Prime Minister Research Chair (PMRC)
Endowed research chair · distinguished scientists · Indian universities and research institutions
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
💡 Why Startups Should Care
PMRC awardees are often India's most accomplished scientists in their fields — if you are building a deep-tech startup in biotech, materials science, or space tech, an PMRC holder at a nearby institution is a potential scientific advisor or CTO-level co-founder worth reaching out to.
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
- Nominations for PMRC are invited by the Department of Science and Technology (DST) through designated channels — watch dst.gov.in for announcements.
- Nominations are typically submitted by institutional heads (Vice Chancellors, Directors) on behalf of deserving scientists.
- A national committee evaluates nominations based on the scientist's research impact, publications, and institutional track record.
- Selected scientists receive formal appointment as Prime Minister's Research Chair with associated financial support.
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
- Nomination letter from the institution head
- Nominee's detailed CV with publication list and research highlights
- List of patents, technology transfers, or national recognitions
- Research plan for the proposed chair period