The Ministry of Education has invited applications for the Prime Minister Research Chair (PMRC) Scheme 2026, a major initiative aimed at attracting accomplished Indian-origin researchers working abroad to contribute to India’s research ecosystem.

With proposals open until July 15, the scheme offers substantial financial support, including fellowships, research grants, relocation assistance and institutional funding. Depending on the category, the total support package can exceed Rs 13 crore, making it one of India’s most significant research funding programmes for overseas Indian scholars.

Scheme Targets Global Indian Talent

The PMRC Scheme has been designed to encourage Indian-origin researchers, scientists, technologists and professionals working overseas to undertake advanced research at leading Indian institutions and national laboratories.

The initiative seeks to strengthen India’s research capabilities by bringing global expertise into priority sectors while promoting collaboration between international and domestic research communities.

Selected fellows will have access to advanced laboratories, research infrastructure, academic leadership opportunities and collaborations with some of India’s premier educational and scientific institutions.

Three Categories Of Fellowships

The scheme offers support under three categories based on professional experience: Young Research Fellows, Senior Fellows and Research Chairs.

Young Research Fellows are required to have less than five years of post-doctoral experience. Senior Fellows must have between five and ten years of post-PhD experience, while Research Chairs are expected to have at least ten years of post-doctoral experience along with demonstrated research leadership.

Financial support varies according to category, with higher levels of funding available for more experienced researchers.

Fellowship And Research Funding Details

Under the scheme, Young Research Fellows will receive annual fellowship support ranging from Rs 15 lakh to Rs 20 lakh, along with a one-time research grant of between Rs 1 crore and Rs 1.5 crore.

Senior Fellows will be eligible for annual fellowships ranging from Rs 20 lakh to Rs 40 lakh and research grants of Rs 1.5 crore to Rs 2.5 crore.

Research Chairs will receive the highest level of support, with annual fellowship funding between Rs 40 lakh and Rs 60 lakh and research grants ranging from Rs 3 crore to Rs 5 crore.

In addition to fellowship and research funding, all categories are eligible for residential and medical allowances, relocation benefits and institutional overhead support.

Annual residential and medical allowances range from Rs 5 lakh for Young Research Fellows to Rs 15 lakh for Research Chairs.

One-time relocation assistance varies from Rs 30 lakh to Rs 50 lakh, while annual institutional overheads range from Rs 20 lakh to Rs 1 crore depending on the category.

The tenure of each appointment will be determined by an Empowered Committee after evaluating the research proposal and recommendations from the host institution.

Eligibility Criteria And Host Institutions

Applicants must be Indian-origin researchers currently associated with recognised universities, research institutions, laboratories, industries or companies abroad.

Eligible host institutions include organisations ranked among the top 100 in the National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF) Overall and Engineering categories, the top 50 institutions in the NIRF Research category, and national laboratories under bodies such as CSIR, DST, DBT, ICMR and other government research agencies.

The scheme aims to support projects aligned with national priorities while strengthening India’s long-term research and innovation capabilities.

Application Process And Deadline

Interested candidates must submit their proposals through the official PMRC portal.

Applicants are required to register as fellows, complete the online application form, upload the necessary documents and submit their proposals before the July 15 deadline.

Host institutions must also complete a separate registration process before proposals can be considered.

The Ministry of Education has positioned the PMRC Scheme as a flagship initiative to attract world-class talent, encourage knowledge transfer and help build globally competitive research ecosystems within India.

With generous financial support, large-scale research funding and access to leading institutions, the scheme is expected to attract significant interest from Indian-origin researchers working across academia, industry and research organisations worldwide.

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