- Why in news
- On 2 June 2026, the Department of Higher Education, Ministry of Education, announced that applications are open for the Prime Minister Research Chair (PMRC) Scheme 2026. Applications from Fellows and Host Institutions open from 1 June 2026 on the PMRC Portal.
- What it is
- The Prime Minister Research Chair Scheme aims to attract accomplished Indian-origin researchers from globally reputed institutions and industries to top Indian institutions. It works through Lead Institutions, Host Institutions and PMRC Fellows. Research is focused on thematic areas of national priority.
- Thematic areas
- The scheme covers 13 priority areas, including AI and quantum computing, semiconductors, biotechnology, Blue Economy and Atomic Energy.
- Three pillars
- The scheme rests on Lead Institutions, Host Institutions and PMRC Fellows.
- Who oversees selection
- An Empowered Committee chaired by the Principal Scientific Advisor oversees selection of institutions and fellows.
- Fellow categories
- There are three categories: Young Research Fellows, Senior Research Fellows and Research Chairs.
- Eligible fellows
- Indian nationals working abroad, OCI cardholders and Persons of Indian Origin are eligible.
- Lead Institutions
- Seven institutions are Lead Institutions: IIT Delhi, Bombay, Madras, Kanpur, Hyderabad, IIT (ISM) Dhanbad and IISc Bengaluru.
Don’t confuse with Lead vs Host Institutions: Lead Institutions help implement the scheme across thematic areas. Host Institutions (NIRF-ranked government HEIs, national labs) receive and host the fellows.
Schemes: 52 Prelims questions since 2013, 10 in Prelims 2026 alone. They test features, the period and who funds it. In Mains, 33 news-triggered questions, mostly GS3.
Why it matters
- Can reverse brain drain by drawing Indian-origin talent into Indian research.
- Aligns research with national priorities such as semiconductors, quantum and critical minerals.
Problems
- Salary, funding and infrastructure gaps may make it hard to compete with global institutions.
- Fellows may stay only briefly, limiting lasting capacity building.
Way forward
- Offer stable funding, research autonomy and faster procurement and administrative support.
- Link fellows with students, industry and long-term projects to retain the benefits.
Put in your answer
Brain gain example: PMRC targets Indian nationals abroad, OCI cardholders and Persons of Indian Origin to bring global talent into Indian institutions.
- 2015Mains GS3 · Q12Robots for prohibitive labour; initiatives to propel research in premier institutes.
- 2014Mains GS3 · Q10Why scientific research in Indian universities is declining; critically comment.
- 2014Mains GS2 · Q13Should IITs/IIMs keep premier status with greater academic independence?
UPSC’s own questions that come close to this issue, from our Prelims and Mains banks.
No practice question for this one; the card may still help an answer. Why: New scheme with 13 thematic areas and an Empowered Committee under the Principal Scientific Adviser; worth a card. Schemes are 16% of news-linked Prelims questions, but details are thin.
Worth revising until Prelims 2028: most news questions come within two years of the event.