This document provides guidance on writing an effective research proposal in 3-5 sentences. It outlines the key sections to include such as an introduction, objectives, methodology, outcomes, competence of researchers, and budget. The proposal should define the research problem, proposed approach, expected results, and qualifications of the research team. It also explains the proposal submission and evaluation process.

2. Writing an Effective Research Proposal
Summary
•Brief background/introduction/relevance
•What is proposed to be done
•How it is intended to be implemented
•What is the expected outcome
•List unique keywords (5-6)
Be specific and avoid generalities

3. Writing an Effective Research Proposal
Objectives
•List clear cut objectives (4-5) in bullet form (one line each)
•Typically deal with the following:
To study----,
To design----,
To analyse/characterise----,
To develop----,
To fabricate-----,
To test-----,
To validate-----, etc.
Do not expect to solve all the problems in one proposal

4. Writing an Effective Research Proposal
Review of the status
•Highlight work carried out in the subject area or closely
related area by other researchers
•Give due credit to researchers engaged in similar work in
the subject area at international and national level
•Identify gap and how proposes to bridge/improve
•Cite relevant and recently published papers (typically last 5-
6 years)
Mention conclusions/findings of authors work in brief

5. Writing an Effective Research Proposal
Methodology
• Explain as to how the objectives are proposed to be achieved/realised
• Highlight novel/unique aspects of the proposal
• Problems to be addressed be sufficiently challenging
• Mention data, guiding principles, equations, formulas, sketches/drawings,
pictures/photos, tables, flow-chart, etc
• Bring out expected achievements, new hypothesis, etc
• Specify time-lines for accomplishment of objectives (bar-chart)
• List key technical mile-stones
--also cover literature survey, recruitment of project staff, procurement of
equipment/consumables, validation, publication/presentation of papers,
submission of project completion report
• If applied research to cover translational aspects, involve industry for
transfer of technology/commercialisation
Follow proper sequence to be inline with proposed objectives

6. Writing an Effective Research Proposal
Outcome/Deliverables
• Dissemination/Sharing of knowledge
Papers: Publication in Journals, Presentation in Conferences
• Product/process/new theory/equation
• Capacity building:
--Train Project Staff, Scholars, PG/UG Students
• Research guidance
• Transfer of Technology
• Filing of patents/copyright
• Use of Infrastructure beyond Project duration:
--Use by students/faculty, Part of Lab/Expts,
Be precise and modest in stating Outcome

7. Writing an Effective Research Proposal
Competence
• Expertise of PI/Co-PI(s) in the domain area
--Academic qualifications, Experience, publication record, etc
• Preliminary work done
• Sponsored Research Projects already implemented or ongoing
• Recognition/Honours:
--Awards, Fellowships, Membership of technical committees,
Membership on editorial board of scientific/technical journals
• Roles of PI and Co-PI(s)
• CV of PI and Co-PI(s)
Highlight Scientific/Technical Accomplishments

8. Writing an Effective Research Proposal
Budgetary Requirement
•Propose realistic budget considering available
facilities/infrastructure within the Department/Institution.
•Budget ceiling be kept in mind for some schemes
•Funds required for:
Recurring: Manpower, Consumables, Travel, Contingency
Capital: Equipment, Computing facility, Software tools
•Funds sought be justified
•Follow norms, where necessary
Quality of proposal is more important than budget

9. Writing an Effective Research Proposal
Enclosures
•Summary of Proposal with details of PI/Co-PI(s)
•Detailed Technical Document
•Certificate from Investigators
•Letter(s) of Endorsement from Head(s) of the Institution(s)
•Quotations for Equipment/Consumables
•Letter(s) of support from partners/collaborators
•Certificate for Ethical clearance/Bio-safety/Environment
Be careful in following correct formats

10. Writing an Effective Research Proposal
Submission of Proposal
•Register with concerned agency
•Remember user ID and Password for online submission
•Proposal be in the prescribed format
•Follow limitations of characters/words/pages
•Submit proposal against call inviting proposals
•Follow principles of research integrity
•Avoid grammatical/spelling mistakes, follow uniform reference
pattern
•Cite figures/pictures/tables extracted from literature

11. Writing an Effective Research Proposal
Evaluation Mechanism
•Initial scrutiny by the concerned program officer/scientist
•Shortlisting by sub-Committee of Experts
•Views by the peers (5-6 Experts outside the Committee)
•Consideration by Committee of Experts
•Presentation by PI (personal/skype/teleconference), if invited
•Recommendation: Quality of proposal, Peers’ views/grading,
Presentation/Clarifications of PI, revisions/modifications, if any,
and deliberations in the Expert Committee
•Beyond certain cost, proposal is considered by the next level
Committee of Experts, in some cases.
Be confident and thorough in domain area

12. Writing an Effective Research Proposal
Who Can Participate
•Faculty/Researcher in Academic (College/University level) or
Research Institution
•Scientists in NGOs (Registered under Darpan of NITI Ayog)
•Engineers/Scientists in Industry (SIRO Recognised)
•Hold Regular Position
•KIRAN-Women Scientists Scheme (DST):
>Unemployed for a year or more after PG/PhD
>Break in Career (at least for one year)
•Private Institute/NGO/Industry should be in existence for 3 years
PhD mandatory for most of the schemes, preferable in others