Government of India · Research Leadership · Indian-Origin Global Talent
The Prime Minister Research Chair (PMRC) Scheme is a Department of Higher Education initiative designed to bring distinguished Indian-origin researchers, scientists and professionals into premier Indian institutions for high-impact research, teaching, mentorship and innovation. The 2026 application cycle is closed.
Current-status correction: the original CareerAidHub article showed 15 July 2026. The official PMRC portal confirms that the deadline was extended to 15 August 2026, and the current call is now closed.
1What Is PMRC?
PMRC is a flagship Government of India initiative intended to embed globally experienced Indian-origin researchers and professionals within leading government higher education institutions and selected national laboratories. The scheme combines research support with teaching, mentoring, institutional capacity-building and links to national missions.
2Three Fellow Categories
Young Research Fellows
Early-career researchers or professionals with 0 to less than 5 years of post-PhD experience.
Senior Fellows
Mid-career researchers or professionals with 5 to less than 10 years of post-PhD experience.
Research Chairs
Eminent researchers or professionals with 10 years or more of post-PhD experience and demonstrated research leadership.
3Who Can Apply?
The scheme targets distinguished Indian-origin researchers, scientists and professionals with international experience. The official call includes Indian nationals abroad, OCI/PIO profiles and high-calibre professionals from universities, research institutions, laboratories and industry, subject to the final eligibility rules applied by the Empowered Committee.
Applicants should demonstrate evidence of excellence such as high-quality publications, patents, research leadership, recognised technology development, major awards, funded projects, industry impact or other significant achievements relevant to the proposed thematic area.
4Eligible Host Institutions
The PMRC portal lists government higher education institutions ranked in the Top 100 NIRF 2025 Overall, Top 100 NIRF 2025 Engineering or Top 50 NIRF 2025 Research, together with selected national laboratories and research institutions under agencies including DST, DBT, CSIR and ICMR.
The host is not a formality. Applicants should show why the proposed institution has the laboratories, collaborators, students, industry links and infrastructure needed for the proposed programme of work.
5Financial Support
| Support | Young Research Fellow | Senior Fellow | Research Chair |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fellowship fee | ₹0.15–0.20 Cr annually | ₹0.20–0.40 Cr annually | ₹0.40–0.60 Cr annually |
| Research grant | ₹1–1.50 Cr one-time | ₹1.50–2.50 Cr one-time | ₹3–5 Cr one-time |
| Residential & medical allowance | ₹0.05 Cr annually | ₹0.09 Cr annually | ₹0.15 Cr annually |
| Relocation benefit | ₹0.30 Cr one-time | ₹0.40 Cr one-time | ₹0.50 Cr one-time |
| Institute overheads / operational cost | ₹0.20 Cr annually | ₹0.30 Cr annually | ₹1 Cr annually |
The official call notes that the Empowered Committee determines engagement tenure in accordance with the approved proposal.
6Priority Thematic Areas
Digital & Frontier Tech
Advanced computing, semiconductors, cybersecurity and next-generation communications.
Science & Engineering
Advanced materials, atomic energy, manufacturing and Industry 4.0.
Health & Bioeconomy
Healthcare and MedTech, biotechnology, agriculture and food technologies.
Strategic & Sustainable Systems
Energy and sustainability, space and defence, blue economy and national-mission-aligned research.
7How the PMRC Process Works
- Fellows and institutions identify a priority theme.
- Host institutions develop domain proposals describing capabilities, problem statements and ecosystem strengths.
- Prospective Fellows submit profiles and proposals through the PMRC process.
- Expert committees evaluate institutional proposals and Fellow profiles.
- Selected Fellows launch projects with host institutions under the approved funding and support structure.
The 2026 cycle opened on 1 June and closed on 15 August 2026 after an extension.
8Applicant Strategy
- Choose one priority theme and define a specific high-impact problem.
- Show independent evidence of research or innovation excellence.
- Explain why the host institution is technically and strategically suitable.
- Define measurable outputs: papers, patents, prototypes, doctoral mentoring, technology transfer or industry collaboration.
- Build a realistic multi-year implementation plan.
- Use verifiable evidence for publications, patents, awards, products and funding.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is PMRC 2026 still open?
No. The official PMRC portal states that the 2026 call closed on 15 August 2026.
Was the deadline extended?
Yes. The official portal lists 15 August 2026 as the extended closing date.
Who is PMRC designed for?
Indian-origin researchers, scientists and professionals with strong international experience and a record of research or innovation excellence.
Can industry professionals apply?
Yes, the scheme includes distinguished professionals from reputed companies and industries where their expertise aligns with PMRC priorities.
What is the largest research grant?
Research Chairs may receive a one-time research grant in the range of ₹3–5 crore, subject to approval.
How long can engagement continue?
The overall scheme runs across 2026–27 to 2030–31, while individual engagement tenure is decided according to the approved proposal.
Official Sources & Verification
Last verified:
What proposal are you talking about? Did you guys even look at the application form before writing this? They are not even asking for a proposal in the application.