International Travel Scheme (ITS) 2025 – Funding for Indian Researchers to Attend Global Scientific Events

Are you an Indian researcher invited to present your work at an international scientific event? The Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF) is currently accepting applications for the International Travel Support (ITS) Scheme for events taking place between 06 July and 05 August 2025. This opportunity provides financial assistance to researchers seeking to engage with the global scientific community and contribute to international collaboration.

The ITS scheme aims to support researchers by covering travel-related expenses for participating in conferences, seminars, workshops, short-term training programmes, and schools held abroad. Applications are strictly accepted within a 60 to 90-day window prior to the start date of the event.

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Scope of the Scheme

The International Travel Scheme is intended to:

• Support Indian researchers presenting original research papers, chairing sessions, or delivering keynote addresses at recognized international events abroad.

• Provide young scientists (under 35 years of age) with the opportunity to attend workshops, short-term courses, summer or winter schools, and training programmes overseas.

• Strengthen international scientific collaboration and exposure through direct engagement in global scientific forums.

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Eligibility Criteria

To qualify for funding under the ITS scheme, applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Be an active Indian researcher engaged in R&D activities at a recognized academic or research institution in India.

• Applicant must have obtained Master’s degree in Science or Bachelor’s degree in professional courses from a recognized University by the time of submission of application.

• The applicant should have an invitation for presenting an original scientific paper. Similar invitation is required in the case of young scientists attending training programmes such as short term courses, summer/winter schools, workshop etc.

• The applicant should not have availed financial assistance under this Scheme during the last three years.

• Events must be international in nature. Invitations for informal internships, observer-ships, or postdoctoral placements are not eligible.

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Nature of Financial Support

Support under the ITS scheme is provided on a reimbursement basis and includes:

• To & fro economic class air fare by the shortest route, airport tax and visa fees for attending the specific event.

• For young scientists (under 35), reimbursement of registration fees up to INR 50,000 or actual, whichever is lower is also provided.

The support is provided on reimbursement basis as per actual expenditure incurred by the applicant within the guidelines of the scheme.

Support for taxi fares is excluded.

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Required Documents for Application

• An endorsement letter duly signed and stamped by competent authority of the institute.
• A copy of letter of acceptance of the presenting paper (oral/poster) by the organizers.
• A copy of the abstract of the paper to be presented. Please be sure to include name of all the authors, authors’ affiliated institutions with full address and title of the abstract.
• Biodata with complete list of Scientific / Technical publications and Patents, if any.

At the Application Stage:

• Endorsement letter from the head of institution (use prescribed template).
• Certificate by the applicant including event benefits (use prescribed template).
• Bio-data of the Applicant.
• Acceptance Letter from the Organizer
• Abstract(s) of the paper(s) to be presented
• Event Details
• Date of Birth Certificate
• Event Benefits
• Financial Support from Other Sources

At the Reimbursement Stage:

• Claim form (generated from the online system while submitting claim details).
• Bank Account Details (Download Template)
• Air/Rail/Bus/Others tickets
• Cash Receipt of Air Ticket
• Original Boarding Passes
• Visa Charges Receipt
• Registration Receipt
• Participation Certificate
• Certificate(s) for amount received from other sources, if any
• Best Available Fare Certificate ( from authorized agent only)
• Any other(Miscellaneous Upload)

Terms & Conditions of ITS grant:

• Travel grant should be used only for the purpose of attending the scientific event for which the ANRF (formerly SERB) accorded its approval for financial support.
• The Institute/Applicant should submit the claim bills, and other necessary documents both online and offline within 90 days of the last day of the event.
• The host institute/Applicant shall ensure that the fund released is used exclusively and appropriately for which it has been sanctioned.
• If the applicant to whom the travel grant has been awarded leaves the institution, the Institute and the applicant should inform ANRF (formerly SERB) immediately, and the grant released, if any, should be refunded back by the Institute to ANRF (formerly SERB) immediately by means of DD drawn in favour of “Fund for Science and Engineering Research”.
• If the results of research are to be legally protected, the results should not be presented in international fora without action being taken to secure legal protection for the research results.
• If any candidate found to have furnished incorrect / misleading information at any stage, his/her candidature will be cancelled and no reimbursement will be made. The candidate will also be debarred for next three years for availing support under this scheme.

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Application Process

Applications must be submitted online only through the ANRF portal within 60–90 days prior to the start of the event. Early or late submissions will not be accepted.

Steps for Online Submission:

1. Register on the ANRF online portal. Click here to register

2. Login and kindly go to Menu –> Proposal Submission –> Form Submission –> Select scheme and start filling the form online.

3. Complete the application and upload all required documents.

4. Application submitted through any other mode will not be considered.

Complete guideline for Principal Investigator for SERB-online system

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Key Dates

• Application Window (based on event start date): 06 July – 05 August 2025

• Submission Window: 60–90 days before event start date

• Event Duration Limit for Training: Maximum 21 days

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Contact Information

For queries or further guidance, please contact:

Dr. K.K Magesh Kumar, Scientist ‘E’
Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF)
3rd & 4th Floor, Block II, Technology Bhavan
New Mehrauli Road, New Delhi-110016
Tel: 011-26552114, 26552151
Email: ms.its@anrf.gov.in

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For more information and access to application templates and guidelines, visit the official ANRF ITS Portal.

Explore more opportunities at Opportunities For Youth.