Archive · 21 Jul 2026
PMRC Scheme Deadline Extended to August 15, 2026
The Prime Minister Research Chair (PMRC) Scheme is a program by the Indian government to bring back top Indian-origin researchers from abroad.
The deadline to apply has been extended to August 15, 2026.
The scheme offers fellowships to researchers in three categories: Young Research Fellows, Senior Fellows, and Research Chairs.
These researchers will work in top Indian institutions for up to five years.
The goal is to boost research and innovation in India.
The scheme provides good financial support and aims to turn research into useful products and technologies.
The deadline for the PMRC Scheme has been extended to August 15, 2026.
The scheme aims to engage 120 distinguished researchers over five years.
Researchers are categorized into Young Research Fellows, Senior Fellows, and Research Chairs.
Eligible institutions include top-ranked government higher education institutions and national research laboratories.
The scheme provides substantial financial support, including fellowship fees and research grants.
- Who
- Indian-origin researchers, scientists, and professionals working abroad
- What
- Prime Minister Research Chair (PMRC) Scheme
- When
- Applications open June 1, 2026; deadline extended to August 15, 2026
- Where
- Premier government higher education institutions and national research laboratories in India
- Why
- To strengthen India's research and innovation ecosystem by supporting high-impact research across 13 priority sectors
Proponents of the Scheme
Critics of the Scheme
Impact on Research and Innovation
Proponents of the Scheme
The scheme will significantly boost India's research and innovation ecosystem by attracting top Indian-origin researchers.
Critics of the Scheme
The scheme may not be effective in retaining researchers long-term due to potential differences in research environments.
Funding and Support
Proponents of the Scheme
The financial support provided is substantial and will attract high-caliber researchers.
Critics of the Scheme
The funding may not be sufficient to cover all necessary expenses, especially for high-impact research projects.
- Deadline
- August 15, 2026
- Launch Date
- June 1, 2026
- Engagement Period
- Up to five years (2026-27 to 2030-31)
- Number of Researchers
- 120
- Priority Sectors
- 13
- Fellowship Categories
- Young Research Fellows, Senior Fellows, Research Chairs
- Eligible Institutions
- Top-ranked government higher education institutions and national research laboratories
- Financial Support
- Varies by category (₹15-60 lakh annually, ₹1-5 crore research grants)