In News:

The Department of Higher Education, Ministry of Education, Government of India, opened applications for the Prime Minister Research Chair (PMRC) Scheme 2026 from June 1, 2026, on the PMRC Portal (pmrc.education.gov.in). The scheme is a flagship national initiative to attract accomplished Indian-origin researchers back to India.

About the PMRC Scheme

• The PMRC Scheme is a prestigious talent-repatriation and research architecture that creates a direct pathway for top-tier researchers of Indian origin — working in globally renowned foreign universities, private laboratories, and tech industries — to take up high-level research positions in premier Indian institutions.
• Eligible applicants include Indian Nationals working abroad, OCI cardholders, and Persons of Indian Origin with outstanding achievements in research, innovation, and technology.
• The scheme aims to reverse the outflow of high-skilled talent, integrate global expertise into India's scientific pipeline, accelerate domestic breakthroughs in critical technology sectors, and position India as an advanced global research hub in alignment with the Viksit Bharat vision.
• Estimated funding is approximately ?200 crore, covering multi-year research grants, relocation allowances, competitive fellowships, and laboratory infrastructure.

Three-Tier Fellowship Structure

• The scheme provides engagement under three categories: Young Research Fellows for early-career researchers; Senior Research Fellows for experienced researchers and industry experts; and Research Chairs for globally accomplished research leaders and technology pioneers.

13 Priority Thematic Areas

Research proposals must align with 13 national priority sectors: Advanced Computing (AI, Quantum Computing & Supercomputing), Semiconductors, Energy, Sustainability & Climate Change, Cybersecurity, Healthcare & MedTech, Biotechnology, Advanced Materials & Critical Minerals, Space &Defence, Next-Generation Communications, Manufacturing & Industry 4.0, Agri & Food Technologies, Blue Economy, and Atomic Energy.

Institutional Architecture

• Seven Lead Institutions have been designated for thematic implementation: IIT Delhi, IIT Bombay, IIT Madras, IIT Kanpur, IIT Hyderabad, IIT (ISM) Dhanbad, and IISc Bengaluru.
• Host Institutions must be government HEIs ranked in the Top 100 of NIRF Overall or Engineering categories, or Top 50 in the NIRF Research category, along with national laboratories under DST, DBT, ICMR, and CSIR.

Governance

• Selection of fellows and proposals is overseen by an Empowered Committee chaired by the Principal Scientific Advisor (PSA) to the Government of India, ensuring rigorous, independent, and mission-aligned evaluation.