The Ministry of Education has launched the Prime Minister Research Chair (PMRC) Scheme to attract Indian-origin researchers, scientists, and professionals with international research experience. The scheme aims to strengthen India's higher education and research ecosystem.
The Government of India has framed and approved the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 to transform the education landscape into a multidisciplinary, inclusive, and learner-centric ecosystem. One of the key components of NEP 2020 is promoting research and innovation as essential aspects of higher education.
In pursuance with this policy, the Ministry of Education has launched the Prime Minister Research Chair (PMRC) Scheme on August 12, 2026. The objective is to attract and engage distinguished Indian-origin researchers, scientists, and professionals with international research experience to strengthen India's higher education and research ecosystem through research, mentorship, and institutional capacity-building across national priority thematic areas.
Under the PMRC Scheme, fellowships are provided under three categories: Research Chair, Senior Fellow, and Young Research Fellow. As of the current date, seven institutions have been identified as Lead Institutions. A total of more than 3,600 applications for fellowship and over 400 applications from host institutions have been received.
The government has allocated Rs 200 crore for the PMRC Scheme in the financial year 2026-27. The scheme aims to position India as a global hub of research, innovation, and knowledge creation by providing benefits to Higher Education Institutions (HEIs), national laboratories, and research centres.
Source:
Press Information Bureau
