The Ramanujan Fellowship, administered by the Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF), is a prestigious and highly selective initiative by the Government of India. It aims to attract outstanding Indian and Indian-origin scientists and engineers working abroad to return and strengthen India's research and innovation ecosystem. The fellowship is open to all areas of science and engineering, including biology, physics, chemistry, mathematics, computer science, medical science, biomedical engineering, electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, chemical engineering, environmental science, materials science, statistics, earth science, neuroscience, and robotics.

Eligibility criteria require applicants to be Indian or Indian-origin scientists and engineers currently working abroad, below the age of 40 years, with a PhD in Science/Engineering, Masters in Engineering/Technology, MD in Medicine, or equivalent and relevant professional experience. Candidates must have a proven, outstanding research track record, evidenced by quality publications and recognized contributions. Applicants must not hold any permanent, contractual, or tenure-track position in any Indian university, institute, or organization at the time of nomination. Nominations from PhD guides or the same institute where the candidate pursued their PhD will not be considered. The candidate should be working abroad at the time of nomination.

The fellowship provides comprehensive funding support, including Rs. 1,35,000 per month (including HRA), a research grant of Rs. 7,00,000 per year for consumables, travel, research personnel, and contingencies, and Rs. 60,000 per year as institutional overheads. The duration of the fellowship is five years and is not extendable. The grant is taxable as per Indian tax rules. Ramanujan Fellows are eligible to apply for additional research grants from various government agencies, subject to fulfilling other eligibility criteria.

Successful applicants can choose to work at any S&T institution, university department, academic institution, or national laboratory in India, provided the host institution is willing to provide necessary administrative and R&D infrastructural support. The fellowship is intended for working in new areas and laboratories to expand research capabilities, other than the one where the candidate obtained their doctorate degree.

To apply, candidates must register and submit their application online at www.anrfonline.in, including a proposed area of research and a brief outline of the proposal (PDF, max 5 pages). The application must be sent to a nominator for verification and submission. Required documents include a nomination letter, CV, and plagiarism undertaking, all in prescribed formats. Decisions are taken twice a year, and nominations are received throughout the year. For more information, contact the ANRF Programme Officer or Program Director via the provided emails.