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Department of Higher Education, Ministry of Education ने Prime Minister Research Chair (PMRC) Scheme 2026 के लिए आवेदन शुरू किए

The Ministry of Education launched the PMRC Scheme 2026 to attract Indian-origin scientists abroad to work in top Indian institutions. For UPSC, it matters as a flagship policy to boost self‑reliant research, linking diaspora talent with national priority sectors.
Ministry of Education Department of Higher Education, Ministry of Education launches applications for the Prime Minister Research Chair (PMRC) Scheme 2026 A flagship national initiative connecting global Indian talent with India’s scientific and innovation future The Department of Higher Education, Ministry of Education, Government of India, invites applications for the Prime Minister Research Chair (PMRC) Scheme 2026, a flagship national initiative designed to attract accomplished Indian-origin researchers, scientists, technologists, and professionals from globally reputed universities, laboratories, research institutions, and industries to premier government Higher Education Institutions (HEIs), national laboratories, and research centres across India. The Scheme will connect global Indian talent with India's rapidly expanding research, development, innovation, and technology ecosystem across 13 thematic areas of national priority, which include. Advanced Computing (AI, Quantum Computing & Supercomputing) Semiconductors Energy, Sustainability & Climate Change Cybersecurity Healthcare & MedTech Biotechnology Advanced Materials & Critical Minerals Space & Defence Next-Generation Communications Manufacturing & Industry 4.0 Agri & Food Technologies Blue Economy Atomic Energy Anchored on three core pillars: Lead Institutions, Host Institutions, and PMRC Fellows, the Scheme is designed to ensure mission-aligned, nationally relevant, and impact-oriented research. Participating institutions and fellows will be selected through a rigorous process overseen by an Empowered Committee chaired by the Principal Scientific Advisor to the Government of India. PMRC Fellows will receive fellowship and research grant support, access to laboratories and research infrastructure and opportunities to work with leading government institutions in India. Host Institutions under the Scheme will benefit through international academic collaborations, engagement with globally accomplished researchers and professionals, and expanded research and innovation activities in priority sectors. The Scheme provides opportunities for engagement under three categories namely Young Research Fellows for early career researchers, Senior Research Fellows for experienced researchers, and Research Chairs for globally accomplished research leaders. Eligible Fellows under the PMRC Scheme include accomplished Indian origin researchers, scientists, and professionals, including Indian Nationals working abroad, OCI cardholders, and Persons of Indian Origin. The Scheme aims to attract accomplished Indian origin researchers and professionals from leading global institutions and industries with outstanding achievements in research, innovation, and technology. Eligible Host Institutions include Government Higher Educational Institutions ranked among the Top 100 in NIRF Overall or Engineering categories, or
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<p>Ministry of Education</p><p>Department of Higher Education, Ministry of Education launches applications for the Prime Minister Research Chair (PMRC) Scheme 2026</p><p>A flagship national initiative connecting global Indian talent with India’s scientific and innovation future</p><p>The Department of Higher Education, Ministry of Education, Government of India, invites applications for the Prime Minister Research Chair (PMRC) Scheme 2026, a flagship national initiative designed to attract accomplished Indian-origin researchers, scientists, technologists, and professionals from globally reputed universities, laboratories, research institutions, and industries to premier government Higher Education Institutions (HEIs), national laboratories, and research centres across India.</p><p>The Scheme will connect global Indian talent with India's rapidly expanding research, development, innovation, and technology ecosystem across 13 thematic areas of national priority, which include.</p><p>Advanced Computing (AI, Quantum Computing &amp; Supercomputing) Semiconductors Energy, Sustainability &amp; Climate Change Cybersecurity Healthcare &amp; MedTech Biotechnology Advanced Materials &amp; Critical Minerals Space &amp; Defence Next-Generation Communications Manufacturing &amp; Industry 4.0 Agri &amp; Food Technologies Blue Economy Atomic Energy</p><p>Anchored on three core pillars: Lead Institutions, Host Institutions, and PMRC Fellows, the Scheme is designed to ensure mission-aligned, nationally relevant, and impact-oriented research. Participating institutions and fellows will be selected through a rigorous process overseen by an Empowered Committee chaired by the Principal Scientific Advisor to the Government of India.</p><p>PMRC Fellows will receive fellowship and research grant support, access to laboratories and research infrastructure and opportunities to work with leading government institutions in India.</p><p>Host Institutions under the Scheme will benefit through international academic collaborations, engagement with globally accomplished researchers and professionals, and expanded research and innovation activities in priority sectors.</p><p>The Scheme provides opportunities for engagement under three categories namely Young Research Fellows for early career researchers, Senior Research Fellows for experienced researchers, and Research Chairs for globally accomplished research leaders.</p><p>Eligible Fellows under the PMRC Scheme include accomplished Indian origin researchers, scientists, and professionals, including Indian Nationals working abroad, OCI cardholders, and Persons of Indian Origin. The Scheme aims to attract accomplished Indian origin researchers and professionals from leading global institutions and industries with outstanding achievements in research, innovation, and technology.</p><p>Eligible Host Institutions include Government Higher Educational Institutions ranked among the Top 100 in NIRF Overall or Engineering categories, or
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PMRC Scheme 2026 taps Indian diaspora to boost self‑reliant research across priority sectors.

Key Facts

  1. The Prime Minister Research Chair (PMRC) Scheme 2026 invites applications from 1 June 2026.
  2. The scheme targets Indian-origin researchers, OCI cardholders and Indian nationals working abroad.
  3. 13 thematic priority areas include AI, Quantum Computing, Semiconductors, Energy, Climate, Cybersecurity, Healthcare, Biotechnology, Advanced Materials, Space, Defence, Manufacturing, Agri‑Food, Blue Economy and Atomic Energy.
  4. Seven Lead Institutions: IIT Delhi, IIT Bombay, IIT Madras, IIT Kanpur, IIT Hyderabad, IIT (ISM) Dhanbad and IISc Bengaluru.
  5. Host Institutions must be in the top 100 (overall or engineering) or top 50 (research) of the NIRF rankings, or premier national labs under DST, DBT, ICMR, CSIR.
  6. Three fellowship categories: Young Research Fellows, Senior Research Fellows, and Research Chairs, with grants, lab access and collaboration opportunities.
  7. An Empowered Committee chaired by the Principal Scientific Advisor oversees selection of fellows and institutions.

Background & Context

India is seeking to tap its global diaspora talent to boost frontier research and reduce dependence on foreign technology. The PMRC scheme aligns with the government's Aatmanirbhar Bharat vision and the need for self‑reliant scientific capability across priority sectors.

UPSC Syllabus Connections

GS3•Developments in science and technology and their applicationsEssay•Science, Technology and SocietyEssay•Economy, Development and InequalityEssay•Education, Knowledge and CulturePrelims_GS•Science and Technology ApplicationsGS3•IT, Space, Computers, Robotics, Nano-technology, Bio-technology and IPRGS2•Issues relating to Health, Education, Human ResourcesEssay•Environment and SustainabilityGS4•Role of family, society and educational institutions in inculcating values

Mains Answer Angle

GS‑3: Discuss how leveraging Indian diaspora researchers through schemes like PMRC can strengthen India's innovation ecosystem and contribute to self‑reliance.

Analysis

Practice Questions

GS3
Easy
Prelims MCQ

विज्ञान और प्रौद्योगिकी – नीति पहल

1 marks
3 keywords
GS3
Medium
Mains Short Answer

उच्च शिक्षा – संस्थागत मानदंड

5 marks
5 keywords
GS3
Hard
Mains Essay

विज्ञान और प्रौद्योगिकी – नवाचार नीति

20 marks
5 keywords
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Key Insight

PMRC Scheme 2026 taps Indian diaspora to boost self‑reliant research across priority sectors.

Key Facts

  1. The Prime Minister Research Chair (PMRC) Scheme 2026 invites applications from 1 June 2026.
  2. The scheme targets Indian-origin researchers, OCI cardholders and Indian nationals working abroad.
  3. 13 thematic priority areas include AI, Quantum Computing, Semiconductors, Energy, Climate, Cybersecurity, Healthcare, Biotechnology, Advanced Materials, Space, Defence, Manufacturing, Agri‑Food, Blue Economy and Atomic Energy.
  4. Seven Lead Institutions: IIT Delhi, IIT Bombay, IIT Madras, IIT Kanpur, IIT Hyderabad, IIT (ISM) Dhanbad and IISc Bengaluru.
  5. Host Institutions must be in the top 100 (overall or engineering) or top 50 (research) of the NIRF rankings, or premier national labs under DST, DBT, ICMR, CSIR.
  6. Three fellowship categories: Young Research Fellows, Senior Research Fellows, and Research Chairs, with grants, lab access and collaboration opportunities.
  7. An Empowered Committee chaired by the Principal Scientific Advisor oversees selection of fellows and institutions.

Background

India is seeking to tap its global diaspora talent to boost frontier research and reduce dependence on foreign technology. The PMRC scheme aligns with the government's Aatmanirbhar Bharat vision and the need for self‑reliant scientific capability across priority sectors.

UPSC Syllabus

  • GS3 — Developments in science and technology and their applications
  • Essay — Science, Technology and Society
  • Essay — Economy, Development and Inequality
  • Essay — Education, Knowledge and Culture
  • Prelims_GS — Science and Technology Applications
  • GS3 — IT, Space, Computers, Robotics, Nano-technology, Bio-technology and IPR
  • GS2 — Issues relating to Health, Education, Human Resources
  • Essay — Environment and Sustainability
  • GS4 — Role of family, society and educational institutions in inculcating values
Explore:Current Affairs·Editorial Analysis·Govt Schemes·Study Materials·Previous Year Questions·UPSC GPT

Mains Angle

GS‑3: Discuss how leveraging Indian diaspora researchers through schemes like PMRC can strengthen India's innovation ecosystem and contribute to self‑reliance.

Department of Higher Education, Ministry o... | UPSC Current Affairs