ICMR Issues New Guidelines Regulating Funded Foreign Visits for Staff (2026)

Date of Issue: June 29, 2026

Introduction

The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has issued a significant office order regarding the regulation of official foreign travel for its staff members. In a move aimed at ensuring financial prudence and minimizing expenditure on international travel, in alignment with the Hon'ble Prime Minister's directives, and with the approval of the Director General, ICMR, the following guidelines have been issued for strict compliance.

Detailed Summary of Guidelines

Effective immediately for all future proposals, the ICMR has restructured how it sponsors international visits. The primary objective is to cut down unnecessary financial outflows while maintaining the organization's strategic scientific commitments. Until further notice, the ICMR will generally not provide full or partial funding for staff attending international workshops, symposia, seminars, conferences, or similar academic events.

Important Points & Eligibility Conditions

• Pause on Regular Academic Travel: Routine participation in academic events overseas using ICMR financial support is suspended.
• Strict Criteria for Exceptions: A foreign visit may only be considered if the concerned Director formally certifies that the trip is highly essential and holds strategic importance for the ICMR. Additionally, specific approval from the Competent Authority must be obtained.
• Mandatory Justification Parameters: Even when an exception is applied for, the proposal must include an in-depth justification. This must detail the absolute necessity of the visit, outline the expected technical, scientific, or programmatic outcomes, and clearly establish the visit's relevance to ICMR's core mandate and priorities.
• Digital Prioritization: Employees and researchers are highly advised to opt for virtual participation in international meetings, conferences, and workshops wherever it is feasible.

Conclusion

This office order, officially issued by the Assistant Director General (Admin), represents a significant shift toward fiscal discipline within the department. All ICMR Institute Directors, Directors In-Charge, and Heads of Divisions/Sections are instructed to ensure strict compliance with these rules before forwarding any foreign travel proposals. Central Government employees operating under ICMR funding should recalibrate their professional networking and collaboration strategies to heavily favor virtual platforms.

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