Archive · 30 Jul 2026
Prime Minister Research Chair 2026: How Host Institutions Can Apply
The Indian government has started a new program called the Prime Minister Research Chair for 2026.
It wants scientists and researchers who were born in India but live abroad to come back and work in India’s top universities and labs.
The program has three parts: lead institutions that set the direction, host institutions that provide the facilities, and the researchers who will do the work.
Only certain universities and labs that are very good in research can apply.
They must give the researchers access to labs, computers, and other resources, and they have to propose research projects that fit the program’s themes.
The PMRC scheme invites Indian‑origin researchers abroad to work at Indian government HEIs and labs.
Three pillars—lead institutions, host institutions, and PMRC fellows—guide the program.
Lead institutions set strategic direction and evaluate host readiness for each thematic area.
Eligible host institutions include top 100 NIRF HEIs, top 50 research HEIs, and national labs under DBT, DST, CSIR, ICMR.
Host institutions must provide in‑kind resources and submit thematic project proposals.
- Who
- Indian government and its higher education institutions
- What
- Prime Minister Research Chair scheme to bring Indian‑origin researchers abroad to India
- When
- 2026
- Where
- Indian government higher education institutions and national research laboratories
- Why
- To boost high‑impact research, innovation, and mentorship
- Scheme Name
- Prime Minister Research Chair 2026
- Initiating Body
- Department of Higher Education, Ministry of Education
- Eligibility Criteria
- Top 100 NIRF HEIs, Top 50 NIRF Research HEIs, National labs under DBT, DST, CSIR, ICMR
- Key Pillars
- Lead institutions, Host institutions, PMRC fellows
- Application Requirement
- In‑kind contributions and thematic project proposals