Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF)

On 14th November 2024, the Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF) introduced the Partnerships for Accelerated Innovation and Research (PAIR) program, aimed at elevating research and innovation standards within Indian universities.

The PAIR initiative was announced after the inaugural meeting of the ANRF Governing Board, chaired by the Prime Minister, who reinforced the government’s commitment to quality research-oriented education.
With a "hub and spoke" framework, the program pairs universities with emerging research potential to top-tier, well-established institutions, creating a mentorship-based collaboration to enhance research ecosystems.
In line with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, PAIR is set to accelerate research quality in public universities, particularly central and state universities that have limited research resources and capacity, fostering excellence through institutional partnerships.
In the first phase, the Hub institutions would include institutions within the top 25 NIRF overall ranking as well as Institutions of National Importance within top 50 NIRF overall ranking, while select central and state universities, NITs, and IIITs will serve as "spokes," working alongside these institutions to advance interdisciplinary research projects.