Prime Minister's Research Fellowship (PMRF)
Status Check
The previous application cycle (2025–26) closed on 15 November 2025. The upcoming 2026–27 cycle is expected to open soon. We will update the links here as soon as the official notification is released.
👉 View active scholarships you can apply for todayAbout the Program
Prime Minister's Research Fellowship (PMRF) 2026. Step-by-step application instructions, eligibility criteria for PhD candidates, and fellowship stipend rates.
Benefits & Financial Support
The fellowship provides a monthly stipend of ₹70,000 for the first 2 years, ₹75,000 for the 3rd year, and ₹80,000 for the 4th and 5th years, totaling ₹840,000 to ₹960,000 annually. Additionally, a research grant of ₹2 lakh per year (up to ₹10 lakh over 5 years) is provided for academic contingency and travel expenses. Payments are made via Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) to Aadhaar-seeded bank accounts of the fellows.
Inclusions
₹70k to ₹80k monthly + ₹2L annual grant.
Important Note
Prestigious fellowship for the best PhD scholars in India.
Eligibility Criteria
Educational Qualification
PhD
Must be enrolled in relevant courses. Minimum 80% marks required in previous exam.
Financial & Category
Selection Process
A rigorous two-stage process:
(1) Screening by Reviewers who assess academic records, research experience, and nominations from PMRF-granting institutes
(2) Final selection by the Discipline-specific Selection Committee and National Coordination Committee (NCC) based on ranks, institute seat allocations, and application quality including research proposals and recommender letters.
Renewal Policy
Annual renewal is contingent on a rigorous performance review by the National Coordination Committee (NCC)
Fellows must maintain a CGPA of ≥8.0, complete required coursework, and demonstrate satisfactory research progress
Failure to meet these criteria may result in fellowship termination or reduction to MoE norms.
Application Process
- 1Step 2 – Apply Online
Receive login credentials from the institute; fill the detailed application form, select a research area, upload documents (CV, mark sheets, PhD enrollment/registration certificates, 10th/12th marksheets, graduation certificate, Passport photo), and provide recommender details.
- 2Step 3 – Evaluation
The national panel reviews applications and forwards recommendations to the NCC; final selection is based on ranks and institute seat quotas.
- 3Step 4 – Track Status
Monitor application status and selection results on the PMRF portal using your credentials.
Documents Required
Important Dates
Application Deadline
15 November 2025
Cycle-based (Direct or Lateral Entry)
Dates are subject to change as per the provider's official notification. Applicants are encouraged to apply well before the closing date.
Scholarship Quick Facts
Live Student Application Status
Live application status & updates submitted by fellow students.
Be the first student to update status for this scholarship
Help future applicants by sharing if your form is submitted, verified, or paid. Takes under 15 seconds.
Common Questions (FAQs)
Q. What is the minimum CGPA required for PMRF eligibility?▼
Candidates must have a minimum CGPA of 8.0 (80%) for Direct Entry (B.Tech/M.Sc/M.Tech) and 8.5 for Lateral Entry (existing PhD scholars). This applies to graduates from PMRF-granting institutions.
Q. Is PMRF only for new PhD applicants or can current PhD students apply?▼
Both are eligible. New entrants can apply via Direct Entry, while current full-time PhD scholars who have completed 4 courses with CGPA ≥8.5 can apply via Lateral Entry. Part-time PhD scholars are not eligible.
Q. How is the fellowship renewed each year?▼
Renewal is not automatic; it requires a rigorous annual performance review by the National Coordination Committee (NCC). Fellows must maintain CGPA ≥8.0, complete coursework, and show satisfactory research progress. Non-compliance may lead to termination or reduction to standard MoE fellowship norms.
Help & Contact Support
Official Support
Need Application Help?
Check your eligibility or browse our step-by-step application guides.
Legal Disclaimer
IndiaScholarships.in attempts to provide accurate information manually curated from official sources. Scholarship details, timelines, and eligibility can change without notice as per the provider's discretion. Applying for a scholarship does not guarantee selection. Always verify all information on the official Ministry of Education, Government of India website before final submission.
Portal Updates & Live News
Similar Opportunities You Can Apply For Today
Apply for this Scholarship
Submit your application directly through the official provider portal.
Visit Official Portal ↗Already submitted your form? Help fellow students track verification & payout delays.
Share Status (10s)