On May 7, 2020 Union Human Resource Development(HRD) Minister Ramesh Pokhriyal ‘Nishank’ announced various modifications(amendments) in the Prime Ministerâs Research Fellowship(PMRF) Scheme to boost research in the country & to enable more students to avail the benefit under the scheme.
Key Points
i.Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering(GATE) Score is reduced to 650 from 750 apart from a minimum Cumulative Grade Point Average(CGPA) of 8 or equivalent, for students from any recognised institute or university other than the following institutes;
- Indian Institute of Science (IISC)/Indian Institute of Technology(IITs)/National Institute of Technology(NITs)/ Indian Institute of Science Education & Research(IISERs)/Indian Institutes of Engineering Science and Technology(IIEST)/CF Indian Institute of Information Technology(IIITs)
ii.There will be two channels of entries, one direct entry and lateral entry. In lateral entry, the students who pursue Doctor of Philosophy(PhD) in PMRF granting institutions (completed 12 months or 24 months as per certain requirements) can apply to become a fellow under the scheme as per new guidelines.
iii.NITs, which appear in top 25 institutions as per NIRF Ranking (overall) can become PMRF Granting institutions.
iv.”Research and Innovation Division” is being created in the ministry to boost research. It will be headed by a director who coordinates research work of various institutions coming under MHRD.
About PMRF
i.The scheme is designed to improve the quality of research in various higher educational institutions in the country & with attractive fellowships it seeks to attract the best talent into research through realizing the vision of development by innovation.
ii.It was announced in the Budget 2018-19. The institutes which can offer PMRF include- all the IITs, all the IISERs, Indian Institute of Science, Bengaluru and some of the top Central Universities/NITs that offer science and/or technology degrees.
iii.The candidates will be selected through a selection process and their performance will be reviewed by a national convention. Starting Academic Year 2020-21, candidates can apply for PMRF through either channel.
About HRD ministry:
Union Minister– Ramesh Pokhriyal ‘Nishank'(Constituency- Hardwar or Haridwar, Uttarakhand)
Minister of State– Sanjay Dhotre(Constituency- Akola, Maharashtra)
