Prime Minister Research Chair (PMRC) Scheme 2026
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Why in News
- The Department of Higher Education under the Ministry of Education started accepting applications for the Prime Minister Research Chair (PMRC) Scheme 2026.
About Prime Minister Research Chair Scheme
- The PMRC Scheme is a national talent program. It brings top scientists of Indian origin back from foreign universities and tech industries to work in Indian institutions.
- The Department of Higher Education under the Ministry of Education funds and manages this entire program.
- The main goal is to bring skilled Indian scientists home. This helps India build new technologies and become a global research center.
Key Features and Core Architecture
- The program uses three career tracks for incoming experts: Young Research Fellows, Senior Research Fellows, and Research Chairs.
- Research proposals must focus on 13 Prioritized Strategic Thematic Areas like AI, quantum computing, semiconductors, and advanced materials.
- Eligible host institutions include top NIRF ranked government colleges and national labs under bodies like CSIR and ICMR.
- Seven leading institutions including IIT Delhi, IIT Bombay, and IISc Bengaluru act as the main execution hubs.
- The Principal Scientific Advisor to the Government of India leads the committee that selects researchers and proposals.
Funding and Relocation Packages
- The government allocated about ₹200 crore for multi-year grants, travel allowances, and lab upgrades for this program.