Prime Minister Research Chair (PMRC)

The scheme "Prime Minister Research Chair (PMRC)" was unveiled by the Government of India. The scheme is planned to be launched by the Department of Higher Education, Ministry of Education. The scheme aims to attract top Indian-origin researchers and scientists back to India to strengthen the higher education and research ecosystem. The scheme provides 120 research positions across three categories: Young Research Fellows, Senior Research Fellows, and Research Chairs; offering substantial research funding, world-class laboratory support, and administrative autonomy to focus on 14 priority sectors. The applicant must be an eminent Indian-origin scientist or researcher currently working abroad. The scheme is implemented by the IIT Council and the Ministry of Education. The applications for this scheme are accepted (Information regarding the specific application mode is not available in the provided sources).

• Establishment of 120 research positions over a five-year period.
• Positions available in three categories: Young Research Fellows, Senior Research Fellows, and Research Chairs.
• Provision of substantial research funding to pursue ambitious research agendas.
• Access to world-class laboratory support and infrastructure.
• Granting of administrative autonomy to reduce bureaucratic hurdles.
• Provision of long-term tenure for selected candidates.
• Opportunity to lead cutting-edge research in 14 nationally significant priority sectors.
• Opportunity to mentor PhD scholars and postdoctoral researchers.

• The applicant must be a researcher or scientist of Indian origin.
• The applicant must be currently working abroad.
• The applicant must be capable of leading cutting-edge research in priority sectors such as Artificial Intelligence, Quantum Technologies, Advanced Materials, Clean Energy, Biotechnology, Space Science, or Semiconductors.
• The applicant must be eligible for one of the three defined categories: Young Research Fellow, Senior Research Fellow, or Research Chair.

Online

The scheme was announced by the Central Government in 2026-2027. As the scheme is currently in the proposal/unveiling stage, the official scheme guidelines are awaited and shall be made available to the public through the official website of the concerned Ministry/Department in due course. The application process section shall be updated accordingly upon the availability of the official guidelines.