PMRC Scheme: Government offering fellowships and an opportunity to secure research grants of up to ₹5 crore; apply by August 15..

PMRC Scheme 2026: The Ministry of Education has extended the application deadline for the Prime Minister's Research Chair (PMRC) Scheme 2026. Interested candidates can now apply until August 15, 2026. The application process began on June 1, 2026. This is an excellent opportunity for scientists and researchers of Indian origin. Under this central government scheme, selected candidates can receive a research grant of up to ₹5 crore in addition to a fellowship.This scheme has been launched with the aim of strengthening India's research and innovation ecosystem. It offers experienced researchers, scientists, technical experts, and professionals of Indian origin—currently working in prestigious global universities, research labs, and industries—the opportunity to conduct high-impact research at India's premier government higher education institutions and national research laboratories.**Which areas will the research cover?**Under the PMRC scheme, priority will be given to research proposals linked to areas of national importance. These include:Advanced materials, rare earths, and critical mineralsEnergy, sustainable development, and climate changeAgriculture and food technologySemiconductorsAdvanced computing (AI, quantum, and supercomputing)Healthcare and medical technologySpace and defenseNext-generation communication technologyBlue economyCybersecurityManufacturing and Industry 4.0BiotechnologyNuclear energyOther research projects linked to national missions**Who can apply?**Researchers of Indian origin are eligible to apply for this scheme. This includes:Indian citizensOverseas Citizens of India (OCI)Persons of Indian Origin (PIO)Applicants must currently be employed at a prestigious foreign university, research lab, or industry. However, researchers of Indian origin residing in India who meet the scheme's other eligibility criteria may also apply.**Three categories based on experience**Candidates will be placed into three categories based on the experience gained abroad after completing their PhD. Young Research Fellow (YRF): Up to 5 years of post-PhD experienceSenior Fellow (SF): 5 to 10 years of experienceResearch Chair (RC): 10 years or more of experienceApplicants must also possess a record of outstanding achievements in the form of research publications, patents, awards, and citations.What financial assistance will be provided?Selected researchers will receive financial assistance for their research work in addition to the fellowship.Assistance Young Research Fellow Senior Fellow Research ChairAnnual Fellowship ₹0.15 to ₹0.20 crore ₹0.20 to ₹0.40 crore ₹0.40 to ₹0.60 croreLump-sum Research Grant ₹1.00 to ₹1.50 crore ₹1.50 to ₹2.50 crore ₹3.00 to ₹5.00 croreAnnual Housing & Medical Assistance ₹0.05 crore ₹0.09 crore ₹0.15 croreLump-sum Relocation Assistance ₹0.30 crore ₹0.40 crore ₹0.50 croreAnnual Institutional Overhead ₹0.20 crore ₹0.30 crore ₹1.00 croreWhich institutions offer this opportunity?Selected researchers will be appointed at the country's premier government higher education institutions and national research laboratories. These include:Top 100 institutions in the NIRF 'Overall' or 'Engineering' categoriesTop 50 institutions in the NIRF 'Research' categoryNational laboratories under CSIR, DBT, DST, and ICMRResponsibilities of selected researchersSelected fellows will be required to fulfill several important responsibilities while maintaining a regular presence at their respective institutions. These include:Conducting original research and collaborating with the instituteContributing to curriculum development and teachingMentoring PhD and postgraduate studentsFostering international research collaborations and industry partnershipsWorking on translating research into patents and commercial productsSubmitting periodic progress reportsWhat documents are required for the application?Candidates must apply through the official PMRC portal. The following documents must be submitted along with the application:A detailed CV (curriculum vitae) containing information on all research publications, patents, and awardsDocuments related to citizenship, visa, or residencyProof of research achievements in the relevant subject areaDetails of the preferred host institute and the reason for choosing itDisclaimer: This content has been sourced and edited from Amar Ujala. While we have made modifications for clarity and presentation, the original content belongs to its respective authors and website. We do not claim ownership of the content.