ICMR Revises Travel Grant and Financial Assistance for International Conferences: Key Updates 2025
The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has issued a major revision to its Travel Grant and Financial Assistance rules for scientists and technical staff participating in international conferences, seminars, and meetings abroad. This update, approved by the Governing Council in its meeting on 9 October 2025, replaces the earlier guidelines issued in 2001.
The revision aims to support researchers more effectively, align financial assistance with actual travel requirements, and ensure transparent, merit-based allocation of funds.
Major Changes in Travel Grant and Financial Assistance
The new guidelines introduce a reimbursement-based system, replacing the earlier fixed financial limits.
▶ Revised Financial Assistance Structure
| Earlier Provision | Revised Provision |
|---|---|
| Western Countries: ₹1,00,000 | Reimbursement of actual to-and-fro economy airfare (shortest route), visa fees, and airport tax. Taxi fare not reimbursable. |
| Eastern Countries: ₹50,000 | Reimbursement as above. |
| SAARC Countries: ₹30,000 | Reimbursement as above. |
Additional conditions:
- Original receipts and boarding passes must be submitted.
- Air tickets must be purchased from authorized travel agents only.
Eligibility and Conditions for Obtaining ICMR Travel Grant
The following conditions must be met for approval:
1. Budget Availability & Government Clearances
- Provision for the visit should exist in the ICMR budget.
- MEA political clearance and any other mandatory approvals must be obtained.
- All Government of India instructions must be followed.
2. Relevance to Research Work
The applicant must be actively involved in the research area related to the event.
3. Contribution to the Conference
The applicant should add value to the conference by:
- Organizing or participating in a symposium
- Delivering a lecture or presenting a scientific paper
- Presenting research findings
Approval requires recommendation from Divisional Heads or Directors (up to Scientist ‘G’ level) and final approval by the Director General, ICMR.
Preference Criteria for Selection
When multiple eligible applications are received, preference will be given to applicants who:
- Are invited to organize symposia or deliver special lectures
- Chair or co-chair scientific sessions
- Have not received ICMR financial support previously
- Are part of recognized international/regional scientific bodies
- Receive partial travel funding from organizers
Priority is also based on the type of conference:
- International Conference
- Regional Conference
- National-level foreign conferences or specialized symposiums
Additional Conditions
- Applicants who attended the same conference earlier will be deprioritized.
- Preference will be given to those who have not traveled abroad frequently in the past.
- A committee chaired by the Additional DG will recommend cases, with final approval by the DG, ICMR.
- A detailed travel report must be submitted after return.
- If funds are received from multiple agencies (DST/DBT/CSIR), total reimbursement cannot exceed actual expenses.
- Applicants should not have received any travel support in the last two years.
Conclusion
The revised ICMR travel grant guidelines place strong emphasis on merit, transparency, and genuine research contribution. By shifting to actual-cost reimbursement and clearer eligibility criteria, ICMR aims to support high-quality scientific engagement and international collaboration.