The Department of Higher Education under the Ministry of Education has launched applications for the Prime Minister Research Chair (PMRC) Scheme 2026, a flagship initiative aimed at attracting accomplished Indian-origin researchers, scientists, technologists, and professionals from leading global institutions to contribute to India’s growing research and innovation ecosystem.
The scheme seeks to connect global Indian talent with premier government higher education institutions, national laboratories, and research centres across India. It focuses on strengthening research and technological advancement in 13 priority sectors, including artificial intelligence, quantum computing, semiconductors, cybersecurity, biotechnology, healthcare, energy, climate change, advanced materials, space and defence, manufacturing, agri-tech, blue economy, and atomic energy.
The PMRC Scheme is built on three pillars—Lead Institutions, Host Institutions, and PMRC Fellows—to ensure mission-oriented and nationally relevant research. Selection of institutions and fellows will be conducted through a rigorous process overseen by an Empowered Committee chaired by the Principal Scientific Advisor to the Government of India.
Selected PMRC Fellows will receive fellowship support, research grants, access to world-class laboratories, and opportunities to collaborate with leading Indian institutions. The scheme offers participation through three categories: Young Research Fellows, Senior Research Fellows, and Research Chairs, catering to researchers at different stages of their careers.
Eligible applicants include Indian nationals working abroad, Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) cardholders, and Persons of Indian Origin with distinguished achievements in research, innovation, and technology. Eligible host institutions include top-ranked government higher educational institutions, national laboratories, and research organisations under agencies such as DST, DBT, ICMR, and CSIR.
Seven premier institutions, including IIT Delhi, IIT Bombay, IIT Madras, IIT Kanpur, IIT Hyderabad, IIT (ISM) Dhanbad, and IISc Bengaluru, have been designated as Lead Institutions. Applications from fellows and host institutions opened on June 1, 2026, through the PMRC portal.
