Prime Minister Research Chair Scheme Online Apply

This page gives you a clear and complete guide to the Prime Minister Research Chair Scheme 2026. You will find everything about this scheme’s eligibility and benefits and will learn how to apply for it. This guide is for Indian-origin researchers, scientists, and technology professionals currently working abroad who want to bring their expertise back to India.

What Is the PMRC Scheme?

The Prime Minister Research Chair (PMRC) Scheme is a flagship program launched in 2026 by the Department of Higher Education, Ministry of Education, Government of India.

Its main aim is to attract top Indian origin researchers, scientists, and technology professionals. Those who are currently working abroad and bring them back to India to work on cutting-edge research projects. It provides strong financial support, world-class infrastructure access, and career-level recognition.

The 13 Priority Research Areas

Research proposals under PMRC must fall within one of these 13 national priority sectors:

• Advanced Computing: Artificial Intelligence, Quantum Computing, and Supercomputing
• Semiconductors
• Next-Generation Communications
• Cybersecurity
• Manufacturing and Industry 4.0
• Advanced Materials and Critical Minerals
• Space and Defense
• Atomic Energy
• Healthcare and Biomedical Sciences
• Clean Energy and Climate Sustainability
• Agriculture and Food Security
• Water and Environment
• Transport and Mobility

How to Do Prime Minister Research Chair Scheme Apply Online

The Prime Minister Research Chair Scheme apply online process is done through the dedicated PMRC portal.

Steps for Fellows

• Visit the official portal: pmrc.education.gov.in
• Review the 13 thematic areas to understand the kind of research PMRC supports
• Create a profile and register using your email ID and contact details
• Fill in your personal and professional information (current institution, post-PhD experience, research field, and publications)
• Indicate your preferred thematic area and describe the research you plan to undertake in India
• Upload supporting documents: CV, proof of achievements, publication list, and letters of recommendation
• Submit your application
• You will receive a confirmation on your registered email

Steps for Host Institutions

• Visit pmrc.education.gov.in
• Register as a Host Institution and verify your NIRF ranking or national lab status
• Select the thematic area(s) where you can host PMRC Fellows
• Submit a theme-specific justification: your existing capabilities, infrastructure, and the research ecosystem you offer
• An Expert Committee will evaluate your submission

Selection Authorities

All applications are evaluated by expert committees for each thematic area. The final selection is overseen by an empowered committee chaired by the principal scientific advisor to the government of India. Representatives from the Ministry of Education, Department of Science and Technology, NITI Aayog, industry, and academia also participate in the evaluation.

Prime Minister Research Chair (PMRC) Scheme Eligibility

The Prime Minister Research Chair (PMRC) Scheme eligibility is defined for two groups: PMRC Fellows and Host Institutions.

Eligibility for PMRC Fellows

You can apply as a fellow if you are:

• An Indian national working abroad at a globally reputed university, laboratory, research institution, or tech company
• An Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) cardholder
• A Person of Indian Origin (PIO) with outstanding achievements in research, innovation, or technology

Eligibility for Host Institutions

Government institutions that want to host PMRC Fellows must meet one of these criteria:

• Government Higher Educational Institutions (HEIs) ranked in the Top 100 in NIRF 2025 Overall or Engineering categories
• Government HEIs ranked in the Top 50 in the NIRF 2025 Research category
• National laboratories and research institutions under government agencies such as DST, DBT, ICMR, and CSIR

Seven premier institutions have been identified as lead institutions. They provide strategic direction for each thematic area and oversee the research value chain.

Prime Minister Research Chair (PMRC) Scheme Benefits

The Prime Minister Research Chair (PMRC) Scheme benefits cover financial support, infrastructure access, and career opportunities.

Financial Support

The support package also covers:

• Relocation expenses
• Residential allowance
• Medical allowance
• Operational costs at the host institution

Non-Financial Benefits

• Full access to laboratories, advanced equipment, and research infrastructure at top government institutions
• Opportunity to work with and lead research teams at premier Indian institutions
• Collaboration with government agencies such as DST, DBT, ICMR, CSIR, and defense and space organizations
• International academic collaborations through host institutions
• Recognition as a nationally appointed PMRC Fellow or Research Chair

Benefits for Host Institutions

• Access to world-class researchers and global expertise
• Expanded research and innovation activities in 13 national priority areas
• Strengthened international academic ties and co-authored research output