🔴 Closed
Doctoral
Prime Minister’s Research Fellowship (PMRF) 2026
💰 ₹70,000/month (1st & 2nd Year ⏱️ 5 years 📅 Expired 🎓 B.Tech/Integrated M.Tech/M.Sc with minimum CGPA of 8.0
Prime Minister’s Research Fellowship (PMRF) 2026 — Overview
The Prime Minister’s Research Fellowship (PMRF) is an initiative by the Ministry of Education, Government of India, aimed at attracting the brightest minds to pursue doctoral studies at premier institutions such as the IITs, IISc, IISERs, and selected NITs and CFTIs. The fellowship is designed to support high-quality research in science, technology, engineering, and social sciences, providing scholars with a substantial stipend and access to world-class research facilities.
Key Highlights
- Monthly stipend of ₹70,000 in the first two years, increasing to ₹80,000 by the fifth year.
- Contingency grant of ₹2,00,000 per year.
- Available at IITs, IISc, IISERs, and selected NITs/CFTIs.
- Two selection cycles per year: May and December.
- Open to B.Tech, Integrated M.Tech, and M.Sc graduates from eligible institutions.
- No GATE score required, but a strong academic record is essential.
Eligibility Criteria
The PMRF is open to candidates through two channels:
- Direct Entry Channel: Final-year or completed B.Tech/Integrated M.Tech/M.Sc students from IITs, IISc, NITs, IISERs, or CFTIs with a minimum CGPA of 8.0, who have secured admission to a PhD program at one of the PMRF institutes.
- Lateral Entry Channel: Candidates already enrolled in a PhD program at a PMRF institute, having completed 12 months or less, with strong academic performance and recommendations.
Stipend & Financial Benefits
- Stipend: ₹70,000/month for the first two years, ₹75,000 in the third year, and ₹80,000 in the fourth and fifth years.
- Contingency Grant: ₹2,00,000 per year.
How to Apply
- Visit the official PMRF portal at www.pmrf.in.
- Select the application cycle: May or December.
- Register using a valid email and phone number.
- Complete the application form and upload required documents.
- Submit the application and track its status through the portal.
Important Dates & Deadlines
- Application Start: Early March 2026 (May cycle), Early October 2026 (December cycle).
- Last Date: Mid April 2026 (May cycle), Mid November 2026 (December cycle).
- Final Selection Results: July 2026 (May cycle), January 2027 (December cycle).
Selection Process
The selection process involves multiple stages:
- Initial Screening based on academic records, research proposal, and recommendations.
- Shortlisting by the host institute.
- Review by a national-level expert panel.
- Final selection by the National Coordination Committee.
Contact Information
For more details, visit the official website www.pmrf.in or contact via email at pmrf@iitd.ac.in.
Eligibility Criteria
- Direct Entry: B.Tech/Integrated M.Tech/M.Sc from IITs, IISc, NITs, IISERs, or CFTIs with a minimum CGPA of 8.0.
- Lateral Entry: Enrolled in PhD at a PMRF institute, completed 12 months or less.
- No GATE score required.
- Strong academic record and research proposal.
Benefits & Stipend
- Stipend: ₹70,000/month (1st & 2nd Year), ₹75,000 (3rd Year), ₹80,000 (4th & 5th Year).
- Contingency Grant: ₹2,00,000/year.
Application Process
- Visit www.pmrf.in.
- Select application cycle: May or December.
- Register with email and phone.
- Fill the application form and upload documents.
- Submit and track application status.
Documents Required
- Aadhar card or Government ID proof.
- Academic transcripts.
- CV/Resume.
- Research Proposal.
- Statement of Purpose (SOP).
- Two Letters of Recommendation.
- Proof of PhD admission (Direct Entry).
Selection Process
The selection process includes initial screening based on academic performance, research proposal, and recommendations, followed by shortlisting by the host institute. A national-level expert panel reviews the candidates, and the final selection is made by the National Coordination Committee.
📅 Important Dates
| Application Start | Early March 2026 |
| Last Date | Mid April 2026 |
| Final Selection Results | July 2026 |
Frequently Asked Questions
▶ What is the last date for PMRF?
For the May cycle, the deadline is expected to be in April 2026.
▶ What is the monthly stipend?
The stipend starts at u20b970,000/month and increases to u20b980,000/month by the fifth year.
▶ Who is eligible?
UG/PG students from IITs, NITs, IISc, IISERs, and selected CFTIs with strong academic records.
▶ How to apply online?
Apply through the official portal: www.pmrf.in.
▶ Is there application fee?
No application fee is mentioned.
▶ What is the selection process?
Selection involves initial screening, shortlisting by institutes, expert panel review, and final selection by the National Coordination Committee.
▶ Is this for SC/ST/OBC?
The fellowship is open to all eligible candidates, with no specific mention of reservation.
▶ What is the duration?
The fellowship duration is up to 5 years.
Fellowship Details
| Full Name | Prime Minister’s Research Fellowship (PMRF) 2026 |
| Stipend/Award | ₹70,000/month (1st & 2nd Year |
| Duration | 5 years |
| Type | Doctoral |
| Status | Closed |
| Last Date | 10 Jan 2026 Expired |
| Qualification | B.Tech/Integrated M.Tech/M.Sc with minimum CGPA of 8.0 |
| Research Area | Science, Technology, Engineering, Social Sciences |
| Gender | All |
| Department | Ministry of Education |
| Provider | Government of India, Ministry of Education |
| Category | Engineering, Science, Social Sciences, Technology |
| Source | thefellowships.in |
| Provider | Ministry of Education, Government of India (Central Government) |
| Official Website | www.pmrf.in ↗ |
| Apply Link | www.pmrf.in ↗ |
| pmrf@iitd.ac.in | |
| Next Cycle | July-August 2026 |
📅 Published: 02 Mar 2026