Scholarship
Prime Minister Research Chair (PMRC) Scheme - For Fellows(PMRC-F)
Eligibility
Indian origin (Indian nationals, Overseas Citizens of India, or Persons of Indian Origin) researchers / scientists and professionals working at leading foreign HEIs, research laboratories, and research institutions, reputed companies and other industries.
Region
All India
Award
In Kind
By Expertie Editorial Team · Expertie editorial desk
Overview
About PMRC-F
The Prime Minister Research Chair (PMRC) Scheme is a central-government programme of the Department of Higher Education, which sits within the Union Ministry of Education. It creates research chairs at premier government higher education institutions and national research laboratories, with the aim of bringing leading Indian-origin researchers, scientists and professionals working abroad back to lead advanced research in India.
Each chair is awarded to an individual researcher, and the scheme operates nationwide. The Department of Higher Education sets the eligibility conditions and the terms of each appointment.
Sources: myScheme - Prime Minister Research Chair (PMRC) Scheme · Wikipedia - Department of Higher Education (India)
Who runs it
Provider
Ministry of Education
Central Government
Department Of Higher Education
At a glance
Key details
| Level | Central |
| Scheme type | Central Sector Scheme |
| Category | Science, IT & Communications |
| Beneficiaries | Individual |
| Benefit type | In Kind |
| Application mode | Online |
Calendar
Important dates
Across all open application cycles.
| Cycle | Stage | Date |
|---|
Who can apply
Eligibility criteria
| Eligible Fellow for the Scheme are | Indian origin (Indian nationals, Overseas Citizens of India, or Persons of Indian Origin) researchers / scientists and professionals working at leading foreign HEIs, research laboratories, and research institutions, reputed companies and other industries. |
| Eligible Fellow for the Scheme are | The Fellowship is in-person and they will be expected to work at Host Institutions. The Scheme will support Fellows for a pre-determined period of duration, with a maximum tenure of 5 years based on performance of the candidate. |
| Eligible Fellow for the Scheme are | Fellows must be able to demonstrate a distinguished track record in research, as evidenced by publications, patents, awards, citations, or other internationally recognised indicators of excellence. They must also be willing to commit to the prescribed engagement period and associated responsibilities including research, teaching, and mentorship. It should be noted that candidates currently based in India are also eligible, provided they meet the Indian-origin criterion and other requirements as determined by the Empowered Committee. |
| PMRC Fellows will be expected to | Conduct original, high-impact research in the identified priority sector(s) in collaboration with the Host |
| PMRC Fellows will be expected to | Teach and co-design courses, contributing to curriculum enrichment |
| PMRC Fellows will be expected to | Mentor doctoral, postdoctoral, and postgraduate students and junior researchers |
| PMRC Fellows will be expected to | Facilitate international collaborations, publications, and co-funded R&D projects |
| PMRC Fellows will be expected to | Engage with industry partners to promote applied research and real-world adoption of research outcomes |
| PMRC Fellows will be expected to | Ensure that research ideas translate into commercial products. The patents granted from work done under PMRC is of great importance so as to link research with industry-aligned innovation. They will be supported with patenting process chain. |
| PMRC Fellows will be expected to | Submit periodic progress reports and participate in evaluations as stipulated by the Empowered Committee |
| PMRC Fellows will be expected to | Categories of Engagement |
| PMRC Fellows will be expected to | Over the next five years (2026-27 to 2030-31), the Scheme envisions engaging at least 120 distinguished researchers/ scientists and professionals across the above-mentioned categories: |
| PMRC Fellows will be expected to | Young Research Fellows: Early-career researchers/ professionals with up to 5 years of post-PhD experience outside of India |
| PMRC Fellows will be expected to | Senior Fellows: Mid-career researchers/ professionals with 5 to less than 10 years of post-PhD experience outside of India |
| PMRC Fellows will be expected to | Research Chairs: Eminent researchers / professionals with 10 years or more of post-PhD experience outside of India |
| PMRC Fellows will be expected to | Note: The eligibility criteria for selection of researchers/professionals, projects, and institutes will be finalised by the Empowered Committee. |
What you get
Award & benefits
- The scheme leverages India's global scientific diaspora to strengthen domestic research capabilities, accelerate innovation in frontier domains, and support national development missions. By embedding global expertise into premier government institutions in India, the scheme enables sustained collaboration, institutional learning, and real-world impact.
- Under the scheme, the following benefits will be offered to Fellows: Competitive fellowship fee with annual increments
- One-time research grant for project initiation
- Residential and medical allowance
- Relocation benefits linked to tenure
- Access to advanced research infrastructure and facilities
- Academic visibility, recognition, and leadership opportunities
What to prepare
Documents required
Curriculum vitae (including full list of publications, patents, awards, and international engagements) and proof of past work and education
Detail of Citizenship, VISA, and any other documents supporting domicile/residency
Details of research outputs, patents granted and commercialized, and any other research/professional achievements aligned with a thematic area
Details of the preferred Host Institution (if any), including the rationale for the choice
Any other document as required
Step by step
How to apply
- 1Apply online
See the official links below for the application portal.
Source
Official links
Questions
PMRC-F – FAQ
Indian Nationals working abroad, Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) cardholders, and Persons of Indian Origin (PIOs) who are engaged in research, innovation, technology, academia, or industry abroad may apply, subject to eligibility conditions.
The scheme offers three categories: Young Research Fellow (YRF) Senior Fellow (SF) Research Chair (RC)
Young Research Fellows should generally have less than 5 years of post-PhD experience and demonstrate strong research potential and achievements.
Researchers with 5 years to less than 10 years of post-PhD experience and a notable record of research contributions may apply as Senior Fellows.
Researchers with 10 years or more of post-PhD experience and demonstrated leadership in research, innovation, or technology development are eligible for the Research Chair category.
Yes. The scheme is designed for accomplished Indian-origin researchers and professionals currently engaged with institutions, laboratories, companies, or industries outside India.
Applications must be submitted online through the PMRC portal by registering as a Fellow and completing the prescribed application process.
Applications are evaluated by expert committees based on academic excellence, research achievements, innovation potential, leadership capabilities, and alignment with the identified thematic areas.
The engagement period may extend up to five years, subject to the terms of the fellowship and satisfactory performance.
Disclaimer
Scheme details are compiled from myScheme, the Government of India’s official scheme-discovery platform, and are reproduced without alteration. Amounts, deadlines and eligibility change between cycles — always confirm on the official links above before applying. Expertie does not process applications or charge fees.
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