Prime Minister's Research Fellowship (PMRF)
Ministry of Education, Government of India · All India
| Scheme Name | Prime Minister's Research Fellowship (PMRF) |
| Provided By | Ministry of Education, Government of India |
| Eligibility Summary | Class 11-12, Graduation, Engineering (< ₹8L Income) |
About 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
₹9.6 Lakh+
The Prime Minister's Research Fellowship (PMRF) offers a monthly fellowship stipend, which varies by year. For the first two years, scholars receive ₹70,000 per month. In the third year, the stipend increases to ₹75,000 per month, and for the fourth and fifth years, it is ₹80,000 per month. Additionally, a research grant of ₹2,00,000 per annum is provided to cover project costs, travel, consumables, and other research-related expenses, totaling ₹10,00,000 over five years. The annual disbursement thus ranges from ₹10.4 lakhs (₹8.4 lakhs stipend + ₹2 lakhs grant) to ₹11.6 lakhs (₹9.6 lakhs stipend + ₹2 lakhs grant). The payment schedule is typically monthly for the stipend and annually for the research grant, disbursed through the PMRF Granting Institutions. No specific details about Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) to Aadhaar-seeded accounts were explicitly mentioned in the official guidelines.
₹70k to ₹80k monthly + ₹2L annual grant.
Note: Prestigious fellowship for the best PhD scholars in India.
Eligibility Criteria & Income Limit
| Education Level | PhD |
| Course / Stream | Relevant courses |
| Minimum Marks | 85% |
| Income Limit | No income bar |
| Category / Caste | All |
| Domicile State | All India |
Mandatory Documents Checklist
- ✓Recommendation letter
- ✓Research Proposal
- ✓Academic transcripts (8.0+ CGPA)
- ✓GATE score (if applicable)
Selection Process
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The selection process for PMRF is rigorous, involving two main channels: Direct Entry and Lateral Entry. Applicants must first secure admission to a PhD program at one of the PMRF Granting Institutions (like IITs, IISc, IISERs, select NITs, and Central Universities). The institution then nominates eligible candidates.
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For Direct Entry, candidates typically need a minimum CGPA of 8.0 (on a 10-point scale) in their undergraduate or master's degree from eligible institutions. Those from other recognized institutes require a minimum CGPA of 8.0 plus a GATE score of at least 650 in the relevant subject, or a UGC/CSIR JRF rank within 100, or an NBHM fellowship. Applicants are usually in their final year or have recently graduated and secured PhD admission.
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For Lateral Entry, candidates must be pursuing a PhD at a PMRF Granting Institution and have completed at most 12 months (for those who joined PhD after Master's) or 24 months (for those who joined PhD with Bachelor's degree) in the program at the time of application. They must have an aggregate CGPA of 8.5 (out of 10) or higher after completing at least four full-semester courses in the PhD program.
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Nominated scholars submit a detailed application through the PMRF portal, including academic transcripts, CV, research proposal, statement of purpose, and letters of recommendation. These applications are evaluated by a National Panel for each broad area, followed by final selection by the National Coordination Committee.
Renewal Policy
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The continuation of the Prime Minister's Research Fellowship is contingent upon satisfactory academic progress and research performance
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Fellows are required to submit an annual progress report, which is reviewed by the Apex Council or a committee nominated by it
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The National Coordination Committee also oversees annual performance reviews
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In the event of unsatisfactory performance, the fellowship may be discontinued
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The fellowship is typically granted for up to five years for PhD scholars and four years for Direct PhD scholars.
How to Apply Online
Applications are submitted online via Online. Complete eKYC, upload scanned documents, and submit before the closing date.
- 1Secure PhD Admission
The fundamental first step is to gain admission into a regular PhD program (Direct Entry or Lateral Entry channel) at one of the recognized PMRF Granting Institutions (e.g., IITs, IISc, IISERs, select NITs, and Central Universities) in India.
- 2Meet Eligibility Criteria
Ensure you meet the specific academic requirements for either the Direct Entry or Lateral Entry channel. This typically involves a minimum CGPA (e.g., 8.0 or 8.5 on a 10-point scale) and other qualifications like a GATE score, UGC/CSIR JRF, or NBHM fellowship for certain entry paths.
- 3Institute Nomination
Since PMRF is not a direct application, your host institution (where you secured PhD admission) must nominate you for the fellowship. Institutes may conduct internal screenings or interviews prior to nomination.
- 4Detailed Application Submission
Once nominated by your institute, you will receive details to access the PMRF portal. Log in and complete a detailed application. This will require uploading several documents: * Government-issued ID (e.g., Aadhaar card, PAN card) * Academic transcripts (Undergraduate and Postgraduate) * Updated CV or Resume * A strong Research Proposal * Statement of Purpose (SOP) * Two Letters of Recommendation from faculty who know your academic and research potential * Proof of PhD admission (for Direct Entry applicants)
- 5Evaluation and Selection
Your submitted application will undergo a rigorous evaluation by a National Panel of experts for your broad discipline. Final selections are made by the National Coordination Committee.
- 6Status Tracking
While the portal for status tracking is not explicitly detailed, the official PMRF website (`pmrf.in`) includes links for 'Admission Portal' and 'Scholar Profile-Leave-Attendance', which are likely used to track application and fellowship status after nomination and selection.
Common Questions (FAQs)
What is the minimum academic requirement (CGPA/Percentage) to be eligible for PMRF?
For Direct Entry, candidates generally require a minimum CGPA of 8.0 on a 10-point scale. For Lateral Entry, candidates need a minimum aggregate CGPA of 8.5 on a 10-point scale after completing at least four full courses in their PhD program. Therefore, a strong academic record, typically 85% or equivalent CGPA in relevant coursework, is critical.
Can I apply for the PMRF scholarship directly?
No, PMRF is not a direct application fellowship. Candidates must first secure admission into a PhD program at one of the PMRF Granting Institutions (such as IITs, IISc, IISERs, select NITs, and Central Universities). Following admission, the host institute will nominate eligible candidates for the fellowship, after which the nominated scholars can submit their detailed applications through the official PMRF portal.
What are the benefits of the PMRF scholarship besides the monthly stipend?
In addition to a generous monthly fellowship stipend (ranging from ₹70,000 to ₹80,000 per month depending on the year), PMRF scholars receive an annual research grant of ₹2,00,000. This grant, totaling ₹10,00,000 over five years, covers research expenses such as project costs, travel (national and international), consumables, software, and publication charges. Scholars also benefit from mentorship by top researchers, access to state-of-the-art laboratory facilities, and opportunities for global collaborations.
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