Why in the news
The Department of Higher Education opened applications for the PMRC Scheme 2026, a talent-return programme meant to bring leading Indian-origin scientists from foreign universities, private labs and tech firms into top Indian institutes.
Key facts
- Nodal body: Department of Higher Education, Ministry of Education.
- Outlay: roughly ₹200 crore, covering grants spread over several years, moving costs, fellowships and laboratory facilities.
- Governance: the Principal Scientific Adviser (PSA) heads the Empowered Committee that evaluates and picks candidates.
- Focus: 13 prioritised strategic technology areas tied to economic and security needs.
- Tiers (per the practice questions): Research Chairs, Senior Research Fellows and Young Research Fellows.
The 13 thematic areas
| Group | Areas |
|---|
| Computing and technology (4) | Cybersecurity; Semiconductors; Next-Generation Communications; Advanced Computing (covers AI, Quantum and Supercomputing) |
| Industry and infrastructure (4) | Atomic Energy; Space and Defence; Manufacturing along with Industry 4.0; Critical Minerals with Advanced Materials |
| Sustainability and biology (5) | Blue Economy; Biotechnology; Agri and Food Technologies; Healthcare and MedTech; Energy, Climate Change and Sustainability |
Host eligibility
- Institutions ranked within 100 in NIRF Overall or Engineering, or within 50 in NIRF Research.
- Selected national labs under DST, DBT, ICMR and CSIR.
- Seven Lead Hubs: IISc Bengaluru plus the IITs at Delhi, Bombay, Madras, Kanpur and Hyderabad, and IIT (ISM) Dhanbad.
- This NIRF filter steers returning talent to places with a sound research culture and facilities.
PMRC versus PMRF
| Point | PMRC | PMRF |
|---|
| Who | Indian-origin researchers abroad | Indian students doing PhDs in India |
| Level | Mid to senior researchers | Doctoral candidates |
| Aim | Talent repatriation | Leading fellowships for PhD work at home |
About NIRF
- The Centre’s own ranking tool for colleges and universities, begun in 2015 by what was then the HRD ministry, now Education.
- Ranked categories range from Overall and Universities to Engineering, Management, Pharmacy, Medical, Law, Architecture, Dental, Research, Agriculture, Innovation and State Universities.
- Five parameters: Teaching, Learning and Resources; Research and Professional Practice; Graduation Outcomes; Outreach and Inclusivity; Perception.
Exam angle
- Do not confuse PMRC (researchers abroad) with PMRF (domestic PhD scholars).
- Chair of the Empowered Committee: Principal Scientific Adviser.
- Sports and Recreation is not among the 13 areas.