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India Launches Prime Minister Research Chair to Attract Global Indian Scientists

Large tiered fellowships aim to boost capacity in 13 strategic research fields while testing whether India can provide the long-term labs and relocation support returning researchers need.

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PMRC Scheme 2026 explained: Eligibility, last date, funding, research areas and how to apply

Overview

  • The Ministry of Education’s Prime Minister Research Chair (PMRC) scheme opened in early June and is accepting applications through a reported July 15, 2026 deadline.
  • The programme offers three fellowship tiers—Young Research Fellows, Senior Research Fellows and Research Chairs—with reported maximum packages of up to ₹4 crore, ₹6.5 crore and ₹14 crore respectively and an approximate total budget of ₹200 crore.
  • Selected fellows will receive fellowship pay, dedicated research grants, relocation assistance, residential and medical support, and guaranteed access to laboratories and national agencies such as DST, DBT, ICMR and CSIR.
  • The scheme targets 13 priority areas including AI and advanced computing, semiconductors, healthcare and biotechnology, climate and energy, space and defence, and advanced materials, and will be rolled out through seven lead institutions including the IITs and IISc Bengaluru.
  • Experts say the funding is substantial but that success will depend on practical delivery of long-term lab infrastructure, steady operational funding, smooth relocation and institutional incentives that make returning and staying in India feasible.