Spread of coronavirus has forced the entire nation to go into a lock down. Host of competitive education exams, school board exams, university exams and recruitment exams were postponed.

However, as the stand-still exists till 3 May, there are little chances for that to happen now. Sources from NTA say, NEET UG 2020 has now been proposed to be held by end of May this year.

While the conducting agency of NEET UG 2020 has not come out with new dates as of now. Developments in this regard may be seen soon.

National Testing Agency (NTA) is likely to announce the exam date for NEET UG 2020 after the lock down period or shortly before the lock down period is about to come to an end.

Also, NTA has now extended the correction facility date till 3 May now. Applicants of NEET UG 2020 can now make corrections with regards to various details provided in the application form. And, they can even take up corrections with regard to the choice of exam centres also. The latest information with regards to NEET UG 2020 corrections can also be accessed here.

The circular says corrections will Corrections will be accepted till 5:00 pm of 3 May and submission of fee can be done upto 11:50 pm of 3 May.

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This facility has also been provided keeping in view the outbreak of corona virus and the inconvenience it causes to students and parents.

If the correction facility is extended till 3 May, then it only means NEET UG 2020 will be held on some other day. Extension of rectification only means, even hall ticket download date will also be postponed.

The hall-ticket now for NEET UG 2020 is expected to be released by second week of May. With exam likely being held in the last week of May, release of provisional answer key for NEET UG 2020 is expected to happen by last week of May, final answer key is expected to be released by first week of June.

We understand that academic calendar and schedule is important, but equally important is well being of every citizen including students.

While applicants of the exam are eagerly waiting for new exam dates, sources from NTA urges students and parents to not worry about NEET UG 2020 Examination. Moreover, parents are requested to help young students utilize this time for preparing for the Examination and focus on critical concepts in order to close learning gaps if any.

NTA would keep students updated about the latest developments and would inform about changes with ample time. The candidates and their parents are advised to keep visiting ntaneet.nic.in and www.nta.ac.in for latest updates.

They are also being informed individually through their registered mobile number/email-id. The candidates can also contact at 8287471852, 8178359845,9650173668,9599676953,8882356803 for any further clarification.

Applicants of NEET UG 2020 are requested to keep track of their email id, mobile number regularly to know the latest developments.

Important circulars

Candidates and their parents can access important circulars with regards to NEET UG 2020 at this link for NEET UG 2020 postponement.

The scheme aims to attract talented researchers, scientists, technologists and professionals of Indian origin who are working in leading global institutions, laboratories, industries and research organisations. It invites Indian nationals working overseas, OCI cardholders and Persons of Indian Origin to contribute their experience and expertise to India’s top universities, national laboratories and research institutions.

This fellowship is not just another academic opportunity. It is a strategic initiative to bring global knowledge, international exposure and advanced research thinking into India’s scientific ecosystem. At a time when India is working toward the vision of Aatmanirbhar Bharat and Viksit Bharat, such programmes can play a key role in strengthening the country’s long-term research capacity.

What is PM Research Fellowship 2026?

The PM Research Fellowship 2026 is a research-focused initiative aimed at bringing accomplished Indian-origin researchers and professionals into India’s academic and innovation landscape. The programme is expected to support high-impact research in areas of national importance and help build stronger collaboration between Indian institutions and global talent.

By creating a pathway for such experts to work with Indian institutions, the scheme can help improve the quality of research, encourage international collaboration and support innovation-led growth.

Who Can Apply for PM Research Fellowship 2026?

The scheme is open to candidates with a strong background in research, innovation, technology or professional excellence. It is particularly suitable for Indian-origin researchers and professionals who have built meaningful careers outside India and are now interested in contributing to the country’s research ecosystem.

Eligible applicants include:

Indian Nationals working overseas, OCI cardholders and Persons of Indian Origin. Candidates are expected to have strong research achievements, relevant professional experience and a clear plan for contributing to India’s scientific and academic development.

The fellowship is likely to attract researchers from universities, industries, research labs, startups and innovation-driven organisations. Applicants who can bring international collaborations, advanced technical skills and fresh research ideas will be especially well-positioned.

Host Institutions for the Fellowship

Applications under the scheme will be accepted only through approved host institutions. These institutions must meet specific quality and ranking criteria to ensure that fellows are placed in strong academic and research environments.

Eligible host institutions include Government Higher Educational Institutions ranked among the Top 100 in the NIRF Overall or Engineering categories. Institutions ranked among the Top 50 in the NIRF Research category are also included.

In addition to higher education institutions, the scheme also covers leading national laboratories and research organisations under bodies such as DST, DBT, ICMR and CSIR. This broad institutional network allows fellows to work across diverse areas, including engineering, medicine, biotechnology, public health, basic sciences and applied research.

The focus on top-ranked and nationally relevant institutions ensures that fellows have access to good infrastructure, experienced faculty, established research networks and meaningful opportunities for collaboration.

Lead Institutions Announced

To support smooth implementation and thematic coordination, seven premier institutions have been identified as Lead Institutions under the programme. These are:

1. Indian Institute of Technology Delhi
2. Indian Institute of Technology Bombay
3. Indian Institute of Technology Madras
4. Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur
5. Indian Institute of Technology Hyderabad
6. Indian Institute of Technology (Indian School of Mines) Dhanbad
7. Indian Institute of Science Bengaluru

These institutions are expected to play an important role in mentoring fellows, guiding research priorities and helping build collaborative projects across India. Their involvement reflects the scale and seriousness of the initiative.

The presence of leading IITs and IISc Bengaluru also shows that the scheme is focused on high-quality research and innovation. These institutions already have strong reputations in science, engineering, technology and interdisciplinary research.

Why PM Research Fellowship 2026 Matters

India has made significant progress in science, technology and higher education. However, to become a global research leader, the country needs stronger international linkages, deeper industry-academia collaboration and access to highly trained researchers with global exposure.

The PM Research Fellowship 2026 can help bridge this gap. Many Indian-origin researchers around the world are working in advanced areas such as artificial intelligence, quantum technology, semiconductor research, biotechnology, clean energy, climate science, healthcare innovation, robotics and advanced manufacturing. Their knowledge and experience can support India’s national priorities.

By bringing such talent into Indian institutions, the scheme can help improve academic output, strengthen research culture and encourage new technology development. It can also support patent creation, startup innovation and globally competitive research projects.

Another important benefit is mentorship. Experienced researchers from abroad can guide young Indian scholars, help build research teams and introduce global best practices in laboratories and academic departments. This can have a long-term impact on the quality of research training in India.

Application Details

Applications from fellows and host institutions will open on 1 June 2026 through the official PMRC Portal. Interested candidates should carefully read the official guidelines before applying.

Applicants should prepare their documents early. A strong application may include a detailed research profile, evidence of academic or professional achievements, publications, patents, project experience, international collaborations and a clear research proposal.

Since the scheme is meant for top-tier talent, candidates should clearly explain how their work can contribute to India’s development goals. They should also identify suitable host institutions and align their research interests with the institution’s strengths.

Host institutions will also play a major role, as applications are routed through approved institutions. Therefore, applicants should explore potential mentors, departments, laboratories and research groups before beginning the application process.

A Step Toward India’s Research Future

The PM Research Fellowship 2026 is more than a fellowship programme. It is part of India’s larger effort to become a knowledge-driven economy. By connecting Indian institutions with global Indian talent, the scheme can create new opportunities for scientific excellence, technology development and national growth.

For researchers who want to make a meaningful impact in India, this fellowship offers a timely and powerful opportunity. It gives them a chance to bring their global experience back to the country and contribute to areas that matter for India’s future.

As India continues to invest in research, innovation and higher education, initiatives like this can help build stronger institutions, better research outcomes and a more globally connected scientific community.

The PM Research Fellowship 2026 may become an important platform for Indian-origin researchers who want to be part of India’s next chapter in science, technology and nation-building.

FAQs on PM Research Fellowship 2026

1. What is the PM Research Fellowship 2026?

The PM Research Fellowship 2026 is a research-focused initiative aimed at attracting Indian-origin researchers, scientists and professionals from across the world to work with India’s top universities, laboratories and research institutions.

2. Who is eligible to apply for PM Research Fellowship 2026?

Eligible applicants include Indian Nationals working overseas, OCI cardholders and Persons of Indian Origin with strong achievements in research, innovation, technology or professional fields.

3. When will applications open for PM Research Fellowship 2026?

Applications from fellows and host institutions will open on 1 June 2026 through the official PMRC Portal.

4. Which institutions can host fellows under this scheme?

Approved host institutions include Government Higher Educational Institutions ranked in the Top 100 in NIRF Overall or Engineering categories, Top 50 in NIRF Research category, and selected national laboratories under DST, DBT, ICMR and CSIR.

5. Why is PM Research Fellowship 2026 important?

The scheme is important because it connects global Indian talent with India’s leading research institutions. It can strengthen research capacity, improve innovation, support patents and startups, and contribute to India’s long-term scientific growth.