ICMR–NMC Call for Medical Education Research Proposals 2026 – Apply by 21 August

RESEARCH GRANT | MEDICAL EDUCATION | ICMR–NMC

ICMR–NMC Call for Proposals on Quality of Medical Education 2026

A joint initiative of the Indian Council of Medical Research and National Medical Commission to develop and evaluate innovative approaches for strengthening and enhancing the quality of medical education in India.

Application deadline 21 August 2026, 5:00 PM

Apply through ICMR e-PMS →

The call supports research that develops and evaluates new approaches to medical teaching, training, assessment, competency development and integrated clinical research. Proposed interventions may address undergraduate, postgraduate and doctoral medical education.

🏛️ Joint initiative ICMR and National Medical Commission

📅 Application period 25 June to 21 August 2026

💻 Submission mode Online through ICMR e-PMS only

Objective of the Call

The primary objective is to develop and evaluate innovative approaches for strengthening and enhancing the quality of medical education.

Proposed research may focus on innovative teaching methods, digital technologies, competency-based learning, research orientation, clinical training and the development of essential skills among medical students.

Possible Research Areas

🎓 Innovative Teaching and Learning Methods

💻 Digital Technologies in Medical Education

🩺 Competency-Based Medical Education

📊 Student Assessment and Evaluation Methods

🔬 Research Orientation and Scientific Skills

🏥 Clinical Training and Integrated Clinical Research

🤝 Interprofessional and Collaborative Learning

📚 Undergraduate, Postgraduate and Doctoral Education

Eligible Institutions

• The call is open to all eligible medical colleges and medical institutions.
• The Head of the Institution must provide institutional endorsement.
• The institution must provide the administrative support required for implementing the proposed research.

Eligible Principal Investigators

• The Principal Investigator must hold a regular faculty position in an eligible medical institution.
• The investigator must possess a relevant medical qualification such as MBBS, MD, MS or DM.
• The investigator must have demonstrated research experience or research efforts in medical education.
• Inclusion of at least one Co-PI from the Principal Investigator’s institution is mandatory.

Project Duration

Anveshan / Small Grant Maximum project duration of up to 3 years.

Nishayak Anveshan / Intermediate Grant Maximum project duration of up to 4 years.

An additional preparatory period of up to six months may be proposed without any additional project cost.

Documents Required

• Detailed research proposal in the prescribed ICMR format available through the e-PMS portal.
• Curriculum vitae of the Principal Investigator and Co-Investigators.
• Institutional endorsement letter signed by the Head of the Institution.
• Ethical clearance certificate or documentary proof that the proposal has been submitted to the Institutional Ethics Committee.
• Detailed project budget with justification for each proposed expenditure.
• Supporting information such as figures, tables, study tools, flowcharts or implementation plans, wherever applicable.

Proposal Evaluation and Selection

• Each proposal will undergo peer review by at least two independent experts in medical education research.
• Proposals will be assessed using standardised evaluation and scoring criteria.
• The Project Selection Committee will consider the reviewers’ assessments and committee observations.
• The final decision will be based on scientific merit, feasibility, relevance, methodology and expected outcomes.

Important Conditions

• Only the latest proposal will be considered when the same research team submits similar proposals under the same call.
• The PI must not have more than five ongoing research proposals or an aggregate ongoing grant amount exceeding ₹25 crore.
• ICMR institutes and ICMR scientists are not eligible to apply as Principal Investigators under this call.
• ICMR scientists may participate as Co-Investigators, but project funds will not be provided to ICMR institutions or scientists.
• The CVs of the PI and up to three Co-PIs may be included.
• Research outcomes are expected to be published in indexed journals, with acknowledgement of ICMR and NMC support.

How to Apply?

1. Register or log in to the ICMR Extramural Project Management System.
2. Complete all mandatory sections of the Principal Investigator profile.
3. Select Proposal Submission.
4. Click Apply Proposal.
5. Select the call titled “Call for Proposals on Research for Medical Education: A Joint Initiative of ICMR and NMC-2026” .
6. Click Apply New Proposal and complete all required sections.
7. Upload the proposal, institutional endorsement, ethical documents, investigator CVs and budget justification.
8. Submit the completed proposal before 21 August 2026 at 5:00 PM.

Submission mode: Applications will be accepted online only through the ICMR e-PMS portal. Applicants are advised not to wait until the final day.

Apply Online Download Official Notification View Official Announcement

Official Call for Proposals Flyer

Important Dates and Details

Call title	Research for Strengthening and Enhancing Quality of Medical Education
Organisers	Indian Council of Medical Research and National Medical Commission
Call release date	18 June 2026
Application start date	25 June 2026
Application deadline	21 August 2026, 5:00 PM
Eligible institutions	Medical colleges and medical institutions
Small Grant duration	Up to 3 years
Intermediate Grant duration	Up to 4 years
Application portal	ICMR Extramural Project Management System
Technical queries	po.epms@icmr.gov.in
Scientific queries	Dr. Gunjan Kumar gunjank.hq@icmr.gov.in

Submit Your Medical Education Research Proposal

Eligible medical faculty members can submit innovative research proposals through the ICMR e-PMS portal.

Apply Before 21 August 2026

Disclaimer: Thirai publishes research grants, calls for proposals, conferences and academic opportunities for informational purposes. Eligibility, application requirements, grant conditions and deadlines may be amended by the organising authorities. Applicants should review the complete official notification before submitting their proposal.

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