PM’s Push for Research-Driven Education: ANRF Launches PAIR Program to Elevate University Research Standards

The PAIR Program’s hub-and-spoke model pairs emerging research institutions with top-tier, well-established universities, aligning with the objectives of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.

In a move to enhance the quality of research-oriented higher education, the Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF) has introduced the Partnerships for Accelerated Innovation and Research (PAIR) Program, underscoring Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s commitment to fostering high-quality research across Indian institutions.

The initiative follows the first Governing Board (GB) meeting of ANRF on September 10, 2024, chaired by the Prime Minister. This meeting established the foundation for the operationalization of ANRF, with the PAIR Program designed to strengthen research within central and state public universities, particularly those with limited research infrastructure.

The PAIR Program’s hub-and-spoke model pairs emerging research institutions with top-tier, well-established universities, aligning with the objectives of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. This mentorship-driven approach aims to accelerate the growth of research activities, innovation, and quality standards in India’s R&D ecosystem. Key Features and Goals of PAIR

Mentorship Model: In the initial phase, the top 25 institutions from the National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF), along with Institutions of National Importance in the top 50 NIRF ranks, will serve as hub institutions. These hubs will mentor up to seven selected "spoke" institutions, including central and state public universities, National Institutes of Technology (NITs), and Indian Institutes of Information Technology (IIITs).

Comprehensive Research Growth: According to Prof. Abhay Karandikar, Secretary of the Department of Science and Technology (DST) and CEO of ANRF, the program is “a catalyst for transformative research” by fostering mentorships that elevate research capabilities in emerging institutions. Through the PAIR Program, participating institutions will gain access to cutting-edge resources, expert guidance, and collaborative networks, creating a robust national research ecosystem.

Eligibility and Expansion: In subsequent phases, the eligibility scope will expand to include additional universities and institutions. Currently, each PAIR network can consist of only one proposal per hub institution, with the involvement of multi-departmental faculty teams from participating institutions. Regional diversity will be prioritized to ensure a wide-ranging impact across the nation.

Infrastructure and Innovation: By leveraging partnerships with top-ranked institutions, the PAIR Program seeks to enhance research quality through improved infrastructure, best practices, and support for impactful, internationally competitive research.First Phase and Application Details

In this first phase, ANRF invites prospective Program Directors (PDs) from eligible hub institutions to apply online. For a detailed overview of the program, eligibility criteria, funding guidelines, and application deadlines, interested parties can visit the official ANRF website at https://www.anrfonline.in/ANRF/PAIR?HomePage=New.

The PAIR initiative is set to drive innovation within emerging institutions, foster significant research outcomes, and establish collaborative networks that will elevate India’s research landscape, paving the way for a self-reliant and globally competitive research-driven education system.1/2