Prime Minister Research Chair (PMRC)
The Prime Minister Research Chair (PMRC) scheme is designed to attract leading Indian-origin scientists working abroad back to India to lead cutting-edge research in 14 priority sectors including AI, Quantum Technology, Clean Energy, and Biotechnology. The scheme offers 120 positions across three categories — Young Research Fellows, Senior Research Fellows, and Research Chairs — with substantial funding, world-class lab support, and reduced bureaucracy. The scheme was announced in the 2026–27 Union Budget and is implemented by the IIT Council; application details will be available on the Ministry of Education website.
About This Scheme
The Prime Minister Research Chair (PMRC) scheme is designed to attract leading Indian-origin scientists working abroad back to India to lead cutting-edge research in 14 priority sectors including AI, Quantum Technology, Clean Energy, and Biotechnology. The scheme offers 120 positions across three categories — Young Research Fellows, Senior Research Fellows, and Research Chairs — with substantial funding, world-class lab support, and reduced bureaucracy. The scheme was announced in the 2026–27 Union Budget and is implemented by the IIT Council; application details will be available on the Ministry of Education website.
Full official description
The scheme "Prime Minister Research Chair (PMRC)" was unveiled by the Government of India. The scheme is planned to be launched by the Department of Higher Education, Ministry of Education. The scheme aims to attract top Indian-origin researchers and scientists back to India to strengthen the higher education and research ecosystem. The scheme provides 120 research positions across three categories: Young Research Fellows, Senior Research Fellows, and Research Chairs; offering substantial research funding, world-class laboratory support, and administrative autonomy to focus on 14 priority sectors. The applicant must be an eminent Indian-origin scientist or researcher currently working abroad. The scheme is implemented by the IIT Council and the Ministry of Education. The applications for this scheme are accepted (Information regarding the specific application mode is not available in the provided sources).
Benefits
- 120 research positions created over a 5-year period
- Substantial research funding for ambitious, long-term research agendas
- Access to world-class laboratory infrastructure at Indian institutions
- Administrative autonomy with reduced bureaucratic barriers
- Long-term tenure for selected candidates
- Opportunity to mentor PhD scholars and postdoctoral researchers in India
Who Can Apply (Eligibility)
- Must be an eminent researcher or scientist of Indian origin currently working abroad
- Must be capable of leading research in one of 14 priority sectors (AI, Quantum Technologies, Advanced Materials, Clean Energy, Biotechnology, Space Science, Semiconductors, etc.)
- Must qualify under one of three categories: Young Research Fellow, Senior Research Fellow, or Research Chair
- Implemented by the IIT Council and Ministry of Education — specific eligibility criteria per category to be published in official guidelines
How to Apply
The scheme was announced by the Central Government in 2026-2027. As the scheme is currently in the proposal/unveiling stage, the official scheme guidelines are awaited and shall be made available to the public through the official website of the concerned Ministry/Department in due course. The application process section shall be updated accordingly upon the availability of the official guidelines.
Frequently Asked Questions
Could you please clarify which specific group of professionals is primarily targeted by this new research scheme?
The initiative primarily targets top Indian-origin researchers and scientists who are currently working abroad and wishes to bring them back to India to strengthen the research ecosystem.
I am currently working as a scientist outside India; am I eligible to apply for positions under this initiative?
Yes, the scheme is specifically designed to attract and engage global talent of Indian origin who are currently working in foreign countries to lead research in India.
What are the different categories of positions that are being created under this specific research initiative?
The scheme creates positions across three distinct categories: Young Research Fellows, Senior Research Fellows, and Research Chairs to accommodate talent at different career stages.
Could you list the specific priority sectors or research fields that this scheme intends to focus on?
The scheme focuses on 14 nationally significant sectors, including Semiconductors, Artificial Intelligence (AI), Clean Energy, Advanced Materials, Quantum Technologies, Biotechnology, and Space Science.
How many total research positions are expected to be created through this initiative over the specified period?
The government proposes to engage 120 research fellows and chairs across various Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) over a period of five years.
What kind of financial support or research funding can selected candidates expect to receive under this scheme?
Selected candidates will be provided with substantial research funding to pursue ambitious research agendas, along with world-class laboratory support to facilitate their work.
Will selected researchers have the freedom to manage their administration without facing significant bureaucratic hurdles?
Yes, the scheme ensures administrative autonomy for the appointed Chair professors, allowing them to focus on their research without being hindered by bureaucratic obstacles.
Which academic institutions in India will primarily host the researchers selected under this specific government scheme?
The researchers and scientists selected under this scheme will primarily be appointed at the Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) and other top premier institutions.
Does this scheme offer any opportunities for mentoring students or other young researchers at the host institutions?
Yes, returning scientists are expected to mentor Young Research Fellows, PhD scholars, and postdoctoral researchers, thereby contributing to the modernization of the curriculum.
What is the expected duration or tenure provided to the scientists appointed as Research Chairs under this scheme?
The scheme offers long-term tenure to the selected scientists, providing them with stability to establish high-impact laboratories and pursue long-term research goals.
Ready to apply?
Visit the official government portal to apply for this scheme.
Apply on myScheme.gov.inDocuments Required
- _The scheme was announced by the Central Government in 2026-2027. As the scheme is currently in the proposal/unveiling stage, the official scheme guidelines are awaited and shall be made available to the public through the official website of the concerned Ministry/Department in due course. This section shall be updated accordingly upon the availability of the official guidelines._ ***The following list of the required documents is inferred from the eligibility criteria and standard academic application requirements:***
- Proof of Identity (Passport, Voter ID, or Aadhar Card).
- Proof of Indian Origin (Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) Card or Person of Indian Origin (PIO) Card, if applicable).
- Educational Qualification Certificates (Doctoral Degree/PhD Certificate, Master's Degree Certificate).
- Proof of Current Employment (Appointment Letter from the foreign institution, Current Salary Slips).
- Detailed Curriculum Vitae (CV) (Highlighting academic achievements, work experience, and awards).
- List of Research Publications and Patents (To establish eminence in the field).
- Research Proposal (Detailing the proposed research agenda in one of the 14 priority sectors).
- Experience Certificates (From previous and current employers indicating the duration and nature of work).
- Statement of Purpose (Explaining the motivation to return to India and contribute to the research ecosystem).