The Prime Minister Research Chair (PMRC) Scheme 2026, a flagship national initiative of the Department of Higher Education, Ministry of Education, Government of India, invites applications from accomplished Indian-origin researchers, scientists, technologists, and professionals from globally reputed universities, laboratories, research institutions, and industries to engage with premier government Higher Education Institutions (HEIs), national laboratories, and research centres across India.
The PMRC Scheme 2026 is designed to connect global Indian talent with India’s rapidly expanding research, development, innovation, and technology ecosystem. Anchored on three core pillars—Lead Institutions, Host Institutions, and PMRC Fellows—the scheme ensures mission-aligned, nationally relevant, and impact-oriented research. Participating institutions and fellows are selected through a rigorous process overseen by an Empowered Committee chaired by the Principal Scientific Advisor to the Government of India.
Seven premier institutions have been identified as Lead Institutions to support implementation across thematic areas: 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 (Indian School of Mines) Dhanbad [IIT (ISM) Dhanbad], and Indian Institute of Science Bengaluru (IISc Bengaluru).
The scheme focuses on 13 thematic areas of national priority:
PMRC Fellows receive fellowship and research grant support, access to laboratories and research infrastructure, and opportunities to work with leading government institutions in India. Host Institutions benefit through international academic collaborations, engagement with globally accomplished researchers and professionals, and expanded research and innovation activities in priority sectors.
Fellows: Eligible candidates include accomplished Indian-origin researchers, scientists, and professionals—including Indian Nationals working abroad, OCI cardholders, and Persons of Indian Origin—from leading global institutions and industries with outstanding achievements in research, innovation, and technology.
The scheme provides opportunities under three categories: Young Research Fellows for early career researchers, Senior Research Fellows for experienced researchers, and Research Chairs for globally accomplished research leaders.
Host Institutions: Eligible Host Institutions include Government Higher Educational 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 and research institutions 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), among others.
Applications from Fellows and Host Institutions are accepted through the PMRC Portal. For detailed guidelines, eligibility criteria, and application procedures, prospective applicants may visit the official website.
Applications open: 1 June 2026
Applications are submitted via the PMRC Portal at https://pmrc.education.gov.in/.
For detailed guidelines, eligibility criteria, and application procedures, visit the PMRC Portal: https://pmrc.education.gov.in/.
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Submission Deadline
Throughout the year
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