Applications Open for Prime Minister Research Chair Scheme 2026 to Attract Global Indian Talent
New Delhi, June 2: In a significant step towards strengthening India’s research and innovation ecosystem, the Department of Higher Education under the Ministry of Education has launched applications for the Prime Minister Research Chair (PMRC) Scheme 2026, a flagship national initiative aimed at bringing accomplished Indian-origin researchers, scientists, technologists, and industry experts from across the world to India’s leading academic and research institutions.
The PMRC Scheme seeks to connect global Indian talent with India’s rapidly expanding research, development, innovation, and technology landscape. The initiative is expected to support cutting-edge research and foster international collaborations across a wide range of strategic sectors critical to India’s future growth.
Focus on 13 Priority Areas
The scheme will support research and innovation across thirteen nationally significant thematic areas:
- Advanced Computing, including Artificial Intelligence, Quantum Computing and Supercomputing
- 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
Strengthening India’s Research Ecosystem
The PMRC Scheme is built around three key pillars—Lead Institutions, Host Institutions, and PMRC Fellows—to ensure that research projects remain mission-driven, nationally relevant, and outcome-oriented. Selection of institutions and fellows will be carried out through a rigorous evaluation process supervised 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 advanced laboratories and infrastructure, and opportunities to collaborate with premier government institutions and research organizations across India.
Benefits for Host Institutions
Participating institutions will gain access to internationally recognized researchers and industry professionals, helping strengthen global academic partnerships, enhance research capabilities, and accelerate innovation in priority sectors.
Three Fellowship Categories
The scheme offers opportunities under three distinct categories:
- Young Research Fellows – for early-career researchers.
- Senior Research Fellows – for experienced researchers.
- Research Chairs – for globally recognized research leaders.
Eligibility Criteria
The PMRC Scheme is open to accomplished Indian-origin researchers, scientists, technologists, and professionals, including:
- Indian nationals working abroad
- Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) cardholders
- Persons of Indian Origin (PIO)
Applicants are expected to possess exceptional achievements in research, innovation, technology, or industrial leadership at globally reputed universities, research institutions, laboratories, and industries.
Eligible Institutions
Government Higher Educational Institutions ranked among the Top 100 in the NIRF Overall or Engineering categories, or among the Top 50 in the NIRF Research category, are eligible to participate as Host Institutions.
Leading national laboratories and research organizations under agencies such as:
- Department of Science and Technology (DST)
- Department of Biotechnology (DBT)
- Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR)
- Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR)
and other premier institutions are also eligible.
Seven Lead Institutions Identified
To facilitate implementation across various thematic domains, seven premier institutions have been designated as Lead Institutions:
- 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 (ISM) Dhanbad
- Indian Institute of Science (IISc) Bengaluru
Applications Now Open
Applications from both eligible Fellows and Host Institutions opened on June 1, 2026, through the dedicated PMRC online portal.
The Ministry of Education stated that the initiative is expected to play a crucial role in advancing India’s vision of becoming a global hub for scientific research, technological innovation, and knowledge-driven economic growth.
Researchers and institutions interested in participating can access detailed guidelines, eligibility requirements, and application procedures through the official PMRC portal.
The Prime Minister Research Chair Scheme forms part of the broader national effort to accelerate innovation, strengthen research excellence, and contribute towards the vision of an Aatmanirbhar Bharat and Viksit Bharat.
Source: Ministry of Education, Government of India (PIB) | June 2, 2026.
