The Government of India has launched the PMRC Scheme as per NEP 2020, aiming to attract distinguished Indian-origin researchers. As of August 12, 2026, over 3,600 applications for fellowship and more than 400 applications from host institutions have been received.
The Government of India has framed and approved the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 with an aim to transform the education landscape into a multidisciplinary, inclusive, and learner-centric ecosystem. The Policy emphasizes enhancing equity, quality, and access to education for all while promoting research and innovation as key components of higher education.
In line with the vision of NEP 2020, the Ministry of Education has launched the Prime Minister Research Chair (PMRC) Scheme. This initiative is designed to attract and engage distinguished Indian-origin researchers, scientists, and professionals with international research experience, with the goal of strengthening India's higher education and research ecosystem through research, mentorship, and institutional capacity-building across national priority thematic areas.
Under the PMRC Scheme, seven institutions have been identified as Lead Institutions. As of August 12, 2026, over 3,600 applications for fellowship and more than 400 applications from host institutions have been received. The government has made provision of Rs 200 crore for the PMRC Scheme for the year 2026-27.
The PMRC Scheme aims to position India as a global hub of research, innovation, and knowledge creation by providing structured engagement benefits to Higher Education Institutions (HEIs), national laboratories, and research centres. Details of the scheme, eligibility criteria for fellows and host institutions are available at https://pmrc.education.gov.in/.
Source:
Press Information Bureau
