 Scheme, a major initiative aimed at strengthening the country's research and development ecosystem){kind=link}
The Government of India has launched the Prime Minister Research Chair (PMRC) Scheme, a major initiative aimed at strengthening the country’s research and development ecosystem by attracting distinguished Indian-origin scientists, researchers and professionals working abroad.
The scheme seeks to bring global talent to India’s leading universities and national research laboratories, enabling them to contribute to cutting-edge research, innovation and technology development aligned with the country’s long-term strategic goals.
Focus On Critical Research Areas
The PMRC Scheme will support research across 13 broad thematic sectors considered crucial to India’s scientific and technological advancement.
These include:
- Advanced materials and critical minerals
- Energy and climate change
- Agriculture and food technologies
- Semiconductors
- Artificial Intelligence, quantum technologies and supercomputing
- Healthcare and medical technologies
- Space and defence technologies
- Quantum communication
- Cybersecurity
- Manufacturing and Industry 4.0
- Biotechnology
- Atomic energy
- Blue economy and other national mission-driven projects
The government said these focus areas will be reviewed periodically to remain aligned with evolving national priorities and emerging global scientific trends.
Three-Tier Framework To Drive Research
The scheme will operate through a structured three-pillar framework comprising:
- Lead Institutions
- Host Institutions
- PMRC Fellows
An Empowered Committee headed by the Principal Scientific Advisor to the Government of India will identify institutions participating in the programme.
For each thematic area, a Lead Institution will be selected to provide strategic guidance, maintain research standards and ensure overall coordination. These institutions will also evaluate and approve Host Institutions working within their respective domains.
Which Institutions Are Eligible?
Government higher education institutions and national research laboratories can participate as Host Institutions under the scheme.
Eligible institutions include:
- Universities ranked among the top 100 in NIRF Overall and Engineering categories
- Institutions ranked among the top 50 in the NIRF Research category
- National laboratories and research centres under organisations such as:
- Department of Biotechnology (DBT)
- Department of Science and Technology (DST)
- Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR)
- Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR)
Participating institutions must demonstrate strong research capabilities, active industry partnerships, patent commercialisation experience and robust innovation ecosystems.
They will also be required to provide infrastructure support, including laboratories, computational facilities, libraries and assistance for publications and patent filing.
Three Categories Of PMRC Fellows
Researchers selected under the scheme will be placed into three categories based on their international post-doctoral experience:
Young Research Fellows (YRF)
- Up to five years of post-PhD experience abroad
Senior Fellows (SF)
- Between five and ten years of post-PhD experience abroad
Research Chairs (RC)
- More than ten years of post-PhD experience abroad
The government plans to engage at least 120 researchers between 2026-27 and 2030-31 through these categories.
Responsibilities Of PMRC Fellows
Selected fellows will work on approved research projects at Host Institutions and contribute to national development goals such as Atmanirbhar Bharat and Viksit Bharat 2047.
Their responsibilities will include:
- Conducting high-impact research
- Teaching and curriculum development
- Mentoring students and young researchers
- Facilitating international collaborations
- Working with industry partners
- Supporting technology transfer and commercialisation
- Generating patents, products and innovation-driven solutions
Financial Support And Benefits
The PMRC Scheme offers comprehensive financial support covering:
- Fellowship remuneration
- Research grants
- Relocation assistance
- Medical benefits
- Residential support
- Institutional overhead expenses
The funding structure has been designed to provide researchers with the resources needed to undertake world-class research while helping institutions strengthen their innovation ecosystems.
Application Process
Host Institutions will be required to submit detailed research proposals through the official PMRC portal. These proposals must include:
- Research objectives
- Infrastructure details
- Institutional strengths
- Potential fellow recommendations
Researchers applying under the scheme must provide:
- Academic credentials
- Professional experience
- Publication records
- Patents and awards
- International research experience
- Preferred Host Institution details
The Empowered Committee will also have the authority to directly recommend exceptional candidates with outstanding research achievements.
Expected Impact
The government expects the PMRC Scheme to play a significant role in:
- Bringing global Indian talent back to India
- Strengthening academia-industry collaboration
- Increasing high-quality research output
- Enhancing patent generation and technology commercialisation
- Improving research infrastructure
- Raising India’s position in global innovation and research rankings
The initiative is being viewed as a strategic effort to reverse brain drain while creating a stronger innovation ecosystem capable of supporting India’s ambitions in emerging technologies and scientific leadership.