Rathish
Author – Ritesh Ranjan: India’s research and innovation ecosystem is entering an important phase of growth. With increasing investment in higher education, technology, scientific research and advanced innovation, the country is now looking to connect with Indian-origin talent across the world. The PM Research Fellowship 2026, designed on the lines of the PMRF-style initiative, is a major step in this direction.
The scheme aims to attract talented researchers, scientists, technologists and professionals of Indian origin who are working in leading global institutions, laboratories, industries and research organisations. It invites Indian nationals working overseas, OCI cardholders and Persons of Indian Origin to contribute their experience and expertise to India’s top universities, national laboratories and research institutions.
This fellowship is not just another academic opportunity. It is a strategic initiative to bring global knowledge, international exposure and advanced research thinking into India’s scientific ecosystem. At a time when India is working toward the vision of Aatmanirbhar Bharat and Viksit Bharat, such programmes can play a key role in strengthening the country’s long-term research capacity.
What is PM Research Fellowship 2026?
The PM Research Fellowship 2026 is a research-focused initiative aimed at bringing accomplished Indian-origin researchers and professionals into India’s academic and innovation landscape. The programme is expected to support high-impact research in areas of national importance and help build stronger collaboration between Indian institutions and global talent.
The fellowship is especially useful for researchers who have gained experience abroad and now wish to contribute to India’s development. These individuals may have worked in advanced laboratories, global universities, technology companies, healthcare research, engineering innovation, artificial intelligence, biotechnology, materials science, policy research or other emerging fields.
By creating a pathway for such experts to work with Indian institutions, the scheme can help improve the quality of research, encourage international collaboration and support innovation-led growth.
Who Can Apply for PM Research Fellowship 2026?
The scheme is open to candidates with a strong background in research, innovation, technology or professional excellence. It is particularly suitable for Indian-origin researchers and professionals who have built meaningful careers outside India and are now interested in contributing to the country’s research ecosystem.
Eligible applicants include:
Indian Nationals working overseas, OCI cardholders and Persons of Indian Origin. Candidates are expected to have strong research achievements, relevant professional experience and a clear plan for contributing to India’s scientific and academic development.
The fellowship is likely to attract researchers from universities, industries, research labs, startups and innovation-driven organisations. Applicants who can bring international collaborations, advanced technical skills and fresh research ideas will be especially well-positioned.
Host Institutions for the Fellowship
Applications under the scheme will be accepted only through approved host institutions. These institutions must meet specific quality and ranking criteria to ensure that fellows are placed in strong academic and research environments.
Eligible host institutions include Government Higher Educational Institutions ranked among the Top 100 in the NIRF Overall or Engineering categories. Institutions ranked among the Top 50 in the NIRF Research category are also included.
In addition to higher education institutions, the scheme also covers leading national laboratories and research organisations under bodies such as DST, DBT, ICMR and CSIR. This broad institutional network allows fellows to work across diverse areas, including engineering, medicine, biotechnology, public health, basic sciences and applied research.
The focus on top-ranked and nationally relevant institutions ensures that fellows have access to good infrastructure, experienced faculty, established research networks and meaningful opportunities for collaboration.
Lead Institutions Announced
To support smooth implementation and thematic coordination, seven premier institutions have been identified as Lead Institutions under the programme. These are:
- Indian Institute of Technology Delhi
- Indian Institute of Technology Bombay
- Indian Institute of Technology Madras
- Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur
- Indian Institute of Technology Hyderabad
- Indian Institute of Technology (Indian School of Mines) Dhanbad
- Indian Institute of Science Bengaluru
These institutions are expected to play an important role in mentoring fellows, guiding research priorities and helping build collaborative projects across India. Their involvement reflects the scale and seriousness of the initiative.
The presence of leading IITs and IISc Bengaluru also shows that the scheme is focused on high-quality research and innovation. These institutions already have strong reputations in science, engineering, technology and interdisciplinary research.
Why PM Research Fellowship 2026 Matters
India has made significant progress in science, technology and higher education. However, to become a global research leader, the country needs stronger international linkages, deeper industry-academia collaboration and access to highly trained researchers with global exposure.
The PM Research Fellowship 2026 can help bridge this gap. Many Indian-origin researchers around the world are working in advanced areas such as artificial intelligence, quantum technology, semiconductor research, biotechnology, clean energy, climate science, healthcare innovation, robotics and advanced manufacturing. Their knowledge and experience can support India’s national priorities.
By bringing such talent into Indian institutions, the scheme can help improve academic output, strengthen research culture and encourage new technology development. It can also support patent creation, startup innovation and globally competitive research projects.
Another important benefit is mentorship. Experienced researchers from abroad can guide young Indian scholars, help build research teams and introduce global best practices in laboratories and academic departments. This can have a long-term impact on the quality of research training in India.
Application Details
Applications from fellows and host institutions will open on 1 June 2026 through the official PMRC Portal. Interested candidates should carefully read the official guidelines before applying.
Applicants should prepare their documents early. A strong application may include a detailed research profile, evidence of academic or professional achievements, publications, patents, project experience, international collaborations and a clear research proposal.
Since the scheme is meant for top-tier talent, candidates should clearly explain how their work can contribute to India’s development goals. They should also identify suitable host institutions and align their research interests with the institution’s strengths.
Host institutions will also play a major role, as applications are routed through approved institutions. Therefore, applicants should explore potential mentors, departments, laboratories and research groups before beginning the application process.
A Step Toward India’s Research Future
The PM Research Fellowship 2026 is more than a fellowship programme. It is part of India’s larger effort to become a knowledge-driven economy. By connecting Indian institutions with global Indian talent, the scheme can create new opportunities for scientific excellence, technology development and national growth.
For researchers who want to make a meaningful impact in India, this fellowship offers a timely and powerful opportunity. It gives them a chance to bring their global experience back to the country and contribute to areas that matter for India’s future.
As India continues to invest in research, innovation and higher education, initiatives like this can help build stronger institutions, better research outcomes and a more globally connected scientific community.
The PM Research Fellowship 2026 may become an important platform for Indian-origin researchers who want to be part of India’s next chapter in science, technology and nation-building.
FAQs on PM Research Fellowship 2026
1. What is the PM Research Fellowship 2026?
The PM Research Fellowship 2026 is a research-focused initiative aimed at attracting Indian-origin researchers, scientists and professionals from across the world to work with India’s top universities, laboratories and research institutions.
2. Who is eligible to apply for PM Research Fellowship 2026?
Eligible applicants include Indian Nationals working overseas, OCI cardholders and Persons of Indian Origin with strong achievements in research, innovation, technology or professional fields.
3. When will applications open for PM Research Fellowship 2026?
Applications from fellows and host institutions will open on 1 June 2026 through the official PMRC Portal.
4. Which institutions can host fellows under this scheme?
Approved host institutions include Government Higher Educational Institutions ranked in the Top 100 in NIRF Overall or Engineering categories, Top 50 in NIRF Research category, and selected national laboratories under DST, DBT, ICMR and CSIR.
5. Why is PM Research Fellowship 2026 important?
The scheme is important because it connects global Indian talent with India’s leading research institutions. It can strengthen research capacity, improve innovation, support patents and startups, and contribute to India’s long-term scientific growth.