PMRC Scheme 2026: Fellowship, Eligibility, Host Institutes and How to Apply
Explore PMRC Scheme 2026 by the Ministry of Education. Check eligibility, host institutions, priority sectors, fellowship amount, research grant and application details in this article.
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The Prime Minister Research Chair (PMRC) Scheme 2026 is a major initiative launched by the Department of Higher Education under the Ministry of Education to bring top Indian-origin researchers, scientists, and professionals from overseas to India. The goal is to connect global academic talent with leading Indian institutions so they can carry out advanced research in areas that matter to the country’s future.
This programme is designed to strengthen India’s research ecosystem by placing selected experts in top government higher education institutions and national research laboratories. Applications from both fellows and host institutions started on June 1 through the PMRC portal, making this one of the most talked-about research opportunities in India right now.
Eligible Host Institutions Under PMRC 2026
The scheme includes some of India’s most reputed institutions as potential host organisations. These include IIT Delhi, IIT Bombay, IIT Madras, IIT Kanpur, IIT Hyderabad, IIT (ISM) Dhanbad, and IISc Bengaluru.
Apart from these, eligible host institutions also include government higher education institutions ranked in the Top 100 of NIRF Overall, Top 100 of NIRF Engineering, and Top 50 of NIRF Research. National laboratories and research institutions under bodies such as DBT, DST, CSIR, ICMR, and other approved national research organisations can also participate.
Priority Research Areas
The PMRC Scheme 2026 will support research in 13 strategic sectors. These include artificial intelligence, quantum computing, semiconductors, cybersecurity, healthcare, biotechnology, space and defence, advanced materials, climate change, next-generation communications, manufacturing, agriculture technologies, blue economy, and atomic energy.
Also Read, IIT New Courses 2026: List of AI, Design & Computational Engineering Programs
Fellowship Categories
The programme offers three levels of engagement:
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Young Research Fellows (YRF): 0 to less than 5 years of post-PhD experience
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Senior Fellows (SF): 5 to less than 10 years of post-PhD experience
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Research Chairs (RC): 10 years or more of post-PhD experience with strong research leadership
PMRC Scheme 2026 Fellowship Details
| Category | Fellowship Fee (Annual) | Research Grant (One-time) | Residential & Medical Allowance (Annual) | Relocation Benefit (One-time) | Operational Cost / Overheads (Annual) |
| Young Research Fellows | ₹0.15–0.20 crore | ₹1–1.50 crore | ₹0.05 crore | ₹0.30 crore | ₹0.20 crore |
| Senior Fellows | ₹0.20–0.40 crore | ₹1.50–2.50 crore | ₹0.09 crore | ₹0.40 crore | ₹0.30 crore |
| Research Chairs | ₹0.40–0.60 crore | ₹3–5 crore* | ₹0.15 crore | ₹0.50 crore* | ₹1 crore |
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