What is Prime Minister's Research Fellowship
Are you a brilliant BTech or master's student? Do you want to do a PhD at an IIT or IISc? The PMRF pays you a massive salary to do high-quality research in India.
This is what nobody tells you. You get a huge research grant of ₹2 lakh every year. You can use this to travel abroad for conferences.
Who Can Apply
You must be studying or have graduated from IISc, IITs, NITs, IISERs, or top central universities.
You need a massive CGPA of 8.0 or above in your BTech or master's degree.
Here is where people get confused. You must have an excellent GATE score. You cannot apply if your college is not on the recognized PMRF list.
How Much Money You Get
You get ₹70,000 per month for the first two years.
You get ₹75,000 per month in the third year, and ₹80,000 per month in the fourth and fifth years.
Most people miss this. Your research is reviewed every year. If your work is poor, they will downgrade you to a regular fellowship.
Documents You Need
You need strong academic proofs and a solid research proposal.
- Detailed Research Proposal
- BTech / Master's transcripts
- GATE scorecard
- Recommendation letters
- Aadhaar card
How to Apply — Step by Step
You apply through your PhD institute.
- Take admission in a PhD program at an IIT, IISc, or IISER.
- Your institute will nominate you if your profile is excellent.
- Alternatively, apply through the direct entry channel on the PMRF portal.
- Submit your research proposal online.
- Pass a tough technical interview.
- The PMRF board will announce the final list.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Do not write a generic research proposal. It must solve a real-world national problem.
Do not let your grades slip. You must maintain excellent academic standards.
3 Questions Everyone Asks
Can arts students apply?
No. This is strictly for science, engineering, and technology students.
Do I have to teach?
Yes. You must teach once a week in a nearby polytechnic or engineering college.
Is there an age limit?
No strict age limit, but you must apply soon after your degree.
Final Words
The PMRF is the most prestigious fellowship in India. If you have the brains, this scheme gives you the money to invent the future.