Archive · 9 Jan 2026
PM Research Chair scheme to attract 120 global Indian scientists to IITs
The Indian government is planning a new scheme called the Prime Minister Research Chair (PMRC) to bring back top Indian scientists and researchers who are working abroad.
The goal is to attract 120 talented people over five years to work at the Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs).
These researchers will focus on important areas like semiconductors, artificial intelligence, clean energy, and advanced materials.
The scheme aims to make India a better place for research and innovation.
Additionally, the IIT Council has suggested doing a survey to understand why many IIT graduates go abroad for higher studies and how to keep them in India.
The Prime Minister Research Chair (PMRC) scheme aims to attract 120 Indian-origin researchers and scientists to IITs over five years.
The scheme focuses on 14 priority sectors, including semiconductors, AI, clean energy, and advanced materials.
The IIT Council has recommended a survey to capture alumni outcomes and analyze reasons for IIT graduates pursuing PhD and postdoctoral programs abroad.
The council also discussed reforms in MTech and PhD programs, emphasizing the need for industry internships in MTech curricula.
The PMRC scheme seeks to improve institutional research capacity, boost innovation, and enhance India's global standing in science and technology.
- Who
- Indian-origin researchers and scientists
- What
- Prime Minister Research Chair (PMRC) scheme to attract and engage global talent
- When
- Proposed to be launched soon, with a 5-year duration
- Where
- Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs)
- Why
- To strengthen India's higher education and research ecosystem, boost innovation, and enhance global standing in science, technology, and academic excellence
Proponents of the Scheme
Critics of the Scheme
Effectiveness in Reducing Brain Drain
Proponents of the Scheme
The scheme will effectively reduce brain drain by attracting top Indian-origin researchers and scientists back to India, strengthening the research ecosystem.
Critics of the Scheme
The scheme may not be sufficient to address the root causes of brain drain, such as better career opportunities and research facilities abroad.
Impact on Innovation and Global Standing
Proponents of the Scheme
The scheme will boost innovation and enhance India's global standing in science, technology, and academic excellence.
Critics of the Scheme
The impact on innovation and global standing may be limited without significant improvements in research infrastructure and funding.
- Scheme Name
- Prime Minister Research Chair (PMRC)
- Objective
- Attract and engage global talent of Indian origin
- Duration
- 5 years
- Number of Fellows
- 120
- Categories of Fellows
- Young Research Fellows, Senior Research Fellows, Research Chairs
- Focus Areas
- Semiconductors, AI, clean energy, advanced materials
- Initiative Status
- In-principle agreement, to be launched soon
- Additional Recommendation
- Survey to capture alumni outcomes and socio-economic impact
Sources
Reverse brain drain: New ‘PM Research Chair’ scheme to bring 120 global Indian scientists back to IITs with a focus on tech
IIT Council Plans Major Revamp of MTech and PhD Programmes, Eyes Adaptive JEE Advanced
Reversing brain drain: Modi govt has a ‘scheme’ up its sleeve to get back top Indian-origin researchers
IIITH’s unique research pathway transforms interns into innovators
