AI SummaryPrime Minister Research Chair (PMRC) is a central government scheme run by the Department of Higher Education under the Ministry of Education. It brings top Indian-origin researchers, scientists, technologists and professionals from abroad back to India to work at premier government higher education institutions and national research laboratories.
Applications for the 2026 cycle opened on 1 June 2026 on the official PMRC portal at pmrc.education.gov.in, and the call for proposals closed on 15 July 2026. The scheme offers 120 research positions across three levels and focuses on 13 national priority thematic areas.
Prime Minister Research Chair (PMRC) - Introduction
Prime Minister Research Chair (PMRC) acts as a bridge for distinguished Indian-origin researchers and scientists working abroad to return home. It strengthens the Indian higher education and research environment by bringing global expertise to leading institutions and national laboratories.
The scheme is built on three core pillars: Lead Institutions, Host Institutions, and PMRC Fellows. Seven premier institutions have been identified as Lead Institutions, including IIT Delhi, IIT Bombay, IIT Madras, IIT Kanpur, IIT Hyderabad, IIT (ISM) Dhanbad and IISc Bengaluru. Host Institutions include government higher education institutions ranked among the Top 100 in NIRF Overall or Engineering categories, or Top 50 in the NIRF Research category, along with top national laboratories under agencies such as DST, DBT, ICMR and CSIR.
Fellows are selected through a rigorous process overseen by an Empowered Committee chaired by the Principal Scientific Advisor to the Government of India. The scheme provides fellowship and research grant support, access to laboratories and research infrastructure, and a chance to work with leading government institutions in India.
Key Information
| Scheme Name | Prime Minister Research Chair (PMRC) |
| Level | Central |
| Beneficiary | Individual |
| States | All |
| Category | Education & Learning |
| Benefits | Fellowship and research grant |
| Nodal Ministry | Ministry of Education |
| Nodal Department | Department of Higher Education |
| Official Portal | pmrc.education.gov.in |
Benefits
This scheme provides research support through the following provisions:
- Establishment of 120 research positions, with fellowship duration of up to 5 years between 2026-27 and 2030-31.
- Available roles for Young Research Fellows, Senior Research Fellows, and Research Chairs.
- Fellowship and research grant support, with research grants reported up to ₹5 crore for eligible projects.
- Access to world-class laboratory infrastructure and research facilities at premier institutions.
- Administrative autonomy to reduce bureaucratic delays and focus on high-impact work.
- Direct contribution to 13 critical national priority sectors.
- Mentorship opportunities for PhD scholars and postdoctoral researchers.
Eligibility
To be eligible for Prime Minister Research Chair (PMRC), candidates must meet these criteria:
- Candidates must be researchers, scientists or professionals of Indian origin, including Indian nationals working abroad, OCI cardholders, and Persons of Indian Origin.
- Candidates should currently hold a position or reside abroad at globally reputed universities, laboratories, research institutions or industries.
- Candidates must show outstanding achievements in research, innovation and technology in fields such as Advanced Computing (AI, Quantum Computing and Supercomputing), Semiconductors, Energy and Climate Change, Cybersecurity, Healthcare and MedTech, Biotechnology, Advanced Materials, Space and Defence, Next-Generation Communications, Manufacturing, Agri and Food Technologies, Blue Economy and Atomic Energy.
- Candidates must qualify for one of the three levels: Young Research Fellow, Senior Research Fellow, or Research Chair.
Application Process
How to apply
The Department of Higher Education invited applications for the Prime Minister Research Chair (PMRC) Scheme 2026 on 1 June 2026. Both eligible Fellows and Host Institutions could apply through the official PMRC portal at pmrc.education.gov.in.
STEP 1 - Visit the official PMRC portal at pmrc.education.gov.in and review the detailed guidelines, eligibility criteria and application procedures for the 2026 cycle.
STEP 2 - Prepare the application with research proposal details, academic credentials and proof of Indian origin.
STEP 3 - Submit the application through the portal before the call for proposals closed on 15 July 2026.
STEP 4 - Applications are reviewed by an Empowered Committee chaired by the Principal Scientific Advisor to the Government of India, and selected candidates are placed at Lead and Host Institutions.
Documents
Candidates should keep the following documents ready to support their application:
- Proof of identity such as a passport or Aadhaar card.
- Documentation proving Indian origin, such as an OCI or PIO card.
- Copies of PhD and Master's degrees.
- Proof of current employment abroad, such as appointment letters or salary slips.
- An updated Curriculum Vitae (CV) detailing academic impact.
- A comprehensive list of research publications and patents.
- A detailed research proposal focused on any of the 13 priority sectors.
- Work experience certificates from previous and current employers.
- A Statement of Purpose explaining the intent to contribute to the Indian research landscape.
References
CSIR Call for Proposals on PMRC Scheme
FAQ's
Who is the primary target for this research scheme?
The scheme targets top-tier researchers and scientists of Indian origin currently working overseas who wish to bring their expertise back to lead research in India.
Can I apply if I am currently employed as a scientist in a foreign country?
Yes, the scheme is designed to attract global talent of Indian origin, including Indian nationals abroad, OCI cardholders and Persons of Indian Origin.
What are the different roles available?
Positions are divided into three categories: Young Research Fellows, Senior Research Fellows, and Research Chairs, matching the career stage of the candidate.
Which fields of study are prioritized?
The focus is on 13 significant sectors, including Semiconductors, Artificial Intelligence, Clean Energy, Advanced Materials, Quantum Computing, Biotechnology, Space and Defence and Atomic Energy.
How many positions will be filled?
The government plans to bring 120 research fellows and chairs to various premier institutions over the next five years.
What kind of funding support is provided?
Selected fellows receive fellowship and research grant support, with research grants reported up to ₹5 crore, along with access to laboratories and research infrastructure.
Is there administrative support?
Yes, the scheme grants administrative autonomy so fellows can focus on their research without typical bureaucratic delays.
Where will I be working?
Selected candidates will be placed at Lead Institutions such as IIT Delhi, IIT Bombay, IIT Madras, IIT Kanpur, IIT Hyderabad, IIT (ISM) Dhanbad and IISc Bengaluru, along with other premier government institutions and national laboratories.
Will I be able to mentor students?
Yes, fellows are expected to mentor PhD scholars and postdoctoral researchers while helping modernize the academic curriculum.
Is the tenure long-term?
Yes, the scheme offers fellowship duration of up to 5 years, between 2026-27 and 2030-31, providing stability for high-impact research.