India launches scheme to attract overseas researchers, aims to reverse brain drain
The Indian government has introduced the Prime Minister Research Chair Scheme 2026, a special initiative aimed at attracting Indian-origin researchers, scientists, technologists, and professionals working in prestigious global institutions to collaborate with Indian higher education institutions (HEIs), national laboratories, and research centres.
The Ministry of Education will oversee the scheme, which covers 13 priority sectors identified as crucial for India's self-reliance. These include advanced computing (supercomputing, artificial intelligence, quantum computing), semiconductors, energy, sustainability and climate change, cybersecurity, healthcare and medical technology, biotechnology, advanced materials and critical minerals, space and defence, next-generation communications, manufacturing and Industry 4.0, agriculture and food technology, blue economy, and nuclear energy.
Seven institutions have been designated as lead centres for implementation: Indian Institute of Technology Delhi (IIT Delhi), Indian Institute of Technology Bombay (IIT Bombay), Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT Madras), Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur (IIT Kanpur), Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur (IIT Kharagpur), Indian Institute of Science (IISc) Bengaluru, and All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) Delhi.
According to a 2025 report by NITI Aayog titled 'Internationalisation of Higher Education in India', outbound students outnumbered inbound students by 25 times, described as 'a serious imbalance'. The report warned that continued talent outflow could hinder India's ability to leverage its demographic dividend.
A Careers360 research report released earlier this year found that a significant majority of India's top Joint Entrance Examination (JEE) rank-holders have settled abroad, with up to 74% between 1990 and 2020 and 90% for the 2011-2020 cohort. More than half of JEE All India toppers now live in the United States.
Serial entrepreneur and investor Dr. Ritesh Malik commented on the initiative, stating: 'The 13 chosen areas like semiconductors, quantum, AI, critical minerals, defence and biotech are exactly the fields where India needs to become self-reliant. And keeping it under the Principal Scientific Adviser, with seven strong institutions and a three-level fellowship system, tells me this is built on merit and made to last.' He added, 'This is the kind of big, nation-first ambition we have been waiting for, and it can build real long-term strength in our science, not just big name appointments.'
Brain drain has been a longstanding concern for India, with many of its brightest minds pursuing education and careers abroad. The government's latest initiative aims to reverse this trend by fostering collaboration and research within India. Implementation of the scheme will be key to its success.
