Government Launches PMRC Scheme 2026 to Attract Top Indian-Origin Researchers

The Department of Higher Education under the Ministry of Education has launched the applications for the Prime Minister Research Chair (PMRC) Scheme 2026. This flagship initiative aims to attract the accomplished Indian-origin researchers, scientists, technologists and industry experts from leading institutions worldwide to contribute to the India’s growing landscape.

What is the Prime Minister Research Chair (PMRC) Scheme?

The Prime Minister Research Chair (PMRC) Scheme is a national initiative which is designed to bring highly accomplished Indian-origin experts from all around the world from reputed universities, laboratories, research institutions and industries to work with the India’s premier higher education institutions and research organizations.

The scheme also aims to strengthen the India’s capabilities in research, development, innovation and the emerging technologies by facilitating the collaboration between global experts and Indian institutions.

The program focuses on to creating the high-impact research outcomes that align with the national development priorities and future technological needs.

Objectives of the PMRC Scheme

The PMRC Scheme has been launched with the objective of leveraging the expertise of the Indian diaspora to accelerate the country’s scientific and technological progress.

The initiative seeks to,

• Attract the global Indian talent to India’s research ecosystem
• It will promotes the world-class research and innovation
• Strengthen the collaborations between Indian and international institutions
• Support strategic sectors critical for national development
• Enhance India’s global competitiveness in science and technology
• Contribute to the goals of Aatmanirbhar Bharat and Viksit Bharat

The scheme showcases the government’s growing emphasis on the knowledge-driven economic growth and innovation-led development.

Thirteen Priority Areas Under PMRC Scheme

The PMRC Scheme will focuses on the 13 thematic areas of national importance and covering the emerging and strategic sectors that are expected to shape India’s future.

Priority Areas

1. Advanced Computing (AI, Quantum Computing & Supercomputing)
2. Semiconductors
3. Energy, Sustainability and Climate Change
4. Cybersecurity
5. Healthcare and Medical Technology
6. Biotechnology
7. Advanced Materials and Critical Minerals
8. Space and Defence
9. Next-Generation Communications
10. Manufacturing and Industry 4.0
11. Agriculture and Food Technologies
12. Blue Economy
13. Atomic Energy

These sectors have been identified as thevital for the strengthening of the India’s scientific leadership and economic competitiveness.

Three-Pillar Structure of the PMRC Scheme

The scheme is built around the three key pillars that ensures the effective implementation and impactful outcomes.

1. Lead Institutions

Lead Institutions will coordinate the research activities within their designated thematic areas and it provides the strategic guidance for project implementation.

2. Host Institutions

Host Institutions will offer the research infrastructure, laboratory facilities, academic support and collaborative opportunities for PMRC Fellows.

3. PMRC Fellows

The Fellows will be accomplished the researchers and professionals who will contribute their expertise towards solving the national challenges and advancing innovation.

This three-tier framework is designed to ensure the mission-oriented and outcome-driven research.

Categories of PMRC Fellows

To attract the talent at the different career stages this scheme offers the three categories of fellowships.

1. Young Research Fellows

This category is intended for the promising early-career researchers with the backing of strong academic and research credentials.

2. Senior Research Fellows

Experienced researchers with the established expertise and significant contributions to their respective fields will be eligible under this category.

3. Research Chairs

Also the globally recognized research leaders and distinguished experts with the outstanding achievements in science, innovation and technology will be appointed as Research Chairs.

This structure allows the India to benefit from expertise across the all levels of research leadership.

Who Can Apply?

The PMRC Scheme is open to the all accomplished Indian-origin researchers and professionals  who are working across the world.

Eligible Applicants

• Indian Nationals who are working abroad
• Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) Cardholders
• Persons of the Indian Origin (PIO)
• Scientists and researchers from reputed global institutions
• Technology and industry leaders with significant achievements

Eligible Host Institutions

The government has also identified the leading educational and research institutions across India that can participate as the Host Institutions.

Eligible institutions includes the,

• Government Higher Educational Institutions ranked among the Top 100 in the NIRF Overall or Engineering categories
• Top 50 institutions in the NIRF Research category
• National laboratories and research centres under:
• Department of Science and Technology (DST)
• Department of Biotechnology (DBT)
• Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR)
• Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR)

These institutions will provides the necessary ecosystem for the high quality research and innovation.

Seven Lead Institutions Identified

To support the implementation across the thematic sectors, seven premier institutions have been designated as the Lead Institutions.

Lead Institutions

1. Indian Institute of Technology Delhi
2. Indian Institute of Technology Bombay
3. Indian Institute of Technology Madras
4. Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur
5. Indian Institute of Technology Hyderabad
6. Indian Institute of Technology (Indian School of Mines) Dhanbad
7. Indian Institute of Science Bengaluru

These institutions will play the pivotal role in coordinating and advancing research efforts under the PMRC programme.

Benefits for Researchers and Institutions

The PMRC Scheme offers the substantial support to both fellows and host institutions.

Benefits for Fellows

• The fellowship support
• Research grants
• Access to the advanced laboratories and infrastructure
• Collaboration opportunities with the leading Indian institutions
• Participation in the nationally important research program

Benefits for Host Institutions

• International academic collaborations
• Access to the global expertise
• Enhanced research output
• Increased innovation activities
• Stronger global academic networks

These benefits are also expected to strengthen the India’s research ecosystem and improve global competitiveness.

How to Apply?

Applications from the both Fellows and Host Institutions will opened from 1st June 2026.

Interested candidates can access the detailed guidelines, eligibility criteria and application procedures through the official PMRC portal.

The selection process for this scheme will be overseen by the Empowered Committee which will be chaired by the Principal Scientific Advisor to the Government of India.