence back into the spokes enabling them to rapidly progress. The program is thus expected to not only bridge the gap between institutions but also serve as a catalyst for transformative research.
In its first phase, the program will focus on universities which have demonstrated potential through national ranking and those that have promise to scale their research. It is also desired that we may ensure regional diversity. To be considered for support under this program, the hubs in tandem with select spokes are expected to come up with competitive, impactful research proposals with potentially significant outcomes in the specified indicative themes. The program aims to establish vibrant PAIR networks, each consisting of a Hub and several spoke institutions, involving faculties of multiple departments conducting outstanding research across several disciplines, in a collaborative enabling environment.
The list of eligible institutions can be seen here
These lead institutions (Hubs) will spearhead the research projects, leveraging their extensive knowledge, experience, expertise and research infrastructure.
Category I: Central Universities and State Public Universities within
The list of eligible institutions can be seen here.
• Each PAIR network should consist of a hub and 3 to 7 spoke institutions.
• Each spoke institution should involve multiple departments and multiple faculty members as the PAIR program aims for the overall enhancement of research in the spoke institutions.
• Only one proposal can be submitted by a hub institution.
• An institution can participate as spoke in only one network.
• The Program Director (PD) from the hub will lead the collaborative effort.
• Co-PI(s) from the hub institutions are mandatory.
• Each spoke institution will have a Principal Investigator (PI) and at least one Co-PI.
• The network can include National research labs as partners, without any budgetary support from ANRF.
• The funding support would depend on the research theme, number of spokes, number of departments and faculty members. Maximum of Rs 100 Cr per PAIR network would be considered.
• The budget distribution for Hub and Spoke shall follow a 30:70 ratio.
• Private institutions as Hub, shall share 25% of their allocated budget.
• Retired faculty/scientists, in the same area of research, from any eligible Hub institutions can serve as Emeritus Professors in the spoke institutions to mentor and support the proposed research activities. The position will be coterminous with the project with an honorarium of Rs. 2 lakh per month.
• A maximum of ten National Postdoctoral Fellows per network would also be supported with emphasis on these Fellows being majorly part of spoke institutions.
• VAJRA/VAIBHAV Fellows can be associated with the network to provide mentorship.
Research proposals can be in both basic as well as applied sciences, engineering and interdisciplinary research at the interface of science, engineering and social sciences. Some indicative themes are suggested below:
Advanced Materials
Photonics
Advanced computation and mathematical modelling
Green and sustainable chemistry
Energy technologies
Electronics and digital technologies
Artificial Intelligence
Smart Manufacturing
Smart Infrastructure
Sustainable Agriculture
Health and Medical Technologies
Molecular and Synthetic Biology
Environmental Sustainability
Quantitative Social Sciences
The main PAIR project proposal can consist of sub-projects to accommodate multiple faculties belonging to different departments.
• PD, PI and Co-PIs must hold a regular academic/research position in a recognized academic institution as indicated above.
• PD, PI and Co-PI should hold a PhD degree in Science, Engineering, Social Sciences or MD/MS/ MDS/MVSc degrees.
• PD should have at least six years of service remaining before superannuation at the time of submission of application.
• Research Associates, Postdoctoral Fellows, Ad-hoc faculty, Guest faculty, Visiting Scientists, Consultant, Project Fellows and faculty members whose contract is renewed every year are not eligible as PD, PI or Co-PI. ANRF reserves the right to determine the eligibility for cases not mentioned above.
• The application should be submitted online at www.anrfonline.in. Selection will be based on the recommendations of the Apex Committee. ANRF may suggest restructuring the spoke component, or themes for the best possible outcome.
• ANRF reserves the right to terminate the project at any stage if it is convinced that (i) appropriate progress is not being made (ii) the grant has not been utilized properly (iii) furnishing of false information or suppression of factual information.
• Transfer of project from one institution to another is not allowed as the support is institution-specific.
| Institutions within 25 NIRF Overall Ranking (in last two years) | Rank | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Indian Institute of Technology Madras | 1 |
| Indian Institute of Science | 2 | |
| 3 | Indian Institute of Technology Bombay | 3 |
| 4 | Indian Institute of Technology Delhi | 4 |
| 5 | Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur | 5 |
| 6 | Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur | 6 |
| 7 | All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Delhi | 7 |
| 8 | Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee | 8 |
| 9 | Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati | 9 |
| 10 | Jawaharlal Nehru University | 10 |
| 11 | Banaras Hindu University | 11 |
| 12 | Indian Institute of Technology Hyderabad | 12 |
| 13 | Jamia Millia Islamia | 13 |
| 14 | Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal | 14 |
| 15 | University of Delhi | 15 |
| 16 | Aligarh Muslim University | 16 |
| 17 | Jadavpur University | 17 |
| 18 | Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham | 18 |
| 19 | Vellore Institute of Technology | 19 |
| 20 | Anna University | 20 |
| 21 | Birla Institute of Technology and Science, Pilani | 23 |
| 22 | University of Hyderabad | 25 |
| Institutions of National Importance within 26 – 50 Overall Ranking (in last two years) | Rank | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Indian Institute of Technology Gandhinagar | 29 |
| 2 | Indian Institute of Technology (Banaras Hindu University) Varanasi | 30 |
| 3 | National Institute of Technology Tiruchirappalli | 31 |
| 4 | Indian Institute of Technology Indore | 33 |
| 5 | National Institute of Technology Rourkela | 34 |
| 6 | Indian Institute of Technology (Indian School of Mines) Dhanbad | 35 |
| 7 | Jawaharlal Institute of Post Graduate Medical Education and Research | 39 |
| 8 | Indian Institute of Science Education and Research Pune | 42 |
| 9 | National Institute of Technology Karnataka, Surathkal | 46 |
| 10 | Indian Institute of Technology Ropar | 48 |
|
S. No. |
Name |
Institution Type |
|
1 |
Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar University |
Central |
|
2 |
Assam University, Silchar |
Central |
|
3 |
Central University of Punjab |
Central |
|
4 |
Central University of Tamil Nadu |
Central |
|
5 |
Mizoram University |
Central |
|
6 |
Pondicherry University |
Central |
|
7 |
Tezpur University |
Central |
|
8 |
Central Agricultural University |
Central |
|
9 |
Central Sanskrit University |
Central |
|
10 |
Central University of Rajasthan |
Central |
|
11 |
Dr Rajendra Prasad Central Agricultural University |
Central |
|
12 |
Central University of Kerala |
Central |
|
13 |
Manipur University |
Central |
|
14 |
North Eastern Hill University |
Central |
|
15 |
Visva Bharati |
Central |
|
16 |
Maulana Azad National Urdu University |
Central |
|
17 |
Sikkim University |
Central |
|
18 |
Savitribai Phule Pune University |
State Public |
|
19 |
Calcutta University |
State Public |
|
20 |
Panjab University |
State Public |
|
21 |
Osmania University |
State Public |
|
22 |
Andhra University |
State Public |
|
23 |
Bharathiar University |
State Public |
|
24 |
Kerala University |
State Public |
|
25 |
Cochin University of Science and Technology |
State Public |
|
26 |
Mahatma Gandhi University |
State Public |
|
27 |
University of Madras |
State Public |
|
28 |
Gauhati University |
State Public |
|
29 |
University of Kashmir |
State Public |
|
30 |
Delhi Technological University |
State Public |
|
31 |
Bharathidasan University |
State Public |
|
32 |
Alagappa University |
State Public |
|
33 |
Mumbai University |
State Public |
|
34 |
Mysore University |
State Public |
|
35 |
Acharya Nagarjuna University |
State Public |
|
36 |
Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University |
State Public |
|
37 |
Visvesvaraya Technological University |
State Public |
|
38 |
University of Jammu |
State Public |
|
39 |
Bangalore University |
State Public |
|
40 |
Periyar University |
State Public |
|
41 |
Madurai Kamaraj University |
State Public |
|
42 |
King George`s Medical University |
State Public |
|
43 |
Dibrugarh University |
State Public |
|
44 |
Gujarat University |
State Public |
|
45 |
Punjab Agricultural University |
State Public |
|
46 |
Annamalai University |
State Public |
|
47 |
University of Lucknow |
State Public |
|
48 |
COEP Technological University |
State Public |
|
49 |
Netaji Subhas University of Technology (NSUT) |
State Public |
|
50 |
Maharshi Dayanand University |
State Public |
|
51 |
University of Burdwan |
State Public |
|
52 |
Manonmaniam Sundaranar University, Tirunelveli |
State Public |
|
53 |
G.B. Pant University of Agriculture and Technology |
State Public |
|
54 |
Sri Venkateswara University |
State Public |
|
55 |
Madan Mohan Malaviya University of Technology |
State Public |
|
56 |
Kurukshetra University |
State Public |
|
57 |
Utkal University |
State Public |
|
58 |
Calicut University |
State Public |
|
59 |
University of Agricultural Sciences, Bengaluru |
State Public |
|
60 |
Indraprastha Institute of Information Technology |
State Public |
|
61 |
Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Marathwada University |
State Public |
|
62 |
Guru Jambheshwar University of Science and Technology |
State Public |
|
63 |
Chaudhary Charan Singh Haryana Agricultural University |
State Public |
|
64 |
Tamil Nadu Agricultural University |
State Public |
|
65 |
Devi Ahilya Vishwavidyalaya |
State Public |
|
66 |
Acharya N G Ranga Agricultural University |
State Public |
|
67 |
Berhampur University |
State Public |
|
68 |
Bundelkhand University |
State Public |
|
69 |
Chaudhary Charan Singh University Meerut |
State Public |
|
70 |
Chaudhary Sarwan Kumar Himachal Pradesh Krishi Vishvavidyalaya |
State Public |
|
71 |
Davangere University |
State Public |
|
72 |
Delhi Pharmaceutical Sciences and Research University |
State Public |
|
73 |
Dr. Y.S. Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry |
State Public |
|
74 |
Fakir Mohan University |
State Public |
|
75 |
Goa University |
State Public |
|
76 |
Gujarat Technological University |
State Public |
|
77 |
Guru Angad Dev Veterinary and Animal Sciences University |
State Public |
|
78 |
Harcourt Butler Technical University |
State Public |
|
79 |
Himachal Pradesh University |
State Public |
|
80 |
International Institute of Information Technology Bhubaneswar |
State Public |
|
81 |
Islamic University of Science & Technology, Pulwama |
State Public |
|
82 |
Jawaharlal Nehru Technological University |
State Public |
|
83 |
Kalyani University |
State Public |
|
84 |
Kannur University |
State Public |
|
85 |
Karnataka University |
State Public |
|
86 |
Kerala Agricultural University |
State Public |
|
87 |
Kumaun University, Nainital |
State Public |
|
88 |
Kuvempu University |
State Public |
|
89 |
Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda |
State Public |
|
90 |
Maharana Pratap University of Agriculture & Technology, Udaipur |
State Public |
|
91 |
Mahatma Jyotiba Phule Rohikhand University, Bareilly |
State Public |
|
92 |
Mangalore University |
State Public |
|
93 |
Maulana Abul Kalam Azad University of Technology |
State Public |
|
94 |
Mohan Lal Sukhadia University |
State Public |
|
95 |
Navsari Agricultural University |
State Public |
|
96 |
North Bengal University, Darjeeling |
State Public |
|
97 |
North Maharashtra University |
State Public |
|
98 |
Odisha University of Agriculture and Technology |
State Public |
|
99 |
Patna University |
State Public |
|
100 |
Presidency University |
State Public |
|
101 |
Pt. Ravishankar Shukla University |
State Public |
|
102 |
Punjabi University |
State Public |
|
103 |
Rashtrasant Tukadoji Maharaj Nagpur University |
State Public |
|
104 |
Ravenshaw University |
State Public |
|
105 |
Sambalpur University, Sambalpur |
State Public |
|
106 |
Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Science and Technology of Jammu |
State Public |
|
107 |
Shivaji University |
State Public |
|
108 |
Shri Mata Vaishno Devi University |
State Public |
|
109 |
Sri Padmavathi Mahila Visvavidyalayam |
State Public |
|
110 |
Tamil Nadu Veterinary and Animal Sciences University |
State Public |
|
111 |
Tumkur University, Tumkur |
State Public |
|
112 |
University of Agricultural Sciences, Dharwad |
State Public |
|
113 |
Veer Surendra Sai University of Technology |
State Public |
|
114 |
Vidyasagar University |
State Public |
|
115 |
Yogi Vemana University |
State Public |
|
116 |
University College of Medical Sciences |
State Public |
|
117 |
Sawai Man Singh Medical College |
State Public |
|
S. No. |
Name |
|
1 |
National Institute of Technology, Agartala |
|
2 |
National Institute of Technology, Arunachal Pradesh |
|
3 |
National Institute of Technology, Delhi |
|
4 |
National Institute of Technology, Durgapur |
|
5 |
National Institute of Technology, Goa |
|
6 |
Indian Institute of Engineering Science and Technology, Shibpur |
|
7 |
National Institute of Technology, Jamshedpur |
|
8 |
National Institute of Technology, Kurukshetra |
|
9 |
National Institute of Technology, Manipur |
|
10 |
National Institute of Technology, Meghalaya |
|
11 |
National Institute of Technology, Mizoram |
|
12 |
National Institute of Technology, Nagaland |
|
13 |
National Institute of Technology, Puducherry |
|
14 |
National Institute of Technology, Raipur |
|
15 |
National Institute of Technology, Sikkim |
|
16 |
National Institute of Technology, Andhra Pradesh |
|
17 |
National Institute of Technology, Srinagar |
|
18 |
National Institute of Technology, Uttarakhand |
|
19 |
Indian Institute of Information Technology, Guwahati |
|
20 |
Indian Institute of Information Technology, Kota |
|
21 |
Indian Institute of Information Technology, Vadodara |
|
22 |
Indian Institute of Information Technology, Sri City, Chittoor |
|
23 |
Indian Institute of Information Technology, Tiruchirappalli |
|
24 |
Indian Institute of Information Technology, Una |
|
25 |
Indian Institute of Information Technology, Sonepat |
|
26 |
Indian Institute of Information Technology, Kalyani |
|
27 |
Indian Institute of Information Technology, Dharwad |
|
28 |
Indian Institute of Information Technology, Senapati |
|
29 |
Indian Institute of Information Technology, Kottayam |
|
30 |
Indian Institute of Information Technology, Lucknow |
|
31 |
Indian Institute of Information Technology, Ranchi |
|
32 |
Indian Institute of Information Technology, Pune |
|
33 |
Indian Institute of Information Technology, Nagpur |
|
34 |
Indian Institute of Information Technology, Bhopal |
|
35 |
Indian Institute of Information Technology, Surat |
|
36 |
Indian Institute of Information Technology, Bhagalpur |
|
37 |
Indian Institute of Information Technology, Agartala |
|
38 |
Indian Institute of Information Technology, Raichur |
Q1: Can a Hub Institution submit multiple proposals?
A1: No, a Hub institution is allowed to submit only one proposal.
Q2: Can a Spoke institution submit a proposal?
A2: No, only the Hub institution is permitted to submit the proposal. While Spoke institutions are expected to actively participate in the proposal planning and development process, the submission must be made solely by the Hub institution.
Q3: Can a spoke institution be involved in multiple proposals, given the uncertainty about which Hub institution will be successful?
A3: No, a spoke institution may participate in only one PAIR proposal at a time.
Q4: Can different departments of our University participate in different PAIR networks?
A4: No, an institution may only participate as a spoke in one PAIR network.
Q5: Our university is a private institution and has an NIRF overall ranking. Why are we not eligible as spoke institution?
A5: The first phase of the PAIR program is exclusively targeted for Central and State Public Universities and and select NITs and IIITs. Private institutions may be considered in the future phases of the program.
Q6: Our university is a State Public University and does not hold an NIRF ranking. Are we eligible to participate in the PAIR program?
A6: Yes, according to the eligibility criteria of PAIR Phase-I, any one Central or State Public University, without an NIRF ranking, can be part of the PAIR Network.
Q7: Can we involve more than two State Public Universities as spoke institutions?
A7: Yes, you can. Hub institutions have the flexibility to determine the distribution of spoke institutions while adhering to the specified eligibility conditions.
Q8: Can we select all the spoke institutions from outside the state of the Hub institution?
A8: The hub institution has the discretion to determine the distribution of spoke institutions. While proximity may be taken into account for operational efficiency, the condition that at least one spoke institution must be located outside the state of the hub institution must be adhered to.
Q9: Can Hub institutions choose two institutions from Category-II: NITs and IIITs?
A9: Yes, provided there are at least two state public universities among the spoke institutions and the requirement for at least one spoke institution to be outside the Hub Institution’s state is met.
Q10: Can a Hub institution add a spoke institution at a later date while the PAIR project is ongoing?
A10: It may be possible depending on the requirements. The decision to add spoke institutions during the PAIR project will be made by ANRF.
Q11: Is it mandatory to include multiple themes in the PAIR proposal?
A11: No, only multiple departments are mandatory. Multiple themes are preferred so as to involve multiple departments of each spoke institution as the program aims to enhance the research capacity of the institution as a whole.
Q12: The faculty members participating from the spoke institutions belong to varied fields. In such a case, how can we write a proposal to include all the expertise areas?
A12: To create a comprehensive proposal that reflects several areas of expertise, the PAIR network can select multiple themes and formulate research proposals under each theme clearly defining the team members involved and the budget requirement. The online submission format is designed to allow this flexibility, enabling multilple thematic research proposals as part of the overarching PAIR network proposal. This will ensure that various departments and multiple research fields are adequately represented, allowing for a well-structured collaborative effort.
Q13: Can we choose themes other than those specified by ANRF?
A13: The themes specified by ANRF are only suggestive. PDs and PIs are encouraged to explore and select alternative themes as deemed fit.
Q14: Is the Budget ratio of 30:70 for hub and spoke institutions required to be exact?
A14: The budget ratio should be in the range of 30:70. However, hub institution budget cannot exceed 30% of the total project cost.
Q15: If the hub institution is a private university, does it need to contribute 25% of the total project cost of the PAIR network?
A15: No, the private hub institution is only required to share 25% of the budget that has been approved for the Hub institution.
Q16: What is the minimum budget limit to apply for the PAIR program?
A16: The minimum budget for a PAIR network is expected to be in the range of Rs. 10 Cr.
Q17: Can the budget allocation between the hub and spoke institutions vary based on the number of spoke institution involved?
A17: No, the budget distribution for hub and spoke shall follow a 30:70 ratio, regardless of the number of spoke institutions.
Q18: How many NPDFs can be proposed for a PAIR network? Can they be affiliated with the Hub institution or are they limited to spoke institutions only?
A18: Not more 10 NPDFs can be proposed for each PAIR network. Ideally, these NPDFs should be associated primarily with the spoke institutions. However a limited number, about two, may be part of the hub institution.
Q19: Can an NPDF appointed under PAIR program be retained for the entire five years of the program?
A19: NPDFs are supported for a maximum of two years only and must comply with the ANRF NPDF program guidelines. A candidate can avail NPDF only once in their career and the fellowship period is only for two years. However, the program can have NPDFs throughout the five years by staggering the intake of allotted NPDFs.
Q20: We have an NPDF in our PAIR program. Can we retain them as Research Associate after two years?
A20: Yes. Although the NPDF position is limited to two years, the same candidate may continue as a Research Associate or any other suitable project personnel position in the same PAIR project.
Q21: How many Emeritus Professors can be proposed for a spoke institution?
A21: Typically, one Emeritus Professor per spoke institution is preferred, although this may vary depending on the specific themes proposed.
Q22: Can an Emeritus Professor by appointed at the Hub Institution?
A22: No. Emeritus Professors are restricted to spoke institutions only, to mentor and support the research activities.
Q23: Can Emeritus Professors engaged in the PAIR program apply for research projects under ANRF or any other funding agency?
A23: Yes, they can apply. There are no restrictions for obtaining additional grants, provided that the research work is conducted at the associated spoke institution.
Q24: Can a faculty retired from the spoke institution serve as Emeritus Professor under the PAIR program?
A24: No, only retired faculty from any eligible Hub institution with expertise in the relevant area of research can be appointed as Emeritus Professors.
Q25: Will NPDFs or Emeritus Professors engaged in the PAIR program receive research grants?
A25: No, both NPDFs and Emeritus Professors will only receive fellowship and honorarium, respectively and not research grants.
Q26: I will be superannuating within five years. Can I apply for a short-term, say three-year project under the PAIR program?
A26: No. PAIR program is structured as a fixed five-year initiative and there is no provision for short-term projects. The Program Director (PD) must have a minimum of six years of service remaining before superannuation at the time of submission of application.