Government Launches PMRC Scheme 2026
PMRC Scheme 2026 Strengthens India’s Global Research Network: The Ministry of Education, through the Department of Higher Education, has launched the Prime Minister Research Chair (PMRC) Scheme 2026 to attract accomplished Indian-origin researchers, scientists, technologists, and industry experts from across the world.
The scheme aims to strengthen India’s research and innovation ecosystem by connecting global Indian talent with premier academic and research institutions across the country.
Static GK Fact: The Ministry of Education was formerly known as the Ministry of Human Resource Development (MHRD) until it was renamed in 2020.
What is the PMRC Scheme?
The Prime Minister Research Chair (PMRC) Scheme is a flagship initiative designed to bring distinguished Indian-origin experts from leading universities, laboratories, research institutions, and industries worldwide to collaborate with India’s premier institutions.
The programme seeks to promote high-impact research, technological innovation, and international academic collaboration aligned with India’s long-term development priorities.
Objectives of the PMRC Scheme
The scheme aims to leverage the expertise of the Indian diaspora to accelerate scientific and technological advancement.
Its key objectives include attracting global Indian talent, promoting world-class research, strengthening international collaborations, supporting strategic sectors, enhancing India’s global competitiveness, and contributing to the vision of Aatmanirbhar Bharat and Viksit Bharat.
Thirteen Priority Research Areas
The PMRC Scheme focuses on 13 strategic sectors identified as critical for India’s future development.
These include Artificial Intelligence, Quantum Computing, Supercomputing, Semiconductors, Energy and Climate Change, Cybersecurity, Healthcare, Biotechnology, Advanced Materials, Critical Minerals, Space and Defence, Next-Generation Communications, Manufacturing and Industry 4.0, Agriculture and Food Technologies, Blue Economy, and Atomic Energy.
These sectors are expected to drive innovation, economic growth, and technological leadership.
Static GK Tip: The National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 places strong emphasis on promoting multidisciplinary research and innovation through institutions like the National Research Foundation (NRF).
Three-Pillar Structure
The PMRC Scheme operates through a three-tier implementation framework.
Lead Institutions will coordinate research activities, Host Institutions will provide research infrastructure and academic support, while PMRC Fellows will undertake high-impact research and innovation projects.
This structure ensures effective coordination and outcome-oriented research.
Categories of PMRC Fellows
The scheme offers three categories of fellowships to attract talent at different career stages.
These include Young Research Fellows, Senior Research Fellows, and Research Chairs, allowing participation from promising early-career researchers as well as globally recognized scientific leaders.
Eligibility and Host Institutions
The scheme is open to Indian Nationals working abroad, Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) Cardholders, Persons of Indian Origin (PIO), and distinguished researchers and industry experts from reputed global institutions.
Eligible Host Institutions include Top 100 NIRF-ranked Government Higher Educational Institutions, Top 50 institutions in the NIRF Research category, and national laboratories under DST, DBT, ICMR, and CSIR.
Lead Institutions Identified
Seven premier institutions have been designated as Lead Institutions to coordinate research across thematic sectors.
These are IIT Delhi, IIT Bombay, IIT Madras, IIT Kanpur, IIT Hyderabad, IIT (ISM) Dhanbad, and the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bengaluru.
These institutions will play a central role in advancing collaborative research under the PMRC Scheme.
Static GK Fact: The Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bengaluru, established in 1909, is India’s premier research institution and was founded with support from Jamsetji Tata.
Static Usthadian Current Affairs Table
PMRC Scheme 2026 Strengthens India’s Global Research Network:
| Fact | Detail |
| Topic | Prime Minister Research Chair (PMRC) Scheme 2026 |
| Launched By | Ministry of Education |
| Implementing Department | Department of Higher Education |
| Target Group | Indian-origin researchers, scientists, technologists, and industry experts |
| Priority Areas | 13 strategic research sectors |
| Fellowship Categories | Young Fellows, Senior Fellows, Research Chairs |
| Lead Institutions | IIT Delhi, IIT Bombay, IIT Madras, IIT Kanpur, IIT Hyderabad, IIT (ISM) Dhanbad, IISc Bengaluru |
| Eligible Host Institutions | Top NIRF institutions and national research laboratories |
| Selection Oversight | Empowered Committee chaired by the Principal Scientific Advisor |
| Static GK | IISc Bengaluru, established in 1909, is India’s premier research institution. |
