The Department of Higher Education under the Ministry of Education has launched the Prime Minister Research Chair (PMRC) Scheme 2026, aimed at enhancing India’s role as a global center for research and technological advancement. This initiative seeks to connect India’s scientific ecosystem with distinguished Indian-origin researchers and professionals from leading institutions worldwide.
The PMRC Scheme focuses on integrating the expertise of Indians abroad into India’s research initiatives. It aims to address national challenges, foster advanced technologies, and support India’s ambitions of becoming a knowledge-driven economy. Applications for both Fellows and Host Institutions have been accepted since June 1, 2026, through the PMRC portal.
Over the last decade, India has made notable strides in research and innovation, facilitated by initiatives like Digital India, Startup India, and Atmanirbhar Bharat, along with increased funding in science and technology. The government maintains that the PMRC Scheme will promote knowledge transfer, build long-term research partnerships, mentor emerging scientists, and enhance innovation capacities.
The PMRC Scheme is aligned with India’s national development goals and emphasizes thirteen strategic sectors, including:
- Advanced Computing, such as Artificial Intelligence and Quantum Computing
- Semiconductors
- Energy, Sustainability, and Climate Change
- Cybersecurity
- Healthcare and Medical Technologies
- Biotechnology
- Advanced Materials and Critical Minerals
- Space and Defence Technologies
- Next-Generation Communications
- Manufacturing and Industry 4.0
- Agriculture and Food Technologies
- Blue Economy
- Atomic Energy
The structure of the PMRC Scheme is based on three pillars: Lead Institutions, Host Institutions, and PMRC Fellows. An Empowered Committee led by the Principal Scientific Advisor to the Government of India will oversee the selection process. Lead Institutions will guide research activities, Host Institutions will facilitate project implementation, and PMRC Fellows will provide their expertise to promote scientific innovation.
Selected PMRC Fellows will receive various forms of support for their research, including fellowship funds, research grants, and access to advanced research facilities. Host Institutions will benefit from global academic networks and collaborations with internationally recognized professionals, which may enhance research outputs and innovation capabilities.
The PMRC Scheme includes three categories for application: Young Research Fellows, Senior Research Fellows, and Research Chairs, targeting accomplished Indian-origin researchers and professionals worldwide. Eligible applicants are:
- Indian nationals currently working abroad
- Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) cardholders
- Persons of Indian Origin (PIO)
Several institutions are eligible to act as Host Institutions, including top government higher educational institutions ranked among the top 100 in the NIRF Overall or Engineering categories or the top 50 in the NIRF Research category. The program also includes premier national laboratories and research institutions under organizations such as the Department of Science and Technology, Department of Biotechnology, Indian Council of Medical Research, and Council of Scientific and Industrial Research.
The following seven premier institutions have been designated as Lead Institutions:
- Indian Institute of Technology, Delhi
- Indian Institute of Technology, Bombay
- Indian Institute of Technology, Madras
- Indian Institute of Technology, Kanpur
- Indian Institute of Technology, Hyderabad
- Indian Institute of Technology (Indian School of Mines), Dhanbad
- Indian Institute of Science, Bengaluru
These institutions will be pivotal in coordinating research efforts and ensuring the program’s successful execution. The PMRC Scheme represents an opportunity for India to leverage global expertise to advance its scientific and technological landscape.
Source: organiser.org via Google News.
