PM Research Chair Scheme 2026: Applications extended till August 15 for 120 researcher positions

The Ministry of Education has extended the application deadline for the Prime Minister Research Chair (PMRC) Scheme to August 15, 2026. The scheme aims to strengthen India's research value chain across 13 priority sectors, including advanced computing, artificial intelligence, semiconductors, healthcare, biotechnology, climate change, space, defence and other areas of national importance.

The PMRC scheme application 2026 window was opened on June 1.

The PMRC Scheme seeks to attract accomplished Indian-origin researchers, scientists, technologists and professionals from leading international universities, research laboratories and industries to undertake high-impact research at premier government higher education institutions and national research laboratories in India.

Also read VBSA Bill: Exemption to IITs ‘not desirable’; scrap deemed-university tag, plan separate funding, says panel

PM Research Chair Scheme 2026: Who can apply?

The PMRC Scheme 2026 plans to engage at least 120 researchers and professionals over the next five years between 2026-27 and 2030-31 through three categories

• Young Research Fellows (YRF) are researchers with up to five years of post-PhD experience.
• Senior Fellows (SF) should have five to less than 10 years of post-PhD experience.
• Research Chairs (RC) are expected to have 10 years or more of post-PhD experience along with demonstrated research leadership.

Eligible host institutions include top-ranked government higher education institutions and national research laboratories selected under the scheme.

Financial support under PMRC Scheme

The Ministry has offered a comprehensive funding package to support research and innovation under the PM Research and Chair Scheme 2026.

Young Research Fellows will receive an annual fellowship of Rs 15 lakh to Rs 20 lakh, a research grant of Rs 1 crore to Rs 1.5 crore, an annual residential and medical allowance of Rs 5 lakh, a one-time relocation benefit of Rs 30 lakh, and Rs 20 lakh annually as institutional overheads.

Also read ABVP raises delay in INSPIRE SHE scholarship 2025-26 notification, Jitendra Singh assures action

Senior Fellows will be eligible for an annual fellowship ranging from Rs 20 lakh to Rs 40 lakh, a research grant of Rs 1.5 crore to Rs 2.5 crore, a residential and medical allowance of Rs 9 lakh per year, a relocation benefit of Rs 40 lakh, and Rs 30 lakh annually towards institute overheads.

Research Chairs will receive the highest level of support, including an annual fellowship of Rs 40 lakh to Rs 60 lakh, a research grant of Rs 3 crore to Rs 5 crore, a residential and medical allowance of Rs 15 lakh per year, a one-time relocation benefit of Rs 50 lakh, and Rs 1 crore annually for institutional overheads.