The Department of Higher Education, Ministry of Education, Government of India has invited applications for the Prime Minister’s Research Chair (PMRC) Scheme 2026. This is a flagship national initiative aimed at attracting talented researchers, scientists, technologists and professionals of Indian origin from globally renowned universities, laboratories, research institutes and industries to premier government Higher Education Institutions (HEIs), national laboratories and research centres across India.
The scheme will connect global Indian talent to India’s rapidly expanding research, development, innovation and technology ecosystem, spanning 13 thematic areas of national priority, including:
- Advanced Computing (AI, Quantum Computing & Supercomputing)
- Semiconductors
- Energy, Sustainability & Climate Change
- Cybersecurity
- Healthcare & MedTech
- Biotechnology
- Advanced Materials & Critical Minerals
- Space & Defence
- Next-Generation Communications
- Manufacturing & Industry 4.0
- Agri & Food Technologies
- Blue Economy
- Atomic Energy
The scheme, based on three main pillars – Lead Institution, Host Institution, and PMRC Fellows – is designed to ensure mission-aligned, nationally relevant, and impact-oriented research. Participating institutions and fellows will be selected through a rigorous process overseen by an empowered committee chaired by the Principal Scientific Advisor to the Government of India.
PMRC Fellows will receive funding to cover their living and research costs, get access to top-quality laboratories, and be given the chance to collaborate with major Indian government institutions.
Under this scheme, host institutions will benefit through international academic collaborations, engagement with globally accomplished researchers and professionals, and expanded research and innovation activities in priority areas.
The scheme offers engagement opportunities under three categories, including Young Research Fellows for early-career researchers, Senior Research Fellows for experienced researchers and Research Chairs for globally renowned research leaders.
Eligible Fellows under the PMRC Scheme include eminent researchers, scientists, and professionals of Indian origin, including Indian citizens working abroad, OCI cardholders, and Persons of Indian Origin. The scheme aims to attract eminent Indian-origin researchers and professionals from leading global institutions and industries with outstanding achievements in research, innovation, and technology.
Eligible host institutions include government higher education institutions ranked in the top 100 in the NIRF overall or engineering categories, or in the top 50 in the NIRF research category, as well as top national laboratories and research institutes 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).
To support implementation in various thematic areas, seven (07) premier institutions have been identified 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 Science Bengaluru (IISc Bengaluru)
- Indian Institute of Technology (Indian School of Mines) Dhanbad [IIT (ISM) Dhanbad]
Applications for fellows and host institutions open from June 1, 2026, on the PMRC portal. (PIB)
