Ministry of Education's Department of Higher Education invites applications for Prime Minister Research Chair (PMRC) Scheme 2026
Scheme aims to attract Indian-origin researchers, scientists, technologists, and professionals from globally reputed universities, laboratories, research institutions, and industries
Three main pillars: Leading Institutions, Host Institutions, and PMRC Fellows
Selection process supervised by a powerful committee chaired by Government of India's Principal Scientific Advisor
Three fellowship categories: Young Research Fellow (for early career researchers), Senior Research Fellow (for experienced researchers), Research Chair (for globally renowned research luminaries)
Eligible fellows include Indian-origin distinguished researchers, including Indian citizens working abroad, OCI cardholders, and persons of Indian origin
Eligible host institutions include:
Government Higher Education Institutions ranked in top 100 overall or engineering categories of NIRF
Institutions ranked in top 50 in NIRF research category
Top national laboratories and research institutions under agencies including Department of Science and Technology (DST), Department of Biotechnology (DBT), Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), and Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR)
Seven leading institutions identified to support implementation:
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 Bangalore (IISc Bangalore)
Application process started on 1 June 2026 on PMRC portal
Detailed guidelines, eligibility criteria, and application process available at https://pmrc.education.gov.in