Prime Minister's Research Fellowship

About this scheme

The Prime Minister's Research Fellowship (PMRF) is a Ministry of Education scheme to attract talented undergraduate and postgraduate graduates into doctoral research at premier Indian institutions. Fellows receive ₹70,000/month for years 1–2, ₹75,000/month for years 3–4, and ₹80,000/month for year 5 of their PhD, plus a research grant of ₹2,00,000 per year for equipment, consumables, and travel. The fellowship is tenable at IITs, IISc, IISERs, NITs, and other centrally funded technical institutions. Selection has two channels: (1) Direct Entry, open to final-year or recent UG/PG students with a strong academic record (typically CGPA 8.0+ or 80%+), who are simultaneously admitted to a PhD program at an eligible institution; (2) Lateral Entry, open to existing PhD students at eligible institutions who have completed one year and demonstrated research progress. Applications are invited twice a year through the PMRF portal (https://pmrf.in/). Selection involves shortlisting followed by an interview by a subject-expert committee. The scheme does not require fellows to serve a bond or repay the fellowship. It is funded by the Ministry of Education and administered through the participating institutions.

Eligibility

• Educational Background: Bachelor's degree (BTech, BSc) with minimum 80% marks or equivalent CGPA 8.0+; or Master's degree (MTech, MSc) with minimum 75% marks or equivalent CGPA 7.5+
• PhD Status and Institution: Currently enrolled PhD student in STEM discipline at recognized Indian research institution (IIT, IMSC, IISER, NCCS, TIFR, or equivalent national laboratory); or fresh graduate seeking PhD admission at eligible institute
• Research Excellence: Demonstrated exceptional research aptitude through publications (peer-reviewed journals/conferences), strong research proposal, proven track record in academic competitions, or prior research experience
• Research Area Alignment: Research focus should be in priority STEM areas: AI/ML, quantum computing, biotechnology, advanced materials, renewable energy, space technology, climate science, or other frontier research domains
• Institution Recognition: PhD program must be at an IIT, IISc, IISER, NIT, or other centrally funded technical institution eligible under the PMRF scheme
• Nationality and Commitment: Indian citizen; NRI/diaspora with exceptional credentials considered; commitment to pursue research career in India for minimum 5 years post-fellowship
• Age and Previous Funding: Age typically 22-35 years; not receiving higher research fellowships from other government schemes simultaneously; fresh applicants and current PhD scholars both eligible

Benefits

• Monthly fellowship: ₹70,000/month (years 1–2), ₹75,000/month (years 3–4), ₹80,000/month (year 5)
• Annual research grant: ₹2,00,000 per year for equipment, consumables, travel, and conference registration
• Fellowship duration: up to 5 years or PhD completion, whichever is earlier
• No bond, no repayment obligation

Required documents

• Completed PMRF Application FormOfficial application form from PMRF portal (https://pmrf.niti.gov.in/); all sections completed with accuracy; prescribed format mandatory
• Academic Transcripts and CertificatesBachelor's/Master's degree certificates and mark sheets; minimum 80% (BTech/BSc) or 75% (MTech/MSc) marks; certified copies from university
• PhD Admission Letter or Enrollment CertificateCurrent PhD enrollment from eligible institution; or admission letter if applying as fresh scholar; on institution letterhead with PhD registration/admission number
• Research ProposalDetailed research proposal (5-10 pages) describing research objectives, methodology, expected outcomes, timeline, and potential impact; demonstrate research novelty and significance
• Proof of Identity and CitizenshipIndian passport, PAN card, Aadhaar ID; proof of Indian citizenship; NRI/diaspora candidates provide citizenship/OCI documents and residency status
• Academic Reference Letters3-4 letters from PhD advisor, faculty members, or research supervisors; should highlight research potential, academic excellence, and suitability for fellowship
• Curriculum Vitae (CV)Comprehensive CV listing educational qualifications, research experience, publications, conference presentations, awards, skills, and research contributions
• Publication List and EvidenceList of peer-reviewed publications with links or copies; conference papers, preprints; evidence of research contributions if any; acceptance letters for under-review papers

Optional

• Statement of Purpose500-1,000 word essay explaining research interests, career goals, commitment to Indian research ecosystem, and how PMRF will advance research capabilities
• PhD Advisor RecommendationSpecific recommendation from PhD advisor attesting to candidate's research capabilities, potential for independent research, and suitability for fellowship
• Research Achievement DocumentationEvidence of research achievements: innovation disclosures, patents, awards, prestigious competition recognitions, research grants received, or industry collaborations
• Bank Account DetailsCandidate's bank account with IFSC code for fellowship disbursement; preferably linked to Aadhaar for smooth DBT transfer
• Disability Certificate (if applicable)If candidate has disability, medical authority certificate describing nature and extent; for priority consideration and accessibility support