Prime Minister Research Chair Scheme 2026: The Government of India has invited applications for the Prime Minister Research Chair (PMRC) Scheme 2026, a flagship initiative aimed at attracting leading Indian-origin researchers, scientists, and professionals from across the world to strengthen the country's research and innovation ecosystem. Eligible candidates can submit their applications online through the official portal till July 15.
About PMRC Scheme
The PMRC Scheme, launched by the Department of Higher Education under the Ministry of Education, is designed to engage distinguished Indian-origin experts working abroad and place them at premier government higher education institutions and national research laboratories in India.
The initiative aims to promote cutting-edge research, innovation, and mentorship, contributing to India's broader vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat and Viksit Bharat 2047.
Key Objectives
The scheme is expected to strengthen India's research value chain across 13 priority sectors. It will focus on:
- High-impact research and innovation
- Academic mentorship and capacity building
- Industry collaboration and technology transfer
- Strengthening institutional research ecosystems
- Thematic areas will be periodically reviewed to align with national priorities and global scientific developments.
The PMRC Scheme is structured around three core pillars:
- Lead Institutions
- Host Institutions
- PMRC Fellows
An Empowered Committee chaired by the Principal Scientific Advisor to the Government of India will oversee identification and approval of institutions.
Each thematic area will have a designated Lead Institution responsible for providing strategic direction, ensuring coherence, and maintaining research quality across the ecosystem.
Categories of Fellows
The scheme will engage at least 120 researchers over five years (2026-27 to 2030-31) under three categories:
- Young Research Fellows (YRF): Up to 5 years post-PhD experience abroad
- Senior Fellows (SF): 5 to less than 10 years post-PhD experience abroad
- Research Chairs (RC): 10+ years post-PhD experience abroad
Candidates must demonstrate strong academic and research credentials, including publications, patents, citations, and international recognition.
Roles and Responsibilities
PMRC Fellows will be expected to:
- Undertake high-impact, thematic research in collaboration with Host Institutions
- Teach and co-develop academic courses
- Mentor PhD, postdoctoral, and postgraduate students
- Promote international collaborations and industry partnerships
- Support patenting, innovation, and commercialisation of research outputs
- Submit periodic progress reports and participate in evaluations
Financial Support
The scheme provides structured financial support, including fellowship grants, research funding, relocation assistance, medical allowances, and institutional overheads.
Depending on category, support ranges broadly as follows:
- Fellowship fee: Rs 0.15 crore to Rs 0.60 crore annually
- Research grant: up to Rs 5 crore (one-time, category-based)
- Additional allowances and operational support as per norms
Eligibility For Fellows
Eligible applicants include:
- Indian-origin researchers (Indian nationals, OCI, or PIO)
- Professionals working in reputed foreign universities, laboratories, industries, or R&D organisations
- Candidates currently based in India may also apply if they meet eligibility norms
- Fellows must be willing to work in-person at Host Institutions in India for a tenure of up to five years, subject to performance.