AI SummaryPrime Minister Research Chair (PMRC) Scheme is a Central Sector Scheme of the Department of Higher Education, Ministry of Education, Government of India, that brings leading Indian-origin researchers, scientists, and professionals from abroad into premier government higher education institutions and national laboratories for high-impact research. For the 2026 cycle, applications opened on 1 June 2026 and the last date to apply is 15 August 2026, so interested institutions can still submit their proposals.
PMRC Scheme 2026 connects global Indian talent with India's growing research, development, innovation, and technology ecosystem across 13 thematic areas of national priority. These include Advanced Computing, Semiconductors, Energy and Climate Change, Cybersecurity, Healthcare and MedTech, Biotechnology, Advanced Materials and Critical Minerals, Space and Defence, Next-Generation Communications, Manufacturing and Industry 4.0, Agri and Food Technologies, Blue Economy, and Atomic Energy.
Prime Minister Research Chair (PMRC) Scheme - for Host Institutions - Introduction
PMRC Scheme is built on three core pillars: Lead Institutions, Host Institutions, and PMRC Fellows. An Empowered Committee chaired by the Principal Scientific Advisor to the Government of India oversees the selection of these entities. Lead Institutions define the strategic direction for thematic areas, while Host Institutions provide the supportive environment that PMRC Fellows need to succeed.
For the 2026 cycle, seven premier institutions have been identified as Lead Institutions. These are IIT Delhi, IIT Bombay, IIT Madras, IIT Kanpur, IIT Hyderabad, IIT (ISM) Dhanbad, and IISc Bengaluru. One Lead Institution is designated for each thematic area, and they also check the readiness of possible Host Institutions within their area.
Participating Host Institutions are expected to show strong research, development, and innovation capabilities. They offer essential support, including laboratory access, library resources, computational infrastructure, and a collaborative environment. Host Institutions may also help with open-access publication charges and patenting for jointly produced research outcomes.
PMRC Fellows take part in approved research projects at their Host Institution. The scheme offers three levels of engagement: Young Research Fellows for early-career researchers with up to 5 years of post-PhD experience abroad, Senior Fellows for mid-career researchers, and Research Chairs for eminent research leaders. Over the five-year period from 2026-27 to 2030-31, the scheme plans to engage at least 120 distinguished researchers and professionals.
Key Information
| Scheme Name | Prime Minister Research Chair (PMRC) Scheme - for Host Institutions |
|---|---|
| Level | Central |
| Scheme For | Individual |
| Beneficiary States | All |
| Category | Education & Learning |
| Benefit Type | In Kind |
| Nodal Ministry | Ministry of Education |
| Nodal Department | Department of Higher Education |
| Application Window | 1 June 2026 to 15 August 2026 |
| Tags | Scientist, Researcher, National Laboratories, Host Institution, Professional, Research, Research Institutions |
Benefits
Host Institutions receive the following support and advantages under the scheme:
- Operational and institutional overhead funding, with an annual operational cost of up to ₹1 crore for Research Chairs, ₹30 lakh for Senior Fellows, and ₹20 lakh for Young Research Fellows.
- Direct access to global expertise in frontier research domains through internationally accomplished researchers and professionals.
- Opportunities to strengthen existing research laboratories, centers, and thematic clusters across national priority sectors.
- Promotion of stronger industry-academia linkages and technology translation potential, along with increased patent filings.
Eligibility
Eligible Host Institutions must meet the following criteria:
- Government Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) falling within the Top 100 in the NIRF Overall category, Top 100 in the NIRF Engineering category, or Top 50 in the NIRF Research category.
- Identified national laboratories and research institutions under the Department of Biotechnology (DBT), Department of Science & Technology (DST), Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), and Council of Scientific & Industrial Research (CSIR).
Institutions must submit project proposals aligned with identified thematic areas. Multiple submissions across different themes are permitted, and each proposal should explain why the project matters for India's growth, its intended impact, and the expected outcomes.
Application Process
Online Application
Interested institutions must submit their project proposals via the official PMRC portal. The process involves the following steps:
STEP 1 - Find out the available thematic areas on the official PMRC portal and understand the specific scope and national priorities for the 2026 cycle.
STEP 2 - Prepare the domain proposal. Eligible HEIs and national laboratories submit a detailed proposal covering their capabilities, ecosystem strength, research justification, and intended impact.
STEP 3 - Submit the proposal online before the last date of 15 August 2026. Expert committees will evaluate the proposals submitted by possible Host Institutions.
STEP 4 - After selection, PMRC Fellows are mapped to the Host Institution to start research projects supported by allocated funding and institutional infrastructure.
Documents
Institutions must provide the following documentation:
- Comprehensive institutional profile, highlighting current research strengths and supporting infrastructure.
- Detailed project proposal, including rationale, national impact, potential outcomes, and methodology.
- Names and credentials of the designated institutional liaison and Co-Principal Investigators.
- Statement of institutional RDI (Research, Development, and Innovation) strength, including information on existing industry partnerships, patent history, and student support.
- Evidence of existing collaborations relevant to the proposed thematic area.
- Recommendations for up to 3 potential PMRC Fellows the institution is interested in hosting.
References
FAQ's
What is the role of a Host Institution?
Host Institutions provide the necessary academic, research, and administrative environment, along with infrastructure (labs, libraries, and computational resources), to enable PMRC Fellows to carry out high-impact research.
Which institutions qualify?
Eligible institutions include Government HEIs ranked in the top tiers by NIRF (Overall, Engineering, or Research categories) and specific national laboratories under scientific departments like DST, DBT, ICMR, and CSIR.
Can an institution submit multiple proposals?
Yes, Host Institutions may submit multiple project proposals across different thematic areas.
What is the last date to apply for 2026?
Applications for the PMRC Scheme 2026 opened on 1 June 2026 and the last date to apply is 15 August 2026, which is an extended deadline.
Is there financial support available?
Yes, the Department of Higher Education provides funding for PMRC Fellows and approved research activities, which the Host Institution is responsible for managing and disbursing.
What if my institution is a national laboratory?
National laboratories and research institutes under government agencies such as DST, DBT, ICMR, and CSIR are encouraged to participate as Host Institutions if they meet the eligibility criteria.