Come Home to Research: In a bid to attract Indian origin researchers and academicians working in foreign countries, India has announced its flagship PM Research Chair (PMRC) Scheme 2026 offering research opportunities in 13 priority sectors including semi-conductors, advanced computing and artificial intelligence.

According to the union government of India, the flagship scheme announced on June 1 lists vacancies for 120 distinguished researchers/scientists and professionals, working at leading foreign higher education institutes (HEIs), research laboratories/institutions, reputed companies and other industries outside India.

The vacancy, announced for the posts of Young Research Fellows, Senior Fellows and Research Chairs, offers research opportunities to Indian origin researchers/scientists at premier Indian HEIs and research laboratories, for a maximum tenure of five years.

The scheme has been introduced by the Department of Higher Education, Ministry of Education. It has now started accepting applications from June 1, 2026 and the last date for submission of applications is July 15, 2026.

The PMRC Scheme is meant to improve the research capabilities of India in priority sectors by bringing in globally renowned experts to premier government higher education institutions, national laboratories and research institutes. The programme will run from 2026-27 to 2030-31 for up to five years and is expected to involve at least 120 researchers and professionals.

To accommodate experts at different stages of their careers, the scheme offers three categories of engagement: Young Research Fellows, Senior Fellows, and Research Chairs.

Participants will undertake high-impact research projects, mentor students and researchers, contribute to curriculum development, foster international collaborations, and work closely with industry to promote innovation and commercialization of research outcomes.

Eligible host institutions include government higher education institutions ranked among the top performers in NIRF categories, as well as leading national laboratories and research organisations under agencies such as DST, DBT, ICMR, and CSIR. These institutions will submit project proposals aligned with the scheme’s thematic priorities.

The PMRC Scheme focuses on strategic areas including semiconductors, advanced computing, healthcare, biotechnology, cybersecurity, energy and climate change, advanced materials, space and defence, and Industry 4.0, among others. The initiative is expected to enhance academia-industry collaboration, improve research quality, increase patent generation, and strengthen India’s position in global research rankings.

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