Government Invites Applications for PM Research Chair Scheme 2026
The Department of Higher Education under the Ministry of Education has officially opened applications for the Prime Minister’s Research Chair (PMRC) Scheme 2026. This flagship national initiative seeks to connect outstanding researchers, scientists, and technical experts of Indian origin—currently employed at prestigious universities, research laboratories, institutions, and industries worldwide—with India’s leading higher education institutions and national research centers.
The program is designed to integrate global Indian talent into India’s rapidly advancing research, innovation, and technology ecosystem. The scheme will concentrate its efforts across thirteen nationally prioritized sectors, ensuring targeted development in areas critical to the country’s growth.
Research Focus Areas
The PMRC Scheme will promote research and innovation across a diverse range of strategic domains. These include:
- Artificial intelligence, quantum computing, and supercomputing
- Semiconductor technology
- Energy, sustainability, and climate change mitigation
- Cybersecurity frameworks
- Healthcare and medical technology innovations
- Biotechnology advancements
- Advanced materials and critical minerals
- Space exploration and defense technologies
- Next-generation communication systems
- Manufacturing and Industry 4.0 solutions
- Agricultural science and food technology
- Blue economy initiatives
- Atomic energy research
Three-Pillar Structure of the Scheme
The PMRC Scheme operates on a well-defined three-pillar framework designed to ensure seamless implementation and maximum impact. These pillars include:
- Lead institutions that anchor the program
- Host institutions that provide infrastructure and support
- PMRC Fellows who drive the research agenda
According to the Ministry of Education, the entire scheme has been developed with a mission-oriented approach to foster impactful research outcomes. A robust oversight committee, chaired by the Principal Scientific Adviser to the Government of India, will monitor the selection process and ensure adherence to the program’s objectives.
Benefits for PMRC Fellows
Selected fellows under the PMRC Scheme will receive comprehensive support to facilitate their research endeavors. This includes fellowship stipends and dedicated research grant assistance. Additionally, fellows will gain access to state-of-the-art laboratories and cutting-edge research infrastructure, enabling them to conduct high-quality investigations.
Successful applicants will also have the opportunity to collaborate with premier government institutions across India, fostering meaningful partnerships that bridge global expertise with domestic capabilities. Host institutions, in turn, stand to benefit significantly from international academic collaborations, direct engagement with global researchers, and enhanced research activities within their campuses.
Three Categories of Opportunities
The scheme offers researchers opportunities across three distinct categories, each tailored to different career stages and levels of expertise:
- Young Research Fellows for early-career researchers
- Senior Research Fellows for experienced professionals
- Research Chairs for globally recognized and distinguished scholars
Young Research Fellows will primarily target individuals at the beginning of their research careers, while Senior Fellows and Research Chairs are intended for seasoned researchers with substantial international standing and accomplishments.
Eligibility Criteria for Applicants
The PMRC Scheme welcomes applications from researchers, scientists, and professionals of Indian origin who meet the eligibility requirements. The following categories of individuals are eligible to apply:
- Indian citizens currently employed abroad
- Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI) cardholders
- Persons of Indian Origin (PIO)
The fundamental objective of this initiative is to channel the expertise of exceptional Indian talent working in global institutions and industries into India’s developmental and research programs, thereby strengthening the nation’s scientific capabilities.
Participating Institutions
Government higher education institutions meeting specific criteria are eligible to participate in the scheme. These include institutions that rank within the top 100 in the National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF) overall or engineering categories, as well as those positioned in the top 50 in the NIRF research category.
Additionally, premier national laboratories and research establishments under agencies such as the Department of Science and Technology (DST), Department of Biotechnology (DBT), Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), and Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) will also be part of this initiative.
Seven Lead Institutions Announced
Seven prominent institutions have been designated as lead institutions under the scheme. These include:
- Indian Institute of Technology, Delhi
- Indian Institute of Technology, Bombay
- Indian Institute of Technology, Madras
- Indian Institute of Technology, Kanpur
- Indian Institute of Technology, Hyderabad
- Indian Institute of Technology, Dhanbad
- Indian Institute of Science, Bengaluru
Application Process Underway
The application window for both fellows and host institutions opened on the official PMRC portal on June 1, 2026. Interested candidates and institutions can access comprehensive information regarding eligibility requirements, application procedures, and other relevant details through the designated PMRC portal. Prospective applicants are encouraged to review all guidelines carefully before submitting their applications to ensure compliance with the scheme’s requirements.
