The Department of Higher Education, Ministry of Education, Government of India has launched applications for the Prime Minister Research Chair (PMRC) Scheme 2026, a flagship national initiative designed to attract accomplished Indian-origin researchers, scientists, technologists, and professionals from globally reputed universities, laboratories, research institutions, and industries to premier government Higher Education Institutions (HEIs), national laboratories, and research centres across India.
The Scheme aims to connect global Indian talent with India's rapidly expanding research, development, innovation, and technology ecosystem across 13 thematic areas of national priority: Advanced Computing (AI, Quantum Computing & Supercomputing), Semiconductors, Energy, Sustainability & Climate Change, Cybersecurity, Healthcare & MedTech, Biotechnology, Advanced Materials & Critical Minerals, Space & Defence, Next-Generation Communications, Manufacturing & Industry 4.0, Agri & Food Technologies, Blue Economy, and Atomic Energy.
The Scheme is anchored on three core pillars: Lead Institutions, Host Institutions, and PMRC Fellows, designed to ensure mission-aligned, nationally relevant, and impact-oriented research. Seven premier institutions have been identified 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 (Indian School of Mines) Dhanbad, and Indian Institute of Science Bengaluru (IISc Bengaluru).
Eligible Host Institutions include Government Higher Educational Institutions ranked among the Top 100 in NIRF Overall or Engineering categories, or Top 50 in the NIRF Research category, along with top 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).
The Scheme provides opportunities for engagement under three categories: Young Research Fellows for early career researchers, Senior Research Fellows for experienced researchers, and Research Chairs for globally accomplished research leaders. Eligible Fellows include accomplished Indian origin researchers, scientists, and professionals, including Indian Nationals working abroad, OCI cardholders, and Persons of Indian Origin from leading global institutions and industries with outstanding achievements in research, innovation, and technology.
Applications from Fellows and Host Institutions will open from 1 June 2026 on the PMRC Portal (https://pmrc.education.gov.in/). The selection process will be overseen by an Empowered Committee chaired by the Principal Scientific Advisor to the Government of India.