The Ministry of Human Resources and Development has implemented various modifications in the Prime Minister’s Research Fellowship Scheme in an effort to boost research within the country. The scheme was launched in 2018 to attract brilliant students into research, giving them direct admission into the Ph.D programmes in various higher educational institutions in the country.
Prime Minister’s Research Fellowship: An Overview
Launched by the Government of India in 2018, the Prime Minister’s Research Fellows (PMRF) Scheme is aimed at drawing the country’s talent pool towards doctoral (Ph.D.) programmes for conducting research in advanced science and technology areas, with a focus on national priorities. All IITs, IISERs, the Indian Institute of Science, Bengaluru, and some top Central Universities/NITs that offer science and/or technology degrees are eligible to offer PMRF.
Fellowship Benefits
A PMRF fellow receives a fellowship of Rs.70,000 per month for the first two years, which increases to Rs.75,000 per month for the 3rd year, and Rs.80,000 per month in the 4th and 5th year. Additionally, a research grant of Rs. 2 lakh per year is provided for a period of 5 years to cover academic contingency expenses and foreign/national travel expenses for the fellows.
Key Amendments in the PMRF Scheme
Recent amendments have made the scheme more accessible: now, students from any recognized university can apply for the fellowship, a change from when the fellowship scheme was open only for students from Central Universities, IITs, IISc, NITs, IISERs, IIEST, and IIITs. The requirement of the GATE score has also been lowered from 750 to 600.
Introduction of Two Entry Channels
As per the latest guidelines, there will be two channels of entries: direct entry and lateral entry. In lateral entry, the students, who are pursuing PhD in PMRF granting institutions, and have completed 12 months or 24 months meeting certain requirements, can also apply to become fellow under the scheme.
Expansion of PMRF Granting Institutions
The top 25 institutions listed in National Institute Ranking Framework (NIRF) ranking, which includes NITs, can now become PMRF Granting institution as per the recent amendments.
Establishment of a Dedicated Division for Research
To further boost research, a dedicated division named “”Research and Innovation Division”” is being created within the Ministry of Human Resources and Development. This division will be administered by a director who will be responsible for coordinating the research work of various institutions under MHRD.
