The Department of Higher Education Ministry of Education Government of India on 3 June 2026 publicly opened 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 national laboratories and research centres across India. The scheme had been formally launched on 1 June 2026 with applications from both Fellows and Host Institutions opened through the PMRC portal at pmrc.education.gov.in.
The PMRC Scheme 2026 supports work in 13 priority sectors including artificial intelligence semiconductors cybersecurity quantum technologies healthcare biotechnology advanced manufacturing energy transition and climate technologies. It provides opportunities 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. Financial support could reach approximately Rupees 4 crore for Young Research Fellows Rupees 6.5 crore for Senior Research Fellows and up to Rupees 14 crore for Research Chairs covering fellowship funding research grants and institutional support.
Eligible Fellows include Indian Nationals working abroad OCI cardholders and Persons of Indian Origin engaged in cutting edge research. Implementation is overseen by an Empowered Committee chaired by the Principal Scientific Adviser to the Government of India responsible for selecting fellows identifying priority areas and monitoring outcomes. The scheme aims to deepen reverse brain drain build globally competitive research ecosystems in Indian institutions and align with the National Education Policy 2020 vision of high quality research universities.