Prime Minister Research Chair Scheme

Prime Minister Research Chair Scheme Latest News

Recently, the Department of Higher Education, Ministry of Education, Government of India, invites applications for the Prime Minister Research Chair (PMRC) Scheme 2026. 

About Prime Minister Research Chair Scheme

• It is a flagship national initiative aimed to attract accomplished Indian origin researchers and professionals from leading global institutions and industries with outstanding achievements in research, innovation, and technology.
• It seeks to connect global Indian talent with premier government higher education institutions, national laboratories and research centres across the country.

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Features of Prime Minister Research Chair Scheme

• It will focus on 13 priority sectors namely;
  • Artificial intelligence, Quantum computing, Semiconductors, Energy and climate change, cybersecurity, Healthcare and medical technology, Biotechnology, Advanced materials, space and defence, Next-generation communications, Manufacturing, Agriculture and food technologies, Blue economy, and atomic energy.
• It is anchored on three core pillars: Lead Institutions, Host Institutions, and PMRC Fellows to ensure research projects are aligned with national priorities and deliver measurable outcomes.
• Selection Process: Participating institutions and fellows will be selected through a rigorous process overseen by an Empowered Committee chaired by the Principal Scientific Advisor to the Government of India.
  • PMRC Fellows will receive fellowship and research grant support, access to laboratories and research infrastructure and opportunities to work with leading government institutions in India.
  • Host Institutions under the it  will benefit through international academic collaborations, engagement with globally accomplished researchers and professionals, and expanded research and innovation activities in priority sectors.
• It offers three categories of engagement namely Young Research Fellows for early career researchers, Senior Research Fellows for experienced researchers, and Research Chairs for globally accomplished research leaders.
• Eligible Fellows: It includes accomplished Indian origin researchers, scientists, and professionals, including Indian Nationals working abroad, OCI cardholders, and Persons of Indian Origin.
• Host Institutions
  • Government Higher Educational Institutions ranked among the Top 100 in NIRF Overall or Engineering categories, or Top 50 in the NIRF Research category,
  • National laboratories and research institutions under agencies such as Department of Science and Technology (DST), Department of Biotechnology (DBT), Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), and Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), among others.
• 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 (Indian School of Mines) Dhanbad [IIT (ISM) Dhanbad]
  • Indian Institute of Science Bengaluru (IISc Bengaluru)

Source: PIB