India has launched a major new initiative to bring some of the world’s best Indian-origin researchers and scientists back into the country’s academic and research ecosystem.
The Prime Minister Research Chair (PMRC) Scheme aims to connect talented Indian professionals living abroad with top universities and research institutions in India.
The initiative supports Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat (Self-Reliant India) and Viksit Bharat (Developed India).
Applications opened on June 1, 2026, and will remain open until July 15, 2026.
Selected candidates can work under the scheme for up to five years, from 2026-27 to 2030-31.
What Is the PM Research Chair Scheme?
The PMRC Scheme has been launched by the Ministry of Education to strengthen India’s research and innovation capabilities by tapping into the expertise of the global Indian diaspora.
The idea is simple: bring experienced Indian-origin researchers, scientists, and professionals working abroad into India’s leading institutions.
They will contribute through research projects, teaching, mentoring students, and helping build international collaborations.
The government believes this initiative will help India become a global center for academic excellence and cutting-edge research.
Key Goals of the Scheme
The PMRC Scheme aims to:
Improve the quality of research in India
Strengthen international research partnerships
Increase India’s global research standing
Build stronger research and development capabilities
Connect global Indian talent with India’s innovation ecosystem
Encourage industry-academia collaboration
Provide mentorship in specialized fields
Focus Areas: 13 Priority Sectors
The scheme will support research in several high-priority sectors that are important for India’s future growth.
These include:
Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Quantum Computing
Advanced Materials and Critical Minerals
Agriculture and Food Technology
Atomic Energy
Biotechnology
Blue Economy
Cybersecurity
Energy, Sustainability and Climate Change
Healthcare and Medical Technology
Manufacturing and Industry 4.0
Next-Generation Communication Systems
Semiconductors
Space and Defence
Who Can Apply?
The scheme is open to Indian-origin researchers, scientists, and professionals living around the world.
Eligible applicants include:
Indian citizens working abroad
OCI (Overseas Citizen of India) cardholders
Persons of Indian Origin (PIO)
Interestingly, Indian-origin professionals currently living in India can also apply if they meet all eligibility requirements.
Categories of Fellows
Applicants will be selected under three categories:
Young Research Fellows (YRF):
Researchers with less than 5 years of post-PhD experience.
Senior Fellows (SF):
Researchers with 5 to less than 10 years of post-PhD experience.
Research Chairs (RC):
Highly experienced researchers with more than 10 years of post-PhD experience and proven leadership in research.
Candidates must show a strong research record through publications, patents, awards, citations, or other internationally recognized achievements.
Benefits for Selected Fellows
Researchers selected under the PMRC Scheme will receive several benefits, including:
Competitive fellowship payments with yearly increments
One-time research grants
Housing and medical allowances
Relocation support
Access to advanced research facilities
Leadership and recognition opportunities
These benefits are designed to make it easier for top global talent to contribute to India’s research ecosystem.
Which Institutions Can Participate?
The scheme is open to leading government higher education institutions ranked among:
Top 100 in NIRF 2025 Overall Rankings
Top 100 in NIRF 2025 Engineering Rankings
Top 50 in NIRF 2025 Research Rankings
Several major research organizations and laboratories under government departments will also be eligible to participate.
Host institutions will benefit from access to global expertise, stronger research infrastructure, improved industry connections, and additional institutional support.
Seven Leading Institutions to Guide the Program
The government has already identified seven premier institutions as Lead Institutions under the PMRC Scheme:
IIT Delhi
IIT Madras
IIT Kanpur
IIT Hyderabad
IIT (ISM) Dhanbad
IISc Bengaluru
These institutions will help guide research priorities, maintain quality standards, and ensure projects align with national goals.
The selection process will be supervised by an Empowered Committee chaired by the Principal Scientific Advisor to the Government of India.
With India increasingly focusing on innovation, technology, and scientific leadership, the PMRC Scheme represents a major effort to bring global Indian talent closer to the country’s growth story.
