PM Research Chair Scheme Deadline Extended To August 15

The Prime Minister Research Chair Scheme has extended its application deadline to August 15, 2026, allowing more time for eligible institutions and researchers to apply. The scheme, launched by the Department of Higher Education under the Ministry of Education, aims to bring leading Indian-origin researchers and scientists working abroad to premier government higher education institutions and national research laboratories in India.

The scheme is designed to strengthen India's research and innovation ecosystem by supporting high-impact research across 13 priority sectors. Over the five-year period, the scheme aims to engage at least 120 distinguished researchers, scientists, and professionals across three categories: Young Research Fellows, Senior Fellows, and Research Chairs.

Eligible institutions include government higher education institutions meeting specified National Institutional Ranking Framework criteria, such as those ranked among the top 100 in the NIRF Overall category, top 100 in the NIRF Engineering category, or top 50 in the NIRF Research category. Identified national laboratories and research institutions under organisations such as DBT, DST, ICMR, and CSIR are also eligible.

Host institutions are expected to have a strong research, development, and innovation environment, along with industry-academia partnerships, research infrastructure, and a track record of research outputs and patent commercialisation. Institutions can submit multiple project proposals across different thematic areas.

The scheme is open to eligible Indian-origin researchers, scientists, and professionals working with leading foreign higher education institutions, research laboratories, research organisations, reputed companies, and industries. Indian nationals, Overseas Citizens of India, and Persons of Indian Origin may be eligible, subject to the final criteria set by the Empowered Committee.

The fellowship will involve in-person engagement, with selected Fellows expected to work at their Host Institutions in India. The engagement period under the scheme can extend up to five years during the period from 2026-27 to 2030-31.

The extension of the deadline provides an opportunity for more institutions and researchers to participate in the scheme. The final eligibility criteria for researchers, projects, and institutions will be decided by the Empowered Committee.

The Prime Minister Research Chair Scheme is a significant initiative to boost India's research and innovation ecosystem. By attracting leading researchers and scientists from abroad, the scheme aims to promote high-impact research and innovation in India.

The scheme's focus on 13 priority sectors is expected to have a positive impact on India's economic growth and development. The engagement of at least 120 distinguished researchers, scientists, and professionals over the five-year period will contribute to the growth of India's research and innovation ecosystem.

In conclusion, the extension of the deadline for the Prime Minister Research Chair Scheme provides an opportunity for eligible institutions and researchers to apply and participate in the scheme. The scheme's objectives and eligibility criteria are designed to promote high-impact research and innovation in India, and its success is expected to have a positive impact on the country's economic growth and development.

The scheme is a significant step towards achieving India's goal of becoming a global leader in research and innovation. By providing opportunities for Indian-origin researchers and scientists to work in India, the scheme aims to promote brain gain and reverse the brain drain that has been a concern for the country.

Overall, the Prime Minister Research Chair Scheme is a welcome initiative that is expected to have a positive impact on India's research and innovation ecosystem. The extension of the deadline provides an opportunity for more institutions and researchers to participate in the scheme, and the scheme's success is expected to contribute to India's economic growth and development.