The Department of Higher Education, Ministry of Education, Government of India, invites 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 will connect global Indian talent with India's rapidly expanding research, development, innovation, and technology ecosystem across 13 thematic areas of national priority, which include.

1. Advanced Computing (AI, Quantum Computing & Supercomputing)
2. Semiconductors
3. Energy, Sustainability & Climate Change
4. Cybersecurity
5. Healthcare & MedTech
6. Biotechnology
7. Advanced Materials & Critical Minerals
8. Space & Defence
9. Next-Generation Communications
10. Manufacturing & Industry 4.0
11. Agri & Food Technologies
12. Blue Economy
13. Atomic Energy

Anchored on three core pillars: Lead Institutions, Host Institutions, and PMRC Fellows, the Scheme is designed to ensure mission-aligned, nationally relevant, and impact-oriented research. Participating institutions and fellows will be selected through a rigorous process overseen by an Empowered Committee chaired by the Principal Scientific Advisor to the Government of India.

PMRC Fellows will receive fellowship and research grant support, access to laboratories and research infrastructure and opportunities to work with leading government institutions in India.

Host Institutions under the Scheme will benefit through international academic collaborations, engagement with globally accomplished researchers and professionals, and expanded research and innovation activities in priority sectors.

The Scheme provides opportunities for engagement under three categories namely Young Research Fellows for early career researchers, Senior Research Fellows for experienced researchers, and Research Chairs for globally accomplished research leaders.

Eligible Fellows under the PMRC Scheme include accomplished Indian origin researchers, scientists, and professionals, including Indian Nationals working abroad, OCI cardholders, and Persons of Indian Origin. The Scheme aims to attract accomplished Indian origin researchers and professionals from leading global institutions and industries with outstanding achievements in research, innovation, and technology.

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), among others.

To support implementation across thematic areas, seven (07) premier institutions have been identified as Lead Institutions:

1. Indian Institute of Technology Delhi (IIT Delhi)
2. Indian Institute of Technology Bombay (IIT Bombay)
3. Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT Madras)
4. Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur (IIT Kanpur)
5. Indian Institute of Technology Hyderabad (IIT Hyderabad)
6. Indian Institute of Technology (Indian School of Mines) Dhanbad [IIT (ISM) Dhanbad]
7. Indian Institute of Science Bengaluru (IISc Bengaluru)

Applications from Fellows and Host Institutions will open from 1 June 2026 on the PMRC Portal.

For detailed guidelines, eligibility criteria, and application procedures, visit:
https://pmrc.education.gov.in/

Be a part of Bharat’s next chapter of research, innovation, and nation-building. Join India’s journey towards an Aatmanirbhar and Viksit Bharat.

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