Research Grant Under Prime Minister Research Chair (PMRC) Scheme
Welcome to the exciting opportunity of contributing to the future of research and innovation in India. The Government of India, through the Department of Higher Education and the Ministry of Education, is inviting applications for the prestigious Prime Minister Research Chair (PMRC) Scheme. This Research Grant aims to bring leading Indian-origin researchers, scientists, and professionals from around the globe to collaborate and conduct cutting-edge research in India’s premier higher education institutions and research laboratories.
CALL FOR APPLICATIONS
Government of India – Department of Higher Education, Ministry of Education
Application Window: June 1, 2026 to July 15, 2026
Engagement Period: Up to 5 years (2026–27 to 2030–31)
SCHEME OVERVIEW
The Prime Minister Research Chair (PMRC) Scheme is a Central Sector Scheme designed to attract and engage leading Indian-origin researchers, scientists, and professionals from abroad. The scheme places these individuals at premier government higher education institutions and national research laboratories in India to undertake cutting-edge research.
OBJECTIVES
- Strengthen India’s research value chain across 13 priority sectors.
- Enable high-impact research, innovation, and mentorship.
- Align research with evolving national priorities and global standards.
- Support the vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat and Viksit Bharat 2047.
SCHEME STRUCTURE
The scheme operates through three pillars: Lead Institutions, Host Institutions, and PMRC Fellows.
- Lead Institutions: Provide strategic direction, coherence, and quality assurance.
- Host Institutions: Engage PMRC Fellows and provide research infrastructure and support.
- PMRC Fellows: Undertake approved research, development, and innovation (RDI) projects.
HOST INSTITUTION ELIGIBILITY
- Government HEIs in Top 100 in NIRF Overall category.
- Government HEIs in Top 100 in NIRF Engineering category.
- Government HEIs in Top 50 in NIRF Research category.
- National laboratories and research institutions under DBT, DST, CSIR, ICMR, and others.
HOST INSTITUTION EXPECTATIONS
Host Institutions should demonstrate:
- Strong RDI environment.
- Industry-academia linkages.
- Patent commercialization history.
- Strong institutional research support.
Institutions are expected to provide:
- Laboratories, libraries, and research facilities.
- Instrumentation and computational resources.
- Collaborative academic environment.
- Publication and institutional support.
- Support for open-access publication and patenting costs arising from jointly produced RDI outputs.
CATEGORIES OF ENGAGEMENT (2026–27 to 2030–31)
The scheme envisions engaging at least 120 distinguished researchers/scientists and professionals in the following categories:
- Young Research Fellows (YRF): Early-career researchers/professionals with up to 5 years of post-PhD experience outside India.
- Senior Fellows (SF): Mid-career researchers/professionals with 5 to less than 10 years of post-PhD experience outside India.
- Research Chairs (RC): Eminent researchers/professionals with 10 years or more of post-PhD experience outside India.
Note: Eligibility criteria for researchers, professionals, projects, and institutes will be finalized by the Empowered Committee.
THEMATIC AREAS
PMRC supports RDI activities in designated thematic areas (Annexure-1).
FINANCIAL SUPPORT
- Young Research Fellows (YRF)
- Fellowship Fee (Annual): ₹0.15–0.20 crore
- Research Grant (One-time): ₹1.0–1.5 crore
- Residential & Medical Allowance (Annual): ₹0.05 crore
- Relocation Benefit (One-time): ₹0.30 crore
- Operational Cost/Institute Overheads (Annual): ₹0.20 crore
- Senior Fellows (SF)
- Fellowship Fee (Annual): ₹0.20–0.40 crore
- Research Grant (One-time): ₹1.5–2.5 crore
- Residential & Medical Allowance (Annual): ₹0.09 crore
- Relocation Benefit (One-time): ₹0.40 crore
- Operational Cost/Institute Overheads (Annual): ₹0.30 crore
- Research Chairs (RC)
- Fellowship Fee (Annual): ₹0.40–0.60 crore
- Research Grant (One-time): ₹3–5 crore*
- Residential & Medical Allowance (Annual): ₹0.15 crore
- Relocation Benefit (One-time): ₹0.50 crore*
- Operational Cost/Institute Overheads (Annual): ₹1 crore
*The Empowered Committee will decide engagement tenure and support based on proposals submitted by Fellows and Host Institutions.
WHO MAY APPLY?
HOST INSTITUTIONS
- Eligible institutions:
- Government HEIs ranked in Top 100 (Overall), Top 100 (Engineering), or Top 50 (Research) under NIRF.
- National laboratories and research institutions under DBT, DST, ICMR, CSIR, and others.
- Requirements:
- Submit project proposals aligned with thematic areas.
- Multiple submissions across themes are allowed.
- Receive and manage PMRC funding for Fellows and research activities.
- May assist Fellows in securing additional support through schemes such as ANRF.
FOR FELLOWS
Applications must be submitted through the official PMRC portal.
Required documents:
- Curriculum Vitae (publications, patents, awards, international engagements).
- Proof of work and education.
- Citizenship, visa, and residency/domicile documentation.
- Details of research outputs, patents granted and commercialized, and other achievements aligned with thematic areas.
- Preferred Host Institution (if any) and rationale.
SPECIAL PROVISION
The Empowered Committee may recommend exceptional high-calibre researchers and professionals whose expertise can significantly strengthen India’s RDI ecosystem.
KEY OUTCOMES
- Stronger academia-industry linkages.
- Enhanced expertise in national R&D priority sectors.
- Improved STEM curriculum and teaching standards.
- Higher quality research and academic outputs in Indian HEIs.
- Greater participation of leading industry partners.
- More co-funded research projects involving industry and global fellows.
- Improved international rankings of Indian HEIs.
- Increased patent filings, commercialization, and innovation outcomes.
CONTACT
For queries related to the Call for Applications:
Email: [email protected]
