The PMRF Scheme, introduced in the Budget 2018-19, aims to elevate research quality in Indian higher educational institutions. This initiative offers an attractive PMRF scholarship to attract top talent in science and technology. Candidates must meet specific PMRF eligibility criteria and undergo a rigorous selection process, with evaluations conducted through a national convention to ensure excellence.
What is PMRF?
PMRF stands for Prime Minister’s Research Fellowship. This scheme aims to enhance the quality of research in India by attracting talented students to pursue doctoral studies in science and technology. It offers financial support through fellowships, promoting innovation and development in higher educational institutions across the country.
Budget 2025 Announcement for PMRF
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced the allocation of 10,000 new PMRF fellowships over the next five years, expanding opportunities for aspiring researchers. Recently, the PMRF scheme was broadened to include eligible students from all recognized institutions and universities across India. Furthermore, students enrolled in MTech programs at AICTE-approved and centrally funded technical institutions (CFTIs) will now receive a monthly stipend of Rs 12,400, further incentivizing advanced studies and research in the country.
PMRF Eligibility Criteria
To apply for the Prime Minister’s Research Fellowship (PMRF), applicants must meet the following eligibility criteria:
PMRF Eligibility – Direct Entry Channel
- Educational Background: Candidates should be pursuing or have completed the final year of a Bachelor’s, Master’s, or dual degree in Science and Technology streams from IISc, IITs, NITs, IISERs, or IIEST, with a minimum CGPA/CPI of 8.0 on a 10-point scale.
- Recognized Institutions: Alternatively, applicants can be pursuing or have completed their degree from any other recognized Indian university or institution (not listed above) with a CGPA of 8.0 or equivalent, along with a minimum score of 650 in the relevant GATE subject.
- GATE Qualification: Students who have qualified for GATE and are pursuing or have completed an M.Tech. or M.S. degree by Research at one of the PMRF granting institutes must have a minimum CGPA or CPI of 8.0 (on a 10-point scale) at the end of their first semester, having completed at least four courses.
- PhD Admission: Applicants must apply and gain admission to the PhD program at one of the PMRF granting institutes to be eligible for the fellowship.
PMRF Eligibility – Lateral Entry Channel
- Current Enrollment: Candidates must be currently enrolled in a PhD program at one of the PMRF granting institutions.
- Duration in PhD Program: Students who entered the PhD program with a Master’s degree should have completed no more than 12 months in the program. Those who joined with a Bachelor’s degree should have completed no more than 24 months.
- Course Completion: Applicants are required to have completed at least four full-semester courses in the PhD program, achieving a CGPA of 8.5 or above on a 10-point scale.
- Fellowship Consideration: A candidate can be considered for the PMRF fellowship through the lateral entry channel a maximum of two times.
Objectives of PMRF
With PMRF, the government aims to fulfill the following objectives:
- The PMRF scheme seeks to draw exceptional students into doctoral research in science and technology, fostering a new generation of innovative researchers who can contribute significantly to India’s knowledge economy.
- By providing substantial financial assistance through the PMRF scholarship, the scheme ensures that doctoral students can focus on their research without financial burdens, enhancing their academic experience.
- The PMRF aims to stimulate research in cutting-edge areas of science and technology, encouraging scholars to explore innovative solutions to contemporary challenges and contribute to global advancements.
- The initiative seeks to strengthen the research infrastructure of Indian universities and institutions, enabling them to produce high-quality research outputs and compete on an international level.
- The PMRF program prepares doctoral students for diverse career paths in academia, industry, and government, equipping them with the skills and knowledge necessary to excel in their future endeavors.
PMRF Application Process
Applying for the Prime Minister’s Research Fellowship (PMRF) is very simple. Follow these detailed steps to complete your application through the PMRF portal:
Step 1: Visit the official PMRF website. Start by navigating to the official website dedicated to the Prime Minister’s Research Fellowship scheme. This is where you will find all the necessary information and resources related to the PMRF application process.
Step 2: Click on the ‘Apply Online’ option. On the landing page of the PMRF portal, locate and click on the ‘Apply Online’ button. This will direct you to the PMRF application form.
Step 3: Review the instructions. Once you click on the application link, detailed instructions will appear on your screen. Take the time to read through these guidelines carefully to ensure you understand the application requirements.
Step 4: Initiate your application. After reviewing the guidelines, click the ‘Click Here to Apply’ button to proceed to the PMRF application form. This step is crucial for accessing the online application.
Step 5: Fill out the application form. The PMRF application form will appear, prompting you to enter all necessary details, including personal information, academic qualifications, and research interests. Ensure that all information is accurate and complete.
Step 6: Upload required documents. Prepare and upload scanned copies of all necessary documents as specified in the application guidelines. This may include academic transcripts, research proposals, and other relevant materials.
Step 7: Submit the SBI fee receipt. After completing the application form, you will need to submit the downloaded SBI fee receipt as proof of payment for the application fee. This step is essential for the processing of your application.
Step 8: Finalize your application. Once you have filled in all the details and uploaded the required documents, click on the ‘Submit’ button to complete your application process. Ensure that you have reviewed all information before submission.
Step 9: Download and save your application form. After submitting your application, download the completed PMRF application form for your records. Save it in a secure location for future reference, as you may need it for follow-up communications or inquiries.
Read Here, CSIR NET 2025
PMRF Application Fee
Applicants for the Prime Minister’s Research Fellowship (PMRF) are required to pay an application fee of INR 10,000. This fee can be paid through the State Bank of India collection page. Candidates need to ensure that the payment is completed as part of their application process to avoid any delays in their submission.
Documents Required for PMRF Login
- Passport Size Photographs
- Scanned Copies of Grade Sheets/Mark Sheets/Transcripts
- Scanned Copies of Qualifying GATE Certificate
- Abstract Copy (Maximum 1,000 Words in PDF Format)
- CV (Two A4 Pages in PDF Format)
PMRF Selection Process
After the PMRF granting institutes nominate candidates for the Prime Minister’s Research Fellowship (PMRF) scheme by uploading the necessary documents and information on the PMRF web portal, a central discipline-specific selection panel will review the applications and make final decisions. The process for shortlisting and selecting candidates for the PMRF scheme is as follows:
- Each Nodal Institute (NI), designated for a specific discipline, will form a team of experts to evaluate the nominated candidates and create a shortlist of applicants. This shortlisted list will then be forwarded to the PMRF National Level Committee for further consideration.
- The National Level Committee will provide a link to the selected applicants, allowing them to submit their detailed applications. This includes information about their academic background, transcripts, research experience, research proposal, CV, list of publications, and the contact details of a reference person who can provide a strong letter of recommendation.
- Final selection of applicants will be based on the comprehensive evaluation of their submitted applications. The National Level Committee will then announce the final allocation of seats for the PMRF scheme, ensuring a rigorous and transparent selection process for aspiring researchers.
Benefits of PMRF
The Prime Minister’s Research Fellowship (PMRF) offers numerous benefits to scholars, including a competitive PMRF salary and financial support through the PMRF scholarship amount. The PMRF portal provides essential resources, while PMRF granting institutes ensure a robust research environment.
PMRF Fellowship Amount per Month
The PMRF fellowship amount per month is designed to provide financial stability to research scholars. Starting at INR 70,000 for the first two years, it increases to INR 75,000 in the third year and INR 80,000 in the fourth and fifth years, ensuring that scholars can focus on their research without financial stress.
Research Grant
In addition to the monthly fellowship, PMRF recipients receive an annual research grant of INR 2 lakh, amounting to a total of INR 10 lakh over the fellowship’s duration. This grant is intended to cover research-related expenses, enabling scholars to access necessary resources, materials, and equipment to enhance their research projects.
Access to Top Institutes
Scholars admitted under the PMRF program gain access to some of the most prestigious PMRF granting institutes in India, such as IISc, IITs, and IISERs. This affiliation not only enhances their academic credentials but also provides a collaborative environment with leading researchers, fostering innovation and cutting-edge research opportunities.
Industry Collaboration
The PMRF program encourages industry participation through CSR funding, allowing industries to sponsor fellows. This collaboration opens doors for scholars to engage with real-world challenges, gain practical insights, and potentially secure job placements in the industry after completing their research, bridging the gap between academia and industry.
Performance Assessment
To ensure the effectiveness of the PMRF program, there is a rigorous performance assessment process for fellowship holders. Continued financial support is contingent upon successful evaluations, motivating scholars to maintain high academic standards and productivity in their research, ultimately contributing to the advancement of knowledge in their respective fields.
PMRF Granting Institutes
The Prime Minister’s Research Fellowship (PMRF) is offered by a range of prestigious institutes across India, including the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs), and Indian Institutes of Science Education and Research (IISERs). These PMRF granting institutes provide exceptional opportunities for research and innovation, supporting scholars with financial assistance and resources to excel in their academic pursuits.
- Aligarh Muslim University
- Banaras Hindu University
- Indian Institute of Science (IISc) Bengaluru
- All Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs)
- All Indian Institutes of Science Education and Research (IISERs)
- National Institute of Technology (NIT), Tiruchirappalli
- Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU)
- University of Hyderabad
- Jamia Millia Islamia
- The University of Delhi (DU)
- Other top Central Universities
PMRF Scholarship Amount
Applicants who meet the eligibility criteria and are selected through the designated selection process will be granted admission to the PhD program at one of the IISc, IISERs, IITs, NITs, or Central Universities. The PMRF scholarship provides financial support to students, offering a monthly fellowship of INR 70,000 for the first two years, INR 75,000 for the third year, and INR 80,000 for the fourth and fifth years. It is important to note that the continuation of the PMRF scholarship is based on a thorough evaluation of the performance of the fellowship holders each year.
| Year | Scholarship Amount (INR) |
| Year 1 | 70,000 |
| Year 2 | 70,000 |
| Year 3 | 75,000 |
| Year 4 | 80,000 |
| Year 5 | 80,000 |
Financial Grant Under PMRF
Selected fellows of the PMRF scholarship are also entitled to a research grant of INR 2 lakh per year, totalling INR 10 lakh throughout the fellowship. The fellowship lasts for four years for students in integrated courses and five years for B.Tech students. For those selected through the lateral entry channel, the fellowship will only cover the remaining duration of their doctoral program.
The PMRF program aims to involve industry participation through CSR funding, allowing industries to sponsor a greater number of fellows. Here are some key details about the program:
- Biological Sciences
- Chemistry
- Chemical Engineering
- Biomedical Engineering
- Agriculture and Food Engineering
- Material Science and Metallurgical Engineering
- Mathematics
- Physics
- Computer Science
- Electrical Engineering
- Civil Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering
- Aerospace Engineering
- Engineering Design
- Ocean Engineering and Naval Architecture
- Mining, Mineral, Coal, and Energy Sector
- Textile Engineering
- Interdisciplinary Programs in Science and Engineering
Also Check, UGC NET 2025
FAQs
What is the PMRF scholarship?
The PMRF scholarship provides financial support to talented students pursuing doctoral research in science and technology at recognized institutions in India.
Who is eligible for the PMRF scheme?
Eligibility includes students pursuing or completing a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree with a minimum CGPA of 8.0 from recognized institutions.
What is the PMRF salary?
The PMRF fellowship amount per month is INR 70,000 for the first two years, increasing to INR 75,000 and INR 80,000 thereafter.
How can I apply for PMRF?
Applicants can apply through the PMRF portal by filling out the application form and submitting required documents, including the SBI fee receipt.
What are PMRF granting institutes?
PMRF granting institutes include IISc, IITs, NITs, IISERs, and other recognized universities that support doctoral research under the PMRF scheme.