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- New PM Research Chair scheme to attract 120 global Indian researchers
- Focus on priority areas like AI, semiconductors, and clean energy
- IIT Council pushes reforms to boost research and retain talent
The government is working on a new Prime Minister Research Chair (PMRC) scheme to bring top Indian-origin scientists and researchers back to Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs). The plan aims to strengthen India’s research ecosystem and raise the global standing of Indian higher education.
The proposal was presented to the IIT Council, the top decision-making body for IITs, during its meeting held in August last year. According to the meeting minutes released on Monday, the scheme plans to engage 120 researchers over five years.
Under the PMRC scheme, researchers will be selected across three categories of Young Research Fellows, Senior Research Fellows, and Research Chairs. These experts will work in 14 nationally important sectors, including artificial intelligence, semiconductors, clean energy, and advanced materials. The goal is to improve research capacity, encourage innovation, and attract global Indian talent back to Indian campuses.
The IIT Council has also called for a detailed alumni survey across all 23 IITs. The survey will track graduates from the 2013, 2014, and 2015 batches to study their career paths and socio-economic impact. A key focus will be understanding why many IIT graduates choose to pursue PhDs and postdoctoral studies abroad. The council wants clear steps to improve research opportunities and academic retention in India. IIT Bombay has been tasked with leading this effort.
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In addition, the council discussed reforms in MTech and PhD programs. It noted that limited specializations and lack of internships discourage students from enrolling in MTech courses. The council has recommended making industry internships mandatory and asked IITs to redesign their MTech curricula based on institutional needs and long-term vision.
