PMRC Scheme 2026: The Ministry of Education has extended the application submission deadline for the Prime Minister Research Chair (PMRC) scheme till August 15, 2026, as per official information. The programme is a central sector scheme of the Department of Higher Education, Ministry of Education, which aims to attract and engage leading Indian-origin researchers, scientists, and professionals from abroad and place them at premier government higher education institutions and national research laboratories in India to undertake research.
Anchored on three core pillars, namely lead institutions, host institutions, and PMRC fellows, the scheme will be operationalised through India's leading government Higher Education Institutions (HEIs), national laboratories, and research institutes.
PMRC Scheme 2026: Levels Of Engagement
According to the official notification, the scheme offers three levels of engagement to accommodate fellows with wide experience levels: Young Research Fellows (YRF), Senior Fellows (SF), and Research Chairs (RC). This tiered structure is designed to bring in researchers and professionals at different stages of their careers, from early-career talent to highly experienced experts.
What Will PMRC Fellows Be Expected To Do?
As per the official document, PMRC fellows are expected to conduct original, high-impact research in identified priority sectors in collaboration with the host institution, teach and co-design courses to contribute to curriculum enrichment, mentor doctoral, postdoctoral, and postgraduate students and junior researchers, and facilitate international collaborations, publications, and co-funded R&D projects, among other responsibilities.
Overwhelming Response To The Scheme
In a social media post on X, the ministry said it has received an overwhelming response, with thousands of applications so far. It stated that this is an opportunity for accomplished Indian-origin researchers and professionals across the world to contribute to Bharat's next chapter of R&D-led growth and nation-building, and to be part of India's journey towards an Aatmanirbhar and Viksit Bharat.
How To Apply For PMRC Scheme 2026?
Interested and eligible candidates can visit the official website, pmrc.education.gov.in, for more details and to complete their application before the extended deadline of August 15, 2026.