Prime Minister Research Chair (PMRC) Scheme 2026 | Apply for Prestigious Research Fellowships and Research Chair Positions

About the Prime Minister Research Chair (PMRC) Scheme

The Prime Minister Research Chair (PMRC) Scheme is a flagship Central Sector initiative of the Government of India aimed at strengthening the country's research, development, and innovation ecosystem. The scheme seeks to attract highly accomplished researchers, scientists, innovators, and professionals of Indian origin who are currently working in leading universities, research institutions, laboratories, and industries across the globe.

Through this initiative, selected fellows will undertake high-impact research, mentor students and young researchers, contribute to teaching activities, and support national missions in strategic areas of science, technology, engineering, healthcare, sustainability, and innovation.

The scheme will be implemented over a five-year period from FY 2026-27 to FY 2030-31 and aims to engage at least 120 distinguished researchers across multiple disciplines.

Important Dates

Application Start Date: 1 June 2026

Application Closing Date: 15 July 2026

Engagement Period: Up to 5 Years

Scheme Duration: FY 2026-27 to FY 2030-31

Categories of Engagement

The PMRC Scheme provides opportunities under three categories based on research experience and professional achievements.

Young Research Fellows (YRF)

Young Research Fellows are early-career researchers and professionals with up to five years of post-PhD experience outside India. This category is designed to support emerging leaders in research and innovation.

Senior Fellows (SF)

Senior Fellows are mid-career researchers and professionals with five to less than ten years of post-PhD experience outside India. They are expected to contribute significantly to advanced research and institutional development.

Research Chairs (RC)

Research Chairs are eminent researchers, scientists, and professionals with ten or more years of post-PhD experience outside India. They are expected to lead major research initiatives, foster collaborations, and mentor future generations of researchers.

Financial Support

The PMRC Scheme offers attractive financial support packages that include fellowship fees, research grants, relocation benefits, residential allowances, and institutional support.

Young Research Fellows (YRF)

• Fellowship Fee: ₹15 lakh to ₹20 lakh per year
• Research Grant: ₹1.00 crore to ₹1.50 crore
• Residential and Medical Allowance: ₹5 lakh per year
• Relocation Benefit: ₹30 lakh (one-time)
• Institutional Overheads: ₹20 lakh per year

Senior Fellows (SF)

• Fellowship Fee: ₹20 lakh to ₹40 lakh per year
• Research Grant: ₹1.50 crore to ₹2.50 crore
• Residential and Medical Allowance: ₹9 lakh per year
• Relocation Benefit: ₹40 lakh (one-time)
• Institutional Overheads: ₹30 lakh per year

Research Chairs (RC)

• Fellowship Fee: ₹40 lakh to ₹60 lakh per year
• Research Grant: ₹3.00 crore to ₹5.00 crore
• Residential and Medical Allowance: ₹15 lakh per year
• Relocation Benefit: ₹50 lakh (one-time)
• Institutional Overheads: ₹1.00 crore per year

Eligibility Criteria for Fellows

Applicants must satisfy the following requirements:

• Must be of Indian origin.
• Indian Citizens, Overseas Citizens of India (OCI), and Persons of Indian Origin (PIO) are eligible.
• Must be associated with leading foreign universities, research institutions, laboratories, or reputed industries.
• Must possess an outstanding record of research, innovation, publications, patents, citations, awards, or technological contributions.
• Must be willing to undertake an in-person engagement at the host institution in India.
• Must actively contribute to research, teaching, mentoring, and institutional development activities.

Researchers currently residing in India may also be considered, subject to meeting the Indian-origin requirements and other conditions prescribed by the Empowered Committee.

Eligibility Criteria for Host Institutions

Eligible host institutions must be government-funded and meet at least one of the following criteria:

• Ranked among the Top 100 institutions in the NIRF Overall Rankings.
• Ranked among the Top 100 institutions in the NIRF Engineering Rankings.
• Ranked among the Top 50 institutions in the NIRF Research Rankings.
• National laboratories and premier research institutes operating under agencies such as DBT, DST, CSIR, ICMR, and other approved Government of India organizations.

Research Areas Supported

Research proposals must align with one or more national priority sectors, including:

• Advanced Materials, Rare-Earth and Critical Minerals
• Energy, Sustainability and Climate Change
• Agriculture and Food Technologies
• Semiconductors
• Advanced Computing, Artificial Intelligence and Quantum Computing
• Healthcare and Medical Technologies
• Space and Defence Technologies
• Next-Generation Communications and Quantum Communication
• Blue Economy
• Cybersecurity
• Manufacturing and Industry 4.0
• Biotechnology
• Atomic Energy
• Other Research Areas Aligned with National Missions

Application Process

Applications from both institutions and individual fellows must be submitted through the official PMRC online portal.

Institutions are required to submit detailed project proposals, institutional research strengths, expected outcomes, and a recommendation list of up to three preferred fellows.

Applicants must submit an updated Curriculum Vitae (CV), publication records, patent details, research achievements, citizenship or residency proof, and preferred host institution details.

Benefits of the PMRC Scheme

The Prime Minister Research Chair Scheme provides a unique opportunity for globally accomplished researchers to contribute to India's scientific advancement while receiving significant financial and institutional support.

Key benefits include:

• Competitive fellowship support
• Multi-crore research grants
• Relocation assistance
• Residential and medical support
• Access to premier research infrastructure
• Opportunities for international collaboration
• Teaching and mentoring opportunities
• Contribution to national strategic missions

Contact Information

For official queries regarding the PMRC Scheme, applicants may contact:

Email: contact.pmrc@gov.in

Notification: https://pmrc.education.gov.in/gallery/PMRC-Call%20for%20Applications.pdf