Prime Minister Professorships Scheme

  • 18 Jul 2025

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To strengthen India’s research and innovation ecosystem, the Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF) has launched the Prime Minister Professorships under its flagship Promoting Advanced and Inclusive Research (PAIR) programme.

Objective

The scheme aims to:

  • Utilize the expertise of retired scientists, industry professionals, and Professors of Practice
  • Mentor faculty and students in State universities with emerging research ecosystems
  • Address gaps in R&D capacity and promote globally competitive research

Key Features of the Prime Minister Professorship Scheme

Aspect

Details

Implementing Agency

Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF), under DST

Eligibility

- Superannuated scientists/faculty from reputed Indian/foreign institutions
- Industry professionals and Professors of Practice with strong R&D record
- NRIs, PIOs, and OCIs eligible

Host Institutions

Category A State universities classified as spoke institutions under the PAIR programme

Relocation Requirement

Full-time presence at the host university is mandatory

Tenure

Up to 5 years, based on performance review

Financial Support

?30 lakh/year fellowship

?24 lakh/year research grant

?1 lakh/year overhead for host university

Restrictions

Cannot draw parallel fellowship/salary from other institutions; IP rights governed by host institution norms

About PAIR Programme

Component

Description

Goal

To foster inclusive, high-quality research in institutions with limited R&D capacity

Hub Institutions

Top 25 in NIRF rankings or Institutions of National Importance (within top 50)

Spoke Institutions

Central & State public universities, select NITs and IIITs

Mentorship Ratio

One hub can mentor up to 7 spoke institutions

Participation Criteria
  • Involvement of multi-departmental faculty
  • Regional diversity required

Responsibilities of Selected Professors

  • Mentor students and faculty for world-class research
  • Guide establishment of labs and research facilities
  • Promote interdisciplinary collaboration
  • Facilitate industry-research linkages
  • Provide 6-month internships at advanced labs or institutions

Significance for India’s R&D Ecosystem

  • Addresses regional imbalance in research infrastructure
  • Strengthens the research culture in State universities
  • Enables structured national and international collaborations
  • Promotes grassroots innovation and scientific leadership