Prime Minister Research Fellowship (PMRF) 2025 has been introduced by the Ministry of Human Resource Development. Applications are being invited from those who have completed BTech, MTech, MSc or integrated MTech/MSc. The aim is to boost research in technical field. Meritorious students are being attracted toward PhD programmes. Admission will be given in top institutions like IITs, IISERs, IISc and Central Universities. The selection process is kept rigorous so only the best can be selected. A fellowship amount up to Rs. 80,000 per month is provided. Some additional benefits are also being offered. This opportunity should not be missed by those who wants to pursue research.
Table of Contents
About Prime Minister Research Fellowship (PMRF)
The Prime Minister Research Fellowship (PMRF) was introduced by the Government of India to support those students who are unable to finish their Ph.D. programs because proper funds were not available. The official portal has been launched where the applications can be submitted by eligible candidates. Under this scheme, many benefits are being given to those who apply. The main purpose behind this initiative was to improve research quality in India. It is being offered in top-level institutes and students from science and technology fields are encouraged to apply for it.
The candidates are selected through a very strict procedure and their performance is being reviewed at a national level convention. This makes the program more serious and valued. It is considered highly prestigious by both institutions and students. Recognition is provided directly by the government, which makes it more important. So, those who meet criteria must not miss the chance.
Also Read:- SERB POWER Fellowship 2025
Key Highlights of Prime Minister Research Fellowship (PMRF) 2025
Name of the Fellowship | Prime Minister Research Fellowship (PMRF) 2025 |
Launched By | Government of India |
Objective | Promote research in Science, Tech |
Eligibility | B.Tech, M.Tech, MSc students |
Fellowship Amount | Up to Rs. 80,000 per month |
Research Grant | Rs. 2 lakh per year |
Duration | 5 years |
Selection Process | Based on national convention |
PMRF Institutes | IISc, IITs, IISERs, Central Univ. |
Application Fee | Rs. 10,000 |
Annual Review | Performance reviewed every year |
Application Portal | PMRF portal for submission |
Nomination | Must be nominated to apply |
Application Mode | Online |
Official Website | https://www.pmrf.in/ |
Objective of Prime Minister Research Fellowship
The objective of Prime Minister Research Fellowship is:
- To support Ph.D. students who can’t continue due to fund issues.
- To attract bright minds toward research in science and technology field.
- To improve research quality by offering support through top institutes.
- To recognize and reward deserving students by direct government involvement.
- To build strong research culture that help India in future.
Fellowship Amount
Fellowship amount details are given below:
- Rs. 70,000 per month is being given in 1st year.
- Rs. 70,000 per month is also given in 2nd year.
- Rs. 75,000 will be received during the 3rd year.
- Rs. 80,000 per month is offered in 4th year.
- Rs. 80,000 per month is given in 5th year too.
- Rs. 2 Lakh per year is provided as research grant.
- The grant can be used for travel and academic costs.
Important Dates
- The last date to apply for PMRF 2025 is April 22, 2025.
Eligibility Criteria
The eligibility criteria to apply for PMRF 2025 are as follows:
For Direct Entry Channel:
- Should be in final year or completed 4/5-year UG, 5-year integrated M.Tech/M.Sc, 2-year M.Sc, or dual degree in Science/Tech from IISc, IITs, NITs, IISERs, IIEST, or central universities with 8.0 CGPA.
- Or, same qualifications from any other recognized Indian institute with 8.0 CGPA and GATE score of 650 or more.
- Or, must have qualified GATE and be doing/completed M.Tech/MS by Research from PMRF institute with 8.0 CGPA after first semester and done minimum four courses.
For Lateral Entry Channel:
- Should be enrolled in PhD at PMRF institute and completed max 12 months (with Master’s) or 24 months (with Bachelor’s).
- Should have completed four full-semester courses during PhD.
- Minimum 8.5 CGPA out of 10 must be scored.
Benefits of Prime Minister Research Fellowship (PMRF)
The benefits of Prime Minister Research Fellowshipare given below:
- A monthly fellowship of Rs. 70,000 to Rs. 80,000 will be provided, helping students to focus entirely on their research work without financial concerns.
- A research grant of Rs. 2 Lakh per year will be given, which can be used for covering academic expenses, research tools, and travel for conferences or research work.
- Recognition by the Government of India will be offered, which will greatly enhance the academic and professional profile of the fellows.
- Opportunities to work in top research institutes like IITs, IISc, and IISERs will be provided, ensuring that the fellows gain experience in the best academic environments.
- The program aims to improve both the quality of research being done and the career growth of the fellows, providing them with an excellent foundation for their future.
Salient Features
Here we have provided the important features of Prime Minister Research Fellowship:
- Applications must be submitted through an official online portal, which has been set up by the Government of India for the program.
- The fellowship is available for both direct and lateral entry candidates, providing flexibility for a wide range of applicants.
- Only students from Science and Technology streams are eligible to apply, ensuring that the focus remains on technical research and innovation.
- The program is offered at prestigious institutes like IISc, IITs, and IISERs, ensuring that fellows have access to world-class research facilities and mentors.
Selection Process
The selection process for PMRF 2025 includes:
- Fellows are selected based on a decision made by the national convention.
- PMRF Granting institutes will send nominations of eligible candidates through the PMRF portal.
- Scholars will make a detailed application under one of the broad areas via the portal.
- Applications are reviewed by a National Panel, which considers all aspects and then makes a recommendation.
- Final selection is made by the National Coordination Committee (NCC) based on ranks and seat availability.
- Upon joining, fellows will be given yearly deliverables, decided by the assigned guide and department.
- Deliverables are created keeping in mind the topic chosen by the fellow.
- An annual review will be done, and if performance is found satisfactory, the fellowship will continue.
Required Documents
These following documents are required to apply for PMRF 2025:
- Proof of academic qualifications (e.g., mark sheets, degrees).
- Valid GATE scorecard (if applicable).
- Proof of enrollment or completion in the required programs.
- Detailed application form submitted through the PMRF portal.
- Recommendation letters from academic mentors or guides.
- Any additional documents requested by PMRF granting institutes.
Application Fees
- The application fee is Rs. 10,000, payable through the State Bank of India collection page.
Application Process for Prime Minister Research Fellowship (PMRF) 2025
To Apply for Prime Minister Research Fellowship (PMRF) 2025, follow these steps below:
Step 1: The nominations of the eligible applicants are first required to be submit by the PMRF granting institutes through the official portal which has been provided for this application purpose by the authority.
Step 2: Only after receiving the nomination, applicants will be allowed to fill out the complete and detailed application form by selecting their specific department from the available list shown.
Step 3: Applicant should visit the official website of Prime Minister Research Fellowship to begin with the online process properly.

Step 4: On reaching the homepage, the applicant should click on the Scholar option that can be seen under the “LOGIN” section.

Step 5: After that, the candidate needs to click on the Application and Application Review option shown there.

Step 6: At this step, the email ID, login password, and the Captcha code shown on screen are to be enter in the required format without any mistake.

Step 7: Once all details are filled, the “Sign in” button must be click to proceed further to the next part of the application page.
Step 8: The full application form will appear on the screen and it should be review carefully once before starting to fill it completely.
Step 9: Now, the application form must be fill with correct personal and academic details and the required documents must be attach in proper format.
Step 10: After uploading everything, the application fee needs to be pay through the SBI collection link as directed by the portal.
Step 11: Finally, once everything has been completed, submit the form to finish the application process properly without missing any step.
Contact Details
Address:
1st Floor, PMRF Office,
DOST Building,
Indian Institute of Technology Madras,
IIT Madras Campus Post Office,
Sardar Patel Road,
Guindy, Chennai – 600 036
Phone:
044-2257 8079
Email ID:
pmrfsupport[at]smail[dot]iitm[dot]ac[dot]in
FAQs
What is the Prime Minister Research Fellowship (PMRF)?
PMRF is a prestigious fellowship aimed at promoting research in Science and Technology, providing financial support to top-performing students for pursuing a Ph.D. at leading institutes.
Who can apply for the PMRF?
Students pursuing or completing B.Tech, M.Tech, MSc, or integrated M.Tech/MSc from institutes like IISc, IITs, IISERs, or other recognized universities in Science or Technology streams can apply.
What is the fellowship amount offered under PMRF?
The fellowship offers a stipend of up to Rs. 80,000 per month, along with an additional research grant of Rs. 2 lakh per year for five years.
How can I apply for the PMRF?
Applications can be submitted online through the official PMRF portal after being nominated by PMRF granting institutes. Detailed steps are provided on the official website.
What is the selection process for PMRF?
The selection is based on a decision by a national convention, and eligible candidates must apply through the PMRF portal. A national panel reviews the applications and ranks them.
Is there any application fee for PMRF?
Yes, an application fee of Rs. 10,000 must be paid through the SBI collection page during the application process.
What is the duration of the fellowship?
The PMRF is awarded for a duration of five years, with annual performance reviews to assess the progress of the fellows.