Sarkari Yojana
Prime Minister Research Chair (PMRC) Scheme – For Fellows
About Prime Minister Research Chair (PMRC) Scheme – For Fellows
A flagship national initiative of the Department of Higher Education, Ministry of Education, Government of India, the Prime Minister Research Chair (PMRC) Scheme works to draw distinguished Indian-origin researchers, scientists, and professionals based abroad into premier government higher education institutions and national research laboratories in India, where they can pursue cutting-edge research. By placing globally experienced researchers and professionals inside leading Indian higher education and research institutions, the scheme supports high-impact research, teaching, and mentorship in strategic and emerging fields. Structured, long-term engagements aligned to national priorities are meant to establish India as a global centre of academic and research excellence. Objectives:
- Build industry and technology partnerships that help scale up research
- Strengthen India’s standing in global research
- Raise research quality and deepen international collaboration
- Build R&D capacity within Higher Education Institutions (HEIs)
- Spot talent and bring it into India’s R&D ecosystem
- Offer mentorship in specialised areas
The scheme supports Research, Development and Innovation (RDI) activity by PMRC Fellows across the following thematic areas:
- Advanced Materials, Rare-earth & Critical Minerals
- Energy, Sustainability and Climate Change
- Agri & Food Technologies
- Semiconductors
- Advanced Computing (Supercomputing, AI, Quantum Computing)
- Healthcare & MedTech
- Space and Defence
- Next-Gen Communications, including Quantum Communication
- Blue Economy
- Cybersecurity
- Manufacturing & Industry 4.0
- Biotechnology
- Atomic Energy
- Any other project aligned with the National Missions
Scheme Overview
Central Government
Ministry of Education
Individual
Scheme Details
Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for Prime Minister Research Chair (PMRC) Scheme - For Fellows, applicants must satisfy the following conditions:
Fellows eligible under the Scheme include
Fellows eligible under the Scheme include:
Researchers, scientists, and professionals of Indian origin (Indian nationals, Overseas Citizens of India, or Persons of Indian Origin) currently working at reputed foreign HEIs, research laboratories, research institutions, companies, or other industries.
The Fellowship requires physical presence at the Host Institution. Support is extended for a pre-set duration, capped at a maximum tenure of 5 years depending on the candidate's performance.
Fellows need a distinguished research record, demonstrated through…
Fellows need a distinguished research record, demonstrated through publications, patents, awards, citations, or other internationally recognised markers of excellence, and must be prepared to commit to the specified engagement period and its duties, which include research, teaching, and mentorship. Candidates already based in India remain eligible too, so long as they satisfy the Indian-origin condition and any other requirements the Empowered Committee sets.
PMRC Fellows are expected to
PMRC Fellows are expected to:
Carry out original, high-impact research in the chosen priority sector(s) alongside the Host
Teach and help design courses, enriching the curriculum
Guide doctoral, postdoctoral, and postgraduate students as well as junior researchers
Enable international collaborations, joint publications, and co-funded R&D projects
Work with industry partners to encourage applied research and the real-world uptake of research outcomes
Work to convert research ideas into commercial products; patents arising from PMRC-funded work matter greatly for linking research to industry-aligned innovation, and Fellows are supported through the patenting process
File periodic progress reports and take part in evaluations as the Empowered Committee directs
Categories of Engagement
The Scheme aims to bring on board at least 120 distinguished researchers/scientists/professionals over the next five years (2026-27 to 2030-31), spread across these categories:
Young Research Fellows: Early-career researchers/professionals with up to 5 years of post-PhD experience gained outside India
Senior Fellows: Mid-career researchers/professionals with 5 to less than 10 years of post-PhD experience gained outside India
Research Chairs: Eminent researchers/professionals with 10 or more years of post-PhD experience gained outside India
Note: The Empowered Committee will finalise the eligibility criteria used to select researchers/professionals, projects, and institutes.
Benefits Provided
Prime Minister Research Chair (PMRC) Scheme - For Fellows provides the following benefits to eligible applicants:
By tapping into India's worldwide scientific diaspora, the scheme strengthens domestic research capacity, speeds up innovation in cutting-edge fields, and backs national development missions. Embedding global expertise within India's leading government institutions sustains collaboration, institutional learning, and real-world outcomes. Fellows under the scheme receive the following benefits:
A competitive fellowship fee that rises with annual…
A competitive fellowship fee that rises with annual increments
A one-time research grant to get the project…
A one-time research grant to get the project underway
Residential and medical allowances
Residential and medical allowances
Relocation benefits tied to the tenure
Relocation benefits tied to the tenure
Access to advanced research infrastructure and facilities
Access to advanced research infrastructure and facilities
Enhanced academic visibility, recognition, and leadership opportunities
Enhanced academic visibility, recognition, and leadership opportunities
Documents Required
Applicants should keep the following documents ready before starting the application:
A curriculum vitae listing all publications, patents, awards,…
A curriculum vitae listing all publications, patents, awards, and international engagements, together with proof of past work experience and educational qualifications
Documentation covering citizenship, visa status, and any other…
Documentation covering citizenship, visa status, and any other proof supporting domicile or residency
A record of research outputs, patents granted and…
A record of research outputs, patents granted and commercialised, and other research or professional achievements relevant to the chosen thematic area
Information on the preferred Host Institution, if any,…
Information on the preferred Host Institution, if any, along with reasons for that preference
Any other document that may be requested
Any other document that may be requested
How to Apply
Online Application
Applicants can apply for Prime Minister Research Chair (PMRC) Scheme - For Fellows through the online application process outlined below.
Applications must be filed through the official PMRC portal.
Explore Thematic Areas
Explore Thematic Areas: Fellows go through the listed thematic areas to grasp the scope and nature of problems PMRC is designed to address.
Submission of Application
Submission of Application: The applicant files a complete application, including a curriculum vitae, the preferred thematic area, and a detailed academic profile.
Evaluation by Expert Committees
Evaluation by Expert Committees: Expert Committees assess the profiles submitted by prospective PMRC Fellows.
Selection & Project Launch
Selection & Project Launch: Selected PMRC Fellows begin research projects at their mapped Host Institution, backed by funding, mentorship, and infrastructure. Note 1: The Empowered Committee has the option of recommending exceptionally qualified researchers and professionals for the Fellowship, candidates capable of significantly lifting the quality and direction of research, development, and innovation in particular thematic areas. Note 2: Queries regarding this Call for Applications may be directed to: contact.pmrc@gov.in
Objectives
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Official Application & Website
Verify the latest eligibility, dates and instructions before applying.