PMRC Scheme 2026: Ministry of Education Boosts Research Funding with Rs 200 crore Allocation

Key Insight

PMRC Scheme gets Rs 200 crore to boost research and diaspora talent under NEP 2020.

Key Facts

1. FY 2026‑27 में PMRC Scheme के लिए Rs 200 crore आवंटित किए गए।
2. तीन फेलोशिप श्रेणियाँ: Research Chair, Senior Fellow, Young Research Fellow।
3. सात संस्थानों को फेलोशिप होस्ट करने के लिए Lead Institutions के रूप में नामित किया गया।
4. 3,600 से अधिक फेलोशिप आवेदन और 400 होस्ट‑इंस्टिट्यूशन आवेदन प्राप्त हुए।
5. Scheme NEP 2020 (National Education Policy) के साथ संरेखित है ताकि एक अनुसंधान‑प्रधान उच्च‑शिक्षा प्रणाली बनाई जा सके।
6. Ministry of Education ने 2026 में इस योजना पर राजसभा प्रश्न का उत्तर दिया।

Background

The PMRC Scheme is part of the government’s effort to use Indian diaspora expertise to improve research output, a priority in NEP 2020. It links education policy with economic growth by funding high‑level research and building capacity in universities and labs.

UPSC Syllabus

• Prelims_GS — Demographics and Social Sector
• Essay — Education, Knowledge and Culture
• GS2 — Issues relating to Health, Education, Human Resources
• Prelims_GS — Constitution and Political System
• GS2 — Government policies and interventions for development
• Prelims_GS — National Current Affairs

Mains Angle

In a GS‑3 answer, discuss how the PMRC Scheme operationalises NEP 2020’s research agenda and its impact on India’s innovation ecosystem. Possible question: “Evaluate the role of research‑oriented schemes like PMRC in achieving the objectives of NEP 2020.”