India Launches Ambitious ‘Prime Minister Research Chair’ Scheme to Reverse Brain Drain

In a significant move to reverse the long-standing brain drain of talent and elevate India’s position in global science and technology, the government is set to roll out the Prime Minister Research Chair (PMRC) scheme.

The initiative aims to attract and bring back around 120 top Indian-origin researchers and scientists currently working abroad to the Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) over the next five years.

The proposal was formally presented by a senior Education Ministry official during the 56th meeting of the IIT Council — the apex coordination and policy-making body for all IITs — held on August 25, 2025, at IIT Delhi under the chairmanship of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.

The detailed minutes of the meeting were released on January 5, 2026, sparking widespread discussion in academic and scientific circles.According to the minutes, the PMRC scheme will create 120 prestigious positions across three distinct categories:

• Young Research Fellows — aimed at early-career researchers with high potential.
• Senior Research Fellows — for mid-level experts with substantial contributions.
• Research Chairs — flagship positions for established leaders in their fields.

The scheme will prioritize 14 nationally critical sectors, including semiconductors, artificial intelligence (AI), clean energy, advanced materials, and other emerging technologies vital for India’s innovation and self-reliance goals.

The overarching objective, as outlined in the council discussions, is to strengthen institutional research capacity at the IITs, foster cutting-edge innovation, and enhance India’s global standing in science, technology, and academic excellence.

The initiative has received in-principle approval, with expectations that it will be launched soon in a structured, large-scale manner to effectively attract and engage global Indian-origin talent.This development comes amid broader efforts by the IIT Council to address talent retention challenges within India.

During the same meeting, the council recommended expanding an ongoing survey on IIT graduates pursuing PhDs and post-doctoral programs abroad to cover all IITs. It also called for a detailed analysis of the reasons behind this trend and the formulation of concrete measures to strengthen domestic research pathways and improve academic retention.

Experts view the PMRC scheme as a strategic response to the persistent “brain drain” phenomenon, where many of India’s brightest minds migrate to institutions in the US, Europe, and elsewhere for better research facilities, funding, and career opportunities.

By offering competitive positions, resources, and prestige at premier IITs, the government hopes to convert this outflow into a powerful “brain gain” that accelerates national progress in high-priority fields.While implementation details — such as funding levels, selection processes, and exact incentives — are yet to be fully disclosed, the announcement has already generated optimism among academics and policymakers.

The scheme aligns with India’s broader ambition to become a global leader in research and innovation, building on the strong foundation of its world-renowned IIT system.

As the country prepares for the formal launch, the PMRC initiative stands out as one of the most ambitious efforts yet to reclaim and harness the expertise of its global scientific diaspora.

Signpost NewsDesk

Signpost News is an Imphal-based media house that focuses on delivering news and views from Northeast India and beyond.