The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) is offering funding through its Extramural Research Program for the Centre for Advanced Research (CAR)-2025. This initiative aims to support experienced research teams in conducting in-depth research to generate new knowledge and solutions for significant healthcare problems. The CAR program encourages research that addresses multiple aspects of causation, progression, management, and prevention of diseases.

Focus and Priorities

The primary focus of the CAR program is to support research teams in finding solutions for the prevention, screening, diagnosis, treatment, or rehabilitation of specific diseases and conditions. Preference will be given to research addressing the priority diseases and conditions listed in Table 1, including both communicable and non-communicable diseases.

Priority areas include Communicable Diseases, Non-Communicable Diseases, Reproductive, Maternal and Child Health, and Nutrition. Overarching themes also include Medical Countermeasures development, Mitigating Health impacts of Climate Change, Oral Health, Ageing, and Disability.

Research should aim to have a demonstrable impact on healthcare, with a focus on translating findings into practical applications. The research team should demonstrate the impact of their previous research.

Funding Details and Project Duration

The budget for each CAR project should be between INR 8 crores to less than INR 15 crores. The project duration will be for a maximum period of five years, allowing for comprehensive and impactful research.

The funding supports the establishment of a CAR facility, with the expectation that the host institute will continue its operation after the funding period. The CAR should also contribute to developing trained health research personnel.

ICMR scientists and institutes are not eligible to apply directly, but ICMR scientists can be co-investigators. However, no funds will be allocated to ICMR institutions or scientists in such cases.

Eligibility and Application Process

Proposals must be submitted ONLINE ONLY through the designated portal by the Principal Investigator (PI). The PI and team members must have regular employment in recognized institutions.

Eligible institutions include:

• Medical Institutes

• Research Institutes

• Universities

• Colleges

• Recognized Research & Development laboratories

• Government and semi-government organizations

• Non-Governmental Organizations

The research team should possess the necessary skills, experience, and demonstrated ability to solve the health problems under consideration. Inclusion of at least one Co-PI from PI’s institute is mandatory.

Key Dates and Submission Requirements

The submission portal opens on 10th June 2025. The last date for submitting the concept note is 1st September 2025, until 05:00 PM. Applicants are advised to submit their proposals well in advance of the deadline.

The selection process involves a review and shortlisting phase from September to November 2025. Shortlisted applicants will be invited to submit a full proposal, with a deadline 8 weeks from the date of shortlisting.

Final selections will be made between January and March 2026. For technical concerns, email po.epms@icmr.gov.in.

Concept Note and Full Proposal Requirements

The concept note should include a narrative description of the research team's skills and expertise, relevant publications, and the impact of their work. The h-index of the PI is expected to be at least 20, or the PI should have multiple granted patents.

The concept note should include a structured summary with subheadings such as Rationale/gaps in existing knowledge, Novelty, Objectives, Methods, and Expected outcome. The full proposal requires detailed information on the problem statement, rationale, hypothesis, methodology, and expected outcomes.

A detailed budget justification is required, following ICMR guidelines. The budget should include costs for staff, equipment, contingency/consumables, and travel allowance.