MoE launches PMRC scheme 2026 to bring Indian-origin scientists back to India; registration begins

The Ministry of Education is inviting applications for the Prime Minister Research Chair (PMRC) Scheme 2026, a flagship initiative aimed at attracting Indian-origin researchers and professionals working abroad to contribute to India's research and innovation ecosystem. The scheme aims to support work in 13 priority sectors, including artificial intelligence, semiconductors, cybersecurity, healthcare and climate technologies. It is to address brain drain and strengthen India's scientific capabilities, the PMRC Scheme offers fellowships, research grants and access to advanced infrastructure for global Indian researchers.

Announced by the Department of Higher Education, the scheme seeks to connect global Indian talent with India's growing research and innovation ecosystem. The programme is part of the government's broader effort to strengthen India's scientific capabilities and encourage highly skilled Indian researchers working abroad to contribute to national development.

PMRC scheme will focus on 13 priority areas, including artificial intelligence, quantum computing, semiconductors, energy and climate change, cybersecurity, healthcare, biotechnology, advanced materials, critical minerals, space technology, defence, communications, manufacturing, agriculture and atomic energy.

The PMRC scheme is part of the government's larger effort to reverse the outflow of top Indian researchers to foreign institutions. Earlier documents related to the programme indicated that it could receive an allocation of Rs 200 crore and support researchers through generous fellowship packages, research grants, relocation assistance and institutional support. The scheme was first discussed at an IIT Council meeting and is expected to promote knowledge creation, innovation and international collaboration in emerging technology sectors while helping position India as a global research hub.

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Three pillars

The ministry states that the scheme is built around three key pillars-lead institutions, host institutions and PMRC fellows. Together, these are expected to create a network that promotes high-impact research, innovation and knowledge sharing across the country.

The scheme offers opportunities under three categories. Young research fellows are intended for early-career researchers and postdoctoral scholars. Senior research fellows will include experienced researchers and professionals with significant expertise in their fields. The highest category, research chairs, is designed for globally recognised academic and scientific leaders.

Eligibility

Eligible applicants include Indian nationals working abroad, Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) cardholders and Persons of Indian Origin (PIOs) who have demonstrated outstanding achievements in research, innovation and technology.

Selected fellows will receive fellowship support, research grants, access to laboratories and advanced research infrastructure, and opportunities to collaborate with top institutions and government agencies in India.

Earlier reports suggested that the scheme could provide support worth around Rs 4 crore for Young Research Fellows, Rs 6.5 crore for Senior Research Fellows and up to Rs 14 crore for Research Chairs, including fellowship funding, research grants and institutional support. The support package is expected to cover not only fellowship and research grants but also relocation expenses, residential and medical allowances, and operational costs associated with host institutions.

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Implementation of the programme will be overseen by an Empowered Committee chaired by the Principal Scientific Advisor to the Government of India. The committee will be responsible for selecting fellows, identifying priority areas and monitoring outcomes.

The press release reads, "Eligible Host Institutions include Government Higher Educational Institutions ranked among the Top 100 in NIRF Overall or Engineering categories, or Top 50 in the NIRF Research category, along with top national laboratories and research institutions under agencies such as Department of Science and Technology (DST), Department of Biotechnology (DBT), Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), and Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), among others."

Seven institutions have been identified as lead institutions under the scheme-IIT Delhi, IIT Bombay, IIT Madras, IIT Kanpur, IIT Hyderabad, IIT (ISM) Dhanbad and the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) Bengaluru.