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Published on:
March 21, 2023
By
Prudhvi Raj

Prime Minister’s Research Fellows (PMRF)

The Prime Minister's Research Fellows (PMRF) scheme is an initiative launched by the Indian government to encourage and support talented students to pursue a research-oriented career. The objective of this scheme is to identify and nurture students with an aptitude for research and to provide them with opportunities to work on projects of national importance. The PMRF program is aimed at attracting the brightest students from top engineering and science institutions in India and abroad and providing them with a platform to pursue their research interests in leading academic institutions, research labs, and industry. The scheme provides research fellows with a stipend and a chance to work with some of the best scientists, engineers, and researchers in their field. The goal is to provide these students with the resources, mentorship, and guidance they need to become future leaders in their respective fields and make a meaningful impact in solving some of India's most pressing problems.

Objectives

The objective of the Prime Minister’s Research Fellows (PMRF) scheme is to attract and retain talented young students in the field of research and development. The aim is to create a pool of highly qualified and motivated young scientists and researchers who can contribute towards the growth and development of the country. The scheme intends to identify and nurture outstanding students who are pursuing Ph.D. degrees in science and technology, and provide them with opportunities to work on cutting-edge technologies and R&D projects. The objective of the PMRF is to support and encourage young talent in the country and to help them build careers in research and innovation, thereby contributing to the growth of the knowledge economy in India.

Benefits

The Prime Minister's Research Fellows (PMRF) program provides numerous benefits to selected fellows. Some of the benefits are:

1. Financial Support: The PMRF program provides a monthly stipend and a contingency grant to cover research expenses for the duration of the program.

2. Opportunities for Research: The fellows will have the opportunity to pursue research in cutting-edge areas and work with some of the best scientists in India.

3. Networking Opportunities: PMRF fellows will be a part of a vibrant community of researchers, both in academia and industry, and will have the opportunity to collaborate and network with other researchers.

4. Career Advancement: The PMRF program is designed to help promising young researchers advance their careers and become leaders in their fields.

5. Access to Advanced Facilities: PMRF fellows will have access to advanced research facilities and resources, including cutting-edge technology and equipment.

6. Professional Development: The PMRF program provides opportunities for professional development, such as workshops, seminars, and training programs, to help fellows improve their research skills and advance their careers.

7. Prestige: Being selected as a PMRF fellow is a recognition of exceptional talent and a significant achievement in the research community. The designation is highly respected and carries prestige in academic and industry circles.

The Outcome Expectations of the Prime Minister's Research Fellowship

Each fellow will receive a set of expectations to meet upon joining the program. These expectations, or "deliverables," will be determined by the fellow's guide and department. The deliverables will be tailored to the subject matter the fellow is researching. The fellow will undergo an annual review to assess their performance, and if deemed satisfactory by the review committee, the fellowship will continue. A nodal Institute will establish expert panels, consisting of three to four members, including a maximum of two members from the host Institution, to evaluate the fellow's progress. The fellows are also required to teach at least once a week. Failure to meet the deliverables may result in the discontinuation of the fellowship.

Amendments for Prime Minister's Research Fellowship Program

The Prime Minister's Research Fellowship program is now open to students from any university, whereas previously only students from selected institutions could apply. The minimum GATE score required has also been reduced from 750 to 600. Additionally, there are two channels of entry now available, including direct entry and lateral entry. Under the lateral entry option, students who are currently pursuing a Ph.D. from a PMRF-granting institution and have completed at least 12 or 24 months (depending on the requirements) can apply to become a fellow under the program. Additionally, National Institute of Technologies that rank within the top 25 institutions according to the National Institute Ranking Framework can also become PMRF-granting institutions.

Eligibility criteria To Apply Under Prime Minister Research Fellowship Scheme

The eligibility criteria to apply under the Prime Minister Research Fellowship (PMRF) Scheme are as follows:

1. Educational Qualification: The applicant must have a Bachelor's degree in Engineering/Technology or Master's degree in any branch of Natural/Physical/Mathematical Sciences, Economics, Statistics, or Commerce from a recognized university.

2. Age Limit: The applicant must be below the age of 28 years on the date of application.

3. Nationality: The applicant must be an Indian citizen.

4. GATE Score: The applicant must have a valid GATE score of at least 600.

5. Course of Study: The applicant must be willing to pursue full-time Ph.D. in Science and Engineering at IITs and IISc, Bangalore.

6. Other Requirements: The applicant must meet all the other requirements as specified by the concerned department/institute from time to time.

It is important to note that the eligibility criteria for PMRF Scheme may vary slightly based on the rules and regulations of different institutions. The applicant must check the official notification for the latest eligibility criteria before applying for the scheme.

Procedure To Apply Under Prime Minister Research Fellowship Scheme

The procedure to apply for the Prime Minister Research Fellowship Scheme is as follows:

1. Visit the official website of the scheme to check the eligibility criteria.

2. Fill out the online application form with all the required details and submit it along with necessary documents.

3. Appear for the entrance examination if required.

4. Based on the performance in the entrance examination and the academic record, shortlisted candidates will be called for an interview.

5. The final list of selected candidates will be announced on the official website of the scheme.

6. The selected candidates will then be asked to join the institute and complete the formalities.

7. The fellows will then start working on their research projects under the guidance of a mentor and complete the deliverables assigned to them.

It is important to note that the procedure to apply for the Prime Minister Research Fellowship Scheme may vary based on the amendments made by the government from time to time.

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