ANRF International Travel Support (ITS): Funding for Indian Researchers at Global Conferences
The Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF) administers the International Travel Support (ITS) scheme to help India-based researchers participate meaningfully in international scientific events. Support extends to presenters, session chairs, and keynote speakers, and—under defined conditions—to young scientists joining short, high-value training programmes. Eligible costs typically include economy airfare by the shortest route, visa and airport charges, and a capped registration component for young researchers. Applications are accepted only within 60–90 days before the event, and the online system enforces these timelines. For the official overview and current instructions, consult the ANRF ITS portal. Understand ANRF’s International Travel Support (ITS) scheme—coverage, eligibility, documentation, timelines, and expert tips to apply successfully for international conferences and short trainings.
ANRF’s ITS scheme enables Indian researchers to present at international conferences and attend short trainings abroad. It reimburses economy airfare, visa fees, and registration (within limits), with special provisions for young scientists. Apply strictly in the 60–90-day window to maximise approval chances and elevate your research on global platforms.
What the ITS Scheme Covers
The ITS programme offsets essential international travel expenses so researchers can focus on academic quality rather than logistics.
Air Travel: Economy-class return fare via the shortest route,
consistent with government norms and best-fare practices.Statutory Charges: Airport taxes and visa fees reimbursable against valid receipts.
Registration (Young Scientists): Actuals or ₹50,000, whichever is lower, for qualifying early-career applicants.
Together, these elements reduce the financial barrier to presenting original research, networking, and forging collaborations abroad.
Who Is Eligible
ANRF defines eligibility clearly to maintain fairness and impact.
Affiliation: Active researchers employed at recognised Indian institutions, laboratories, or universities.
Purpose of Travel: Presentation (oral/poster), session chairing, or keynote delivery at a bona fide international event.
Recency of Support: No ITS grant received in the preceding three years.
Event Nature: Formal scientific meeting or structured training; informal invites, internships, and postdoctoral stays are excluded.
Academic Background: At minimum, a master’s degree in science or an equivalent professional degree at the time of applying.
These criteria keep the scheme focused on high-quality dissemination and capacity building.
Scope & Restrictions
ITS prioritises activities that create measurable academic value.
Supported: Conference presentations, chairing/keynotes, and—specifically for young researchers (under 35 at event start)—short schools, workshops, or trainings up to 21 days.
Not Supported: Postdoctoral appointments, internships, loosely structured or informal programmes, and any activity lacking clear academic outputs or
institutional endorsement.
By channelling funds to defined outcomes, the scheme assures transparent returns on public investment.
Documentation: Before and After
Robust documentation is essential at both application and reimbursement stages. Organise files early and maintain a checklist to avoid delays.
Application Stage
Provide:
Endorsement letter from the head of institution.
Acceptance/Invitation from organisers and the final abstract.
Detailed CV with publications, patents, and significant contributions.
Event brochure or URL, with session details and dates.
Proof of date of birth and declarations regarding other funding sources.
This evidence confirms eligibility, validates research quality, and demonstrates institutional support.
Reimbursement Stage
After returning, promptly submit:
Online claim form and required hardcopies.
Ticket invoices, boarding passes, visa receipts, and registration proof.
Best-fare certificate from the approved travel agent or as per prescribed norms.
Participation certificate, bank details, and any additional supporting documents requested.
Submit claims within 90 days of the event’s end
Important Terms & Conditions
Understanding the fine print helps you stay compliant.
Use of Funds: Spend strictly on the approved event; diversions are not allowed.
Change of Affiliation: Notify ANRF immediately; unutilised funds must be returned if you leave the host institution.
Research Integrity: Share only legally permitted results; respect confidentiality and IP obligations.
Misrepresentation: Any false claim may lead to cancellation and debarment for three years.
Adherence to these rules protects both applicant and programme credibility.
How to Apply Efficiently
A disciplined approach strengthens your application and minimises rework.
Create/Update Account: Register on the ANRF portal and complete your profile.
Select ITS: Choose the correct scheme; confirm your event falls within the 60–90-day submission window.
Fill Accurately: Enter names, dates, and affiliations exactly as on passports and institutional records.
Single Submission: File once; repeated submissions may trigger a 90-day lockout.
Track Progress: Monitor dashboard notifications and email alerts for queries or approvals.
Post-Event Claim: File reimbursement within 90 days, attaching all mandatory proofs.
Tips for a Smooth ITS Application
Practical
Plan Early: Secure acceptance letters and institutional endorsements before the 60-day threshold.
Strengthen the Abstract: Emphasise novelty, methodology, and expected impact; align with the event’s scope.
Book Compliantly: Use approved agents and obtain the best-fare certificate at booking.
Maintain Redundancy: Keep digital and printed copies of every receipt and letter.
Demonstrate Outcomes: Briefly indicate anticipated collaborations, data sharing, or follow-on publications.
Linking to Related ANRF Programmes
For a coherent funding journey, consider these complementary opportunities (link internally on your site as relevant):
Advanced Research Grant (ARG): Supports laboratory research with defined milestones.
National Post-Doctoral Fellowship (N-PDF): A bridge for early-career researchers building independent profiles.
Inclusivity Research Grant (IRG): Encourages participation from under-represented groups and institutions.
Cross-linking related pages improves user experience and strengthens topical authority for search engines.
Summary
ANRF’s ITS scheme is a cornerstone of India’s international research engagement. By underwriting airfare, visa costs, and a portion of registration fees, it enables researchers—especially early-career scientists—to present findings, learn new methods, and seed collaborations. With disciplined documentation, strict adherence to the 60–90-day window, and careful compliance with terms, applicants can leverage ITS to expand impact and visibility.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Program Name | International Travel Support (ITS) – Anusandhan National Research Foundation |
| Host Country | International travel originating from India |
| Funded By | Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF) |
| Duration | Event-specific; young scientist trainings up to 21 days |
| Study Mode | Short-term international travel for conferences, workshops, and trainings |
| Eligibility | Indian researchers at recognised institutions; invited to present, chair, or keynote at eligible events; no ITS grant in last 3 years |
| Financial Support | Economy airfare (shortest route), visa/airport charges, registration fee up to ₹50,000 for young scientists |
| Fields of Study | Science, engineering, medicine, and related disciplines aligned with the event |
| Deadline | Apply 60–90 days before event start |
| Next Cycle | Likely January–February and July–August (we will update soon) |
| Official Website | ANRF ITS official page |
Next Cycle (Predictive): Based on historical patterns, new calls and clarifications commonly appear around January–February and July–August. We will update soon.
FAQs
The ITS scheme funds Indian researchers to attend and present at international conferences, workshops, or short training programmes approved by ANRF.
Active researchers at recognised Indian institutions with an official invitation to present, chair, or keynote at an eligible international scientific event can apply.
The scheme reimburses economy airfare, visa fees, and, for young scientists, registration fees up to ₹50,000 or the actual cost, whichever is lower.
You must apply online within 60–90 days before the start of the international event to be considered for funding.
No. The ITS scheme does not fund postdoctoral appointments, internships, or informal overseas research visits.
You can apply once every three years, provided you meet all eligibility and documentation requirements.
Required documents include an endorsement from your institution, event invitation, abstract, biodata with publications, and proof of date of birth.
For young scientists, funding covers short courses, workshops, or schools lasting up to 21 days from the event’s start date.
Submit tickets, boarding passes, receipts, and participation proof within 90 days of the event’s conclusion for reimbursement processing.
Based on past trends, calls are typically active in January–February and July–August; exact dates will be announced on the ANRF portal.
