Govt Invites Applications for Prime Minister Research Chair Scheme 2026

The Prime Minister Research Chair Scheme is one of the country's most ambitious efforts to leverage the expertise of Indian-origin researchers and professionals working in leading global institutions.

The Department of Higher Education under the Ministry of Education has launched the Prime Minister Research Chair (PMRC) Scheme 2026, a major national initiative aimed at attracting accomplished Indian-origin researchers, scientists, technologists and industry professionals from around the world to contribute to India's growing research, innovation and technology ecosystem.

The scheme is designed to bring leading global Indian talent back into India's academic and research landscape by creating opportunities for collaboration with premier higher education institutions, national laboratories and research centres across the country.

Through this initiative, the Government of India seeks to strengthen the nation's capabilities in critical technology and research domains while accelerating progress towards the vision of an Aatmanirbhar Bharat and Viksit Bharat.

Applications for both fellows and host institutions opened on 1 June 2026 through the dedicated PMRC online portal.

Strengthening India's Research Ecosystem

The Prime Minister Research Chair Scheme is one of the country's most ambitious efforts to leverage the expertise of Indian-origin researchers and professionals working in leading global institutions. The programme aims to connect India's rapidly expanding research and development ecosystem with distinguished experts currently contributing to globally reputed universities, laboratories, research institutions and industries.

Government officials believe the initiative will help bridge knowledge gaps, foster international collaborations and accelerate innovation in strategically important sectors. The scheme also reflects India's increasing focus on building world-class research capabilities that can support economic growth, technological self-reliance and global competitiveness.

Focus on 13 Strategic Areas of National Importance

The PMRC Scheme has been designed around 13 thematic areas identified as critical to India's future development and technological advancement.

These priority sectors include:

Advanced Computing

Research in Artificial Intelligence (AI), Quantum Computing and Supercomputing technologies.

Semiconductors

Development of semiconductor technologies and strengthening India's chip manufacturing ecosystem.

Energy, Sustainability and Climate Change

Innovations aimed at supporting clean energy, environmental sustainability and climate resilience.

Cybersecurity

Advanced research in digital security, cyber defence and secure digital infrastructure.

Healthcare and Medical Technology

Development of next-generation healthcare solutions, diagnostics, medical devices and digital health systems.

Biotechnology

Research focused on biological sciences, bioengineering and life sciences innovation.

Advanced Materials and Critical Minerals

Exploration of advanced materials, rare earth elements and critical mineral technologies.

Space and Defence

Research supporting national security, aerospace technologies and space exploration.

Next-Generation Communications

Advancement of future communication technologies and digital connectivity systems.

Manufacturing and Industry 4.0

Development of smart manufacturing technologies, automation and industrial innovation.

Agriculture and Food Technologies

Research aimed at improving agricultural productivity, food security and sustainable farming practices.

Blue Economy

Innovations related to marine resources, coastal development and ocean-based industries.

Atomic Energy

Research supporting nuclear science, energy security and strategic technologies.

Government officials say these sectors have been selected because of their strategic significance to India's long-term development goals and their potential to drive innovation-led economic growth.

Built Around Three Core Pillars

The PMRC Scheme has been structured around three key pillars designed to ensure effective implementation and measurable outcomes.

These pillars are:

Lead Institutions

Premier institutions that will provide thematic leadership and coordination across priority sectors.

Host Institutions

Universities, research centres and laboratories where selected fellows will undertake research and innovation activities.

PMRC Fellows

Accomplished researchers, scientists and professionals who will contribute their expertise to India's research ecosystem.

Together, these components are intended to create a mission-driven framework focused on generating nationally relevant and high-impact research outcomes.

Rigorous Selection Process Planned

The Government has emphasised that participation in the PMRC Scheme will be based on a highly competitive and transparent selection process.

An Empowered Committee chaired by the Principal Scientific Advisor to the Government of India will oversee the evaluation and selection of institutions and fellows.

The committee will assess applications based on academic excellence, research achievements, innovation potential and alignment with national priorities.

This rigorous approach is intended to ensure that the programme attracts world-class talent capable of making meaningful contributions to India's scientific and technological advancement.

Benefits for PMRC Fellows

Selected fellows under the scheme will receive extensive support to facilitate high-quality research and innovation activities.

Among the benefits available are:

• Fellowship support.

• Research grants.

• Access to advanced laboratories and research infrastructure.

• Opportunities to collaborate with leading government institutions.

• Participation in nationally significant research programmes.

The scheme aims to create an enabling environment that allows researchers to focus on cutting-edge work while contributing to India's strategic development objectives.

Officials believe the programme will provide a unique opportunity for Indian-origin experts abroad to engage directly with India's rapidly evolving research landscape.

Advantages for Host Institutions

The PMRC Scheme is also expected to generate substantial benefits for participating host institutions.

By hosting globally accomplished researchers and professionals, institutions will gain access to international expertise, advanced research methodologies and global networks.

Key benefits include:

• Strengthened international academic collaborations.

• Enhanced research and innovation capacity.

• Increased opportunities for technology development.

• Greater engagement with global scientific communities.

• Expanded research activities in priority sectors.

Government expects these partnerships to improve institutional capabilities while contributing to India's broader research and development goals.

Three Categories of Fellowship Opportunities

To accommodate researchers at different stages of their careers, the scheme offers three distinct categories of engagement.

Young Research Fellows

This category is intended for promising early-career researchers seeking opportunities to contribute to high-impact research projects.

Senior Research Fellows

Designed for experienced researchers who have established track records of achievement in their respective fields.

Research Chairs

Reserved for globally recognised research leaders with exceptional accomplishments in science, technology, innovation or industry.

The multi-tiered structure is intended to create opportunities for a broad spectrum of talent while fostering mentorship and collaboration across generations of researchers.

Who Can Apply?

The PMRC Scheme is specifically targeted at accomplished individuals of Indian origin with demonstrated expertise and international experience.

Eligible applicants include:

• Indian nationals currently working abroad.

• Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) cardholders.

• Persons of Indian Origin (PIO).

• Indian-origin researchers and professionals employed at leading global institutions and industries.

The government is seeking candidates with outstanding achievements in research, innovation, technology development and scientific leadership.

The initiative forms part of a broader effort to engage India's global diaspora and encourage greater participation in national development through science and technology.

Eligibility Criteria for Host Institutions

The scheme is open to selected government higher educational institutions and national research organisations that meet specific eligibility requirements.

Eligible host institutions include:

• Government Higher Educational Institutions ranked among the Top 100 in the National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF) Overall category.

• Institutions ranked among the Top 100 in the NIRF Engineering category.

• Institutions ranked among the Top 50 in the NIRF Research category.

• Leading national laboratories and research organisations.

These include institutions operating 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).

Other premier government research organisations may also participate.

Seven Premier Institutions Named as Lead Institutions

To coordinate implementation across the various thematic areas, the Government has identified seven leading institutions as Lead Institutions under the PMRC Scheme.

These are:

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)

These institutions will play a central role in guiding thematic research activities, coordinating collaborations and supporting implementation across the programme.

Supporting the Vision of Viksit Bharat

The launch of the Prime Minister Research Chair Scheme comes as India intensifies efforts to strengthen its position as a global hub for science, technology and innovation.

By attracting world-class talent from across the globe, the initiative seeks to accelerate the development of advanced technologies, enhance research excellence and contribute to national priorities.

Government officials believe the scheme will play a vital role in building a stronger innovation ecosystem capable of addressing complex societal challenges while supporting economic growth and technological self-reliance.

As India advances towards its goal of becoming a developed nation by 2047, programmes such as the PMRC Scheme are expected to help cultivate the knowledge, expertise and innovation necessary to drive the country's next phase of development.

Applications are now open through the official PMRC portal, where detailed guidelines, eligibility criteria and application procedures are available for interested candidates and institutions.