PMRC scheme: Over Rs 13 crore for researchers moving to India, apply by July 15
The Ministry of Education has opened applications for the Prime Minister Research Chair Scheme 2026, offering research funding of up to Rs 14 crore along with fellowships, relocation support and institutional grants. Interested Indian-origin researchers working abroad can submit proposals by July 15.
The biggest attraction of the Prime Minister Research Chair (PMRC) Scheme 2026 is not just the opportunity to conduct cutting-edge research in India, but the substantial financial support available to selected fellows.
The Ministry of Education has invited applications from accomplished Indian-origin researchers working abroad, with proposals open until July 15, 2026.
The scheme aims to attract global Indian talent back to the country's leading universities and national research laboratories. Depending on the category, selected fellows can receive annual fellowships, research grants, relocation support, residential allowances and institutional overheads worth several crores.
The financial package varies across three categories; Young Research Fellows, Senior Fellows and Research Chairs, allowing researchers at different career stages to undertake projects aligned with India's national priorities.
HOW MUCH DOES PMRC SCHEME 2026 OFFER?
The PMRC Scheme provides financial assistance under five major components.
| Financial Support | Young Research Fellows | Senior Fellows | Research Chairs |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fellowship Fee (Annual) | Rs 15 lakh–Rs 20 lakh | Rs 20 lakh–Rs 40 lakh | Rs 40 lakh–Rs 60 lakh |
| Research Grant (One-time) | Rs 1 crore–Rs 1.5 crore | Rs 1.5 crore–Rs 2.5 crore | Rs 3 crore–Rs 5 crore |
| Residential & Medical Allowance (Annual) | Rs 5 lakh | Rs 9 lakh | Rs 15 lakh |
| Relocation Benefit (One-time) | Rs 30 lakh | Rs 40 lakh | Rs 50 lakh* |
| Institute Overheads (Annual) | Rs 20 lakh | Rs 30 lakh | Rs 1 crore |
Note: The Empowered Committee will decide the engagement tenure based on the proposal submitted by the fellow and the host institution.
Apart from financial support, fellows will receive access to advanced laboratories, research infrastructure, academic leadership opportunities and collaboration with India's premier institutions.
Direct link to read the official PMRC scheme 2026 notification here
WHO CAN APPLY FOR PMRC SCHEME 2026?
Applicants must meet the following conditions:
Indian-origin researchers, scientists, technologists and professionals working abroad.
Currently associated with reputed universities, research institutions, laboratories, companies or industries overseas.
Eligible under one of these categories:
Young Research Fellows (YRF): Less than five years of post-PhD experience.
Senior Fellows (SF): Five to less than ten years of post-PhD experience.
Research Chairs (RC): Ten years or more of post-PhD experience with proven research leadership.
Eligible host institutions include:
Top 100 NIRF Overall institutions.
Top 100 NIRF Engineering institutions.
Top 50 NIRF Research institutions.
National laboratories under organisations such as CSIR, DST, DBT, ICMR and other government research bodies.
HOW TO APPLY FOR PMRC SCHEME 2026?
Interested researchers should follow these steps:
Visit the official PMRC portal.
Click on "Submit Your Proposal".
Register as a Fellow.
Complete the online application form.
Upload all required documents.
Submit the proposal before July 15, 2026.
Host institutions must also complete their registration separately before proposals are processed.
Direct link to apply for PMRC Scheme 2026
WHY THE PMRC SCHEME 2026 MATTERS?
Unlike conventional research fellowships, the PMRC Scheme combines personal fellowship support with large-scale research funding and institutional assistance.
The scheme has been designed to encourage accomplished Indian-origin researchers to bring global expertise back to India while building world-class research ecosystems in areas of national importance.
With funding reaching over Rs 13 crore, generous fellowship support and access to India's leading laboratories, the Prime Minister Research Chair Scheme ranks among the country's most significant research initiatives for overseas Indian scholars.
Eligible applicants planning to contribute to India's research landscape should ensure they complete their applications before the July 15 deadline.
The biggest attraction of the Prime Minister Research Chair (PMRC) Scheme 2026 is not just the opportunity to conduct cutting-edge research in India, but the substantial financial support available to selected fellows.
The Ministry of Education has invited applications from accomplished Indian-origin researchers working abroad, with proposals open until July 15, 2026.
The scheme aims to attract global Indian talent back to the country's leading universities and national research laboratories. Depending on the category, selected fellows can receive annual fellowships, research grants, relocation support, residential allowances and institutional overheads worth several crores.
The financial package varies across three categories; Young Research Fellows, Senior Fellows and Research Chairs, allowing researchers at different career stages to undertake projects aligned with India's national priorities.
HOW MUCH DOES PMRC SCHEME 2026 OFFER?
The PMRC Scheme provides financial assistance under five major components.
| Financial Support | Young Research Fellows | Senior Fellows | Research Chairs |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fellowship Fee (Annual) | Rs 15 lakh–Rs 20 lakh | Rs 20 lakh–Rs 40 lakh | Rs 40 lakh–Rs 60 lakh |
| Research Grant (One-time) | Rs 1 crore–Rs 1.5 crore | Rs 1.5 crore–Rs 2.5 crore | Rs 3 crore–Rs 5 crore |
| Residential & Medical Allowance (Annual) | Rs 5 lakh | Rs 9 lakh | Rs 15 lakh |
| Relocation Benefit (One-time) | Rs 30 lakh | Rs 40 lakh | Rs 50 lakh* |
| Institute Overheads (Annual) | Rs 20 lakh | Rs 30 lakh | Rs 1 crore |
Note: The Empowered Committee will decide the engagement tenure based on the proposal submitted by the fellow and the host institution.
Apart from financial support, fellows will receive access to advanced laboratories, research infrastructure, academic leadership opportunities and collaboration with India's premier institutions.
Direct link to read the official PMRC scheme 2026 notification here
WHO CAN APPLY FOR PMRC SCHEME 2026?
Applicants must meet the following conditions:
Indian-origin researchers, scientists, technologists and professionals working abroad.
Currently associated with reputed universities, research institutions, laboratories, companies or industries overseas.
Eligible under one of these categories:
Young Research Fellows (YRF): Less than five years of post-PhD experience.
Senior Fellows (SF): Five to less than ten years of post-PhD experience.
Research Chairs (RC): Ten years or more of post-PhD experience with proven research leadership.
Eligible host institutions include:
Top 100 NIRF Overall institutions.
Top 100 NIRF Engineering institutions.
Top 50 NIRF Research institutions.
National laboratories under organisations such as CSIR, DST, DBT, ICMR and other government research bodies.
HOW TO APPLY FOR PMRC SCHEME 2026?
Interested researchers should follow these steps:
Visit the official PMRC portal.
Click on "Submit Your Proposal".
Register as a Fellow.
Complete the online application form.
Upload all required documents.
Submit the proposal before July 15, 2026.
Host institutions must also complete their registration separately before proposals are processed.
Direct link to apply for PMRC Scheme 2026
WHY THE PMRC SCHEME 2026 MATTERS?
Unlike conventional research fellowships, the PMRC Scheme combines personal fellowship support with large-scale research funding and institutional assistance.
The scheme has been designed to encourage accomplished Indian-origin researchers to bring global expertise back to India while building world-class research ecosystems in areas of national importance.
With funding reaching over Rs 13 crore, generous fellowship support and access to India's leading laboratories, the Prime Minister Research Chair Scheme ranks among the country's most significant research initiatives for overseas Indian scholars.
Eligible applicants planning to contribute to India's research landscape should ensure they complete their applications before the July 15 deadline.
