The Prime Minister’s Research Fellowship (PMRF) 2025 remains one of India’s most prestigious fellowships for students aiming to build a career in advanced research. Designed to nurture exceptional talent across science, engineering, and technology disciplines, the PMRF provides financial support, mentorship, national-level exposure, and access to some of India’s leading institutes such as IITs, IISc, IISERs, and select Central Universities.
The fellowship is offered through two modes — Direct Entry and Lateral Entry, ensuring that both fresh graduates and existing PhD scholars get an opportunity to apply, provided they meet the eligibility benchmarks set by their institutes.
Every year, PMRF selections are carried out twice — usually in May and December. Candidates cannot apply independently; instead, their institutes must nominate them after evaluating their academic record, research potential, and course performance. Given the competitive nature of the scheme and the high standards expected, students preparing to apply must understand the deadlines, eligibility requirements, application process, and documentation clearly.
Key Dates and Selection Timeline
While the official dates may shift every year, the PMRF selection cycles follow a predictable structure. Candidates admitted to a PhD program should closely track the academic cycle of their institute.
Prime Minister’s Research Fellowship 2025 – Tentative Schedule
| Event | Tentative Timeline |
|---|---|
| Upcoming Selection Cycle | December 2025 |
| Result Announcement for December Cycle | February 2026 |
| Selection Cycle 1 (2026) | May 2026 |
| Result Announcement for May Cycle | July 2026 |
| Selection Cycle 2 (2026) | December 2026 |
Important: Only students nominated by PMRF Granting Institutes can apply. Submitting documents well before the deadline is essential to avoid institutional delays.
Who Can Apply? (Education & Eligibility Requirements)
The PMRF offers Direct Entry for new applicants and Lateral Entry for students who are already enrolled in a PhD program. Each mode has separate academic and performance-based requirements.
1. Direct Entry Eligibility
Applicants must be studying in disciplines related to Science and Technology from approved institutes. They must satisfy one of the following criteria:
- Students pursuing or completing a 4-year or 5-year UG program, 5-year integrated M.Tech, 5-year dual degree, or 2-year M.Sc. from IISc, IITs, NITs, IISERs, IIEST, or centrally funded IIITs with CGPA ≥ 8.0.
For integrated degrees, only the UG portion’s CGPA is considered. - Students completing similar programs from other Indian universities with CGPA ≥ 8.0 and any one of the following:
- GATE score ≥ 650
- UGC/CSIR JRF rank ≤ 100
- NBHM fellowship
- Students who have qualified GATE and completed or are pursuing M.Tech/MS (Research) from PMRF Granting Institutes with CGPA ≥ 8.0 and at least four completed courses.
2. Lateral Entry Eligibility
Candidates already pursuing PhD at PMRF Granting Institutes may apply if they meet the following:
- Enrolled in PhD (direct or after Master’s) at a PMRF GI.
- Completed minimum 4 full courses with CGPA ≥ 8.5.
- Time limits for applying:
- Within 12 months of joining PhD (after Master’s)
- Within 24 months for Direct PhD (after Bachelor’s)
- For upgradations, deadlines vary between 12–24 months based on program type.
Additionally, coursework done during Master’s-to-PhD upgrades can be counted toward the 4-course requirement.
Important Admission Rules Applicants Must Follow
- Upgraded M.Tech/MS students cannot apply through Direct Entry.
- Candidates must upload official transcripts and GATE/JRF details if required.
- Applicants with foreign university degrees may apply under Direct Entry (category b) if other conditions are fulfilled.
- Direct entry students are reviewed within 18 months; lateral candidates within 12 months.
- A student can apply once through Direct Entry and twice through Lateral Entry.
Fellowship Amount & Research Grants
One of the strongest reasons students aim for PMRF is its generous financial structure. The fellowship ensures researchers can pursue high-quality work without financial stress.
PMRF Year-wise Fellowship
| Year | Monthly Fellowship |
|---|---|
| Year 1 | ₹70,000 |
| Year 2 | ₹70,000 |
| Year 3 | ₹75,000 |
| Year 4 | ₹80,000 |
| Year 5 | ₹80,000 |
In addition, every selected PMRF fellow receives a research grant of ₹2 lakh per year, totalling ₹10 lakh for the fellowship duration. This supports conference travel, equipment, journals, and other research activities.
Disciplines and Nodal Institutes
The PMRF covers more than 20 broad research domains, each supervised by a designated IIT/IISc as the nodal coordinator.
Selected Disciplines & Coordinating Institutes
| Coordinating Institute | Disciplines |
|---|---|
| IIT Bombay | Civil Engineering, Earth Science, Architecture, Ocean/ Naval Engg. |
| IIT Delhi | Mechanical, Aerospace, Design |
| IIT Kanpur | Electrical, Electronics |
| IIT Ropar | CSE, Data Science, Mathematics |
| IIT Guwahati | Biomedical, Biological, Agricultural Sciences |
| IIT Kharagpur | Chemical, Textile Engineering |
| IIT Indore | Materials, Metallurgy, Mining |
| University of Hyderabad | Physics |
| IISER Pune | Chemistry |
| IISc Bangalore | Interdisciplinary Areas |
List of PMRF Granting Institutes
More than 30 prestigious institutes qualify as PMRF Granting Institutes, including:
IISc Bengaluru, IIT Bombay, IIT Delhi, IIT Madras, IIT Kanpur, IIT Roorkee, IIT Hyderabad, IIT Indore, IIT Kharagpur, IIT Guwahati, IISER Kolkata, IISER Pune, IISER Mohali, BHU, JNU, AMU, University of Hyderabad, NIT Trichy, IISER Bhopal, IIT Palakkad, IIT Goa, IIT Jammu, IIT BHU and others.
How the PMRF Application Process Works
Since candidates cannot directly register, the process starts only after nomination by the institute.
1. Nomination by PMRF Granting Institute
- The institute evaluates academic records, publications, research potential and coursework performance.
- Eligible candidates are nominated on the PMRF portal.
2. Completing the Online Application
Once nominated:
- Candidates receive portal login details.
- They must fill the detailed PMRF application form.
- Upload documents such as CV, transcripts, degree certificates and research proposal.
- Provide details of recommenders for submitting recommendation letters.
3. National-Level Evaluation
- A national panel reviews applications and assigns ranks.
- The National Coordination Committee (NCC) finalises selections based on institute-wise seat allocation.
Documents Required
- Passport-size photograph
- PhD admission/enrolment certificate
- Academic transcripts (Class 10 onwards)
- UG/PG degree certificates
- Host institute profile
- CV of PhD supervisor
- Publications list, research synopsis
- Letters and undertakings from institute and industry partner
- Partner company documents (if applicable)
Teaching & Annual Review Guidelines
Every PMRF fellow must contribute at least 1 hour of teaching per week, totalling 50 hours per year. Teaching may be done at local engineering colleges, polytechnics, ITIs or schools.
Annual reviews occur twice a year (May and December). Scholars must:
- Maintain an updated research webpage
- Upload CV, progress reports and teaching reports
- Present their work before a national panel
Failure to complete TA responsibilities may result in temporary suspension of fellowship benefits.
