PMRC Scheme: What is the PM Research Chair Scheme? MoE Invites Applications..
PMRC Scheme 2026: The Department of Higher Education under the Ministry of Education, Government of India, has invited applications for the Prime Minister's Research Chairs (PMRC) Scheme 2026. This is a flagship national initiative of the Central Government, aimed at connecting outstanding researchers, scientists, and technical experts of Indian origin—currently working in prestigious universities, research laboratories, institutions, and industries across the globe—with India's premier higher education institutions and national research centers.
Under this scheme, global Indian talent will be integrated into India's rapidly evolving ecosystem of research, innovation, and technology. The scheme will focus on 13 national priority areas.
**In Which Areas Will Research Be Conducted?**
The key areas where research and innovation will be promoted under this scheme include:
Artificial Intelligence, Quantum Computing, and Supercomputing
Semiconductors
Energy, Sustainability, and Climate Change
Cyber Security
Healthcare and MedTech
Biotechnology
Advanced Materials and Critical Minerals
Space and Defence
Next-Generation Communication
Manufacturing and Industry 4.0
Agriculture and Food Technology
Blue Economy
Atomic Energy
**The Scheme Will Be Based on Three Pillars**
The scheme has been structured around three main pillars:
Lead Institutions
Host Institutions
PMRC Fellows
According to the Ministry of Education, the entire scheme has been designed with the objective of fostering mission-oriented and impactful research. The selection process will be overseen by an empowered committee, chaired by the Principal Scientific Adviser to the Government of India.
**What Facilities Will the Fellows Receive?**
PMRC Fellows will be provided with fellowship support and research grants. Additionally, they will gain access to state-of-the-art laboratories and research infrastructure. Researchers will also have the opportunity to collaborate with India's leading government institutions.
Meanwhile, Host Institutions will benefit from opportunities for international academic collaboration, networking with global researchers, and the enhancement of their research activities. Opportunities Available in Three Categories
Under this scheme, researchers will be offered opportunities across three distinct categories:
Young Research Fellows
Senior Research Fellows
Research Chairs
The 'Young Research Fellows' category is intended for early-career researchers, while the 'Senior Fellows' and 'Research Chairs' categories are designed for experienced and globally renowned researchers.
Who Can Apply?
Under the PMRC scheme, researchers, scientists, and professionals of Indian origin are eligible to apply. This includes:
Indian citizens currently working abroad
OCI cardholders
Persons of Indian Origin (PIO)
The objective of the scheme is to connect exceptional Indian talent—currently working in global institutions and industries—with India's development and research programs.
Which Institutions Are Included?
Under this scheme, government-run Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) are eligible to apply if they:
Rank within the top 100 in the NIRF 'Overall' or 'Engineering' categories;
OR rank within the top 50 in the NIRF 'Research' category.
Additionally, major national laboratories and research institutions affiliated with agencies such as the DST, DBT, ICMR, and CSIR will also be included in this initiative.
These 7 Institutions Will Serve as Lead Institutions
Under the scheme, seven premier institutions have been selected to serve as 'Lead Institutions':
Indian Institute of Technology, Delhi (IIT Delhi)
Indian Institute of Technology, Bombay (IIT Bombay)
Indian Institute of Technology, Madras (IIT Madras)
Indian Institute of Technology, Kanpur (IIT Kanpur)
Indian Institute of Technology, Hyderabad (IIT Hyderabad)
Indian Institute of Technology, Dhanbad (IIT Dhanbad)
IISc Bengaluru
Application Process is Open
The application process for Fellows and Host Institutions commenced on June 1, 2026, on the PMRC portal. For further details, eligibility criteria, and information regarding the application process, candidates may visit the official PMRC portal website at pmrc.education.gov.in.
Disclaimer: This content has been sourced and edited from Amar Ujala. While we have made modifications for clarity and presentation, the original content belongs to its respective authors and website. We do not claim ownership of the content.
