The ICMR-Junior Research Fellowship (ICMR-JRF) is a national-level examination conducted by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) to determine eligibility for awarding Junior Research Fellowships (JRF) to Indian nationals.
The fellowship supports candidates pursuing Ph.D./Research Programs in medical colleges, universities, hospitals, national laboratories, and research institutions. Selection is based on merit through an entrance exam.
Scheme of Test
- Exam Duration: 2 Hours
- Paper Structure:
- Section A (Aptitude Test) – 50 Questions (Compulsory, 1 Mark Each)
- Section B (Life Sciences) OR Section C (Social Sciences) – 100 Questions (Attempt Any 75)
- Negative Marking: 0.25 marks per incorrect answer
- Language: English Only
- Minimum Qualifying Marks:
- General/OBC: 55% aggregate
- SC/ST/PH: 50% aggregate
Streams Covered
- Life Sciences: Microbiology, Molecular Biology, Genetics, Biotechnology, Biochemistry, Pharmacology, Immunology, Environmental Science, Bioinformatics, Botany, Zoology, etc.
- Social Sciences: Psychology, Sociology, Home Science, Statistics, Anthropology, Social Work, Health Economics, etc.
Number of Fellowships
- 150 Fellowships awarded annually:
- 120 for Life Sciences
- 30 for Social Sciences
- Additional 100 candidates may be selected for ICMR-funded research schemes.
Enrollment & Validity
- Candidates can enroll for a Ph.D. in any UGC/MCI-recognized university.
- JRF validity: 6 months (for securing placement).
- ICMR-funded project placements: Validity up to 2 years.
Benefits
- Junior Research Fellow (JRF): ₹31,000/month (1st & 2nd year)
- Senior Research Fellow (SRF): ₹35,000/month (3rd, 4th & 5th year)
- Annual Contingency Grant: ₹20,000
- Total Duration: 5 years (JRF: 2-3 years, SRF: Max 3 years)
HRA & Medical Benefits
- Hostel accommodation at the institute (if available)
- No HRA for hostel residents
- Medical benefits as per institute rules
Leave & Other Benefits
- Eligible for casual leave & maternity leave as per Govt. norms
- Fellowship is not considered an employment position
Eligibility
- Postgraduate Degree (M.Sc./MA) in Basic Science or Professional Courses
- Minimum Marks:
- General/OBC: 55%
- SC/ST/PH/VH: 50%
- Age Limit: 28 years (Relaxable by 5 years for SC/ST/PH/VH & female candidates, 3 years for OBC)
- Not Eligible: B.Tech/M.Tech (Biomedical), B.Pharm/M.Pharm/D.Pharm holders
Application Process
Online Application
- Notification Released: March/April (Newspapers & Official Website)
- Online Form Submission on ICMR Website
- Entrance Exam: Held in July
- Selection Based on Merit (Exam Score)
- Results Published on ICMR Website
- Selected Candidates Must Join Ph.D. Program as per admission letter instructions
Important Notes
- Read admission notice & instructions before applying.
- Incomplete applications will be rejected.
Documents Required
- Identity Proof (Aadhaar, PAN, etc.)
- Passport-Sized Photographs
- Educational Certificates (UG/PG Marksheets & Degree)
- Date of Birth Proof
- Caste Certificate (For SC/ST/OBC candidates)
- Disability Certificate (For PH applicants)
- Other Documents (As required)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Q: When is the ICMR-JRF entrance exam held?
Usually in July (Notification in March/April). - Q: Where are the exam centers located?
Centers are set up across major Indian cities. - Q: What are the eligibility criteria for the entrance exam?
Postgraduate degree (M.Sc./MA) with 55% marks (General/OBC) and 50% (SC/ST/PH/VH). - Q: How many fellowships are awarded annually?
150 fellowships: 120 in Life Sciences, 30 in Social Sciences. - Q: Can I apply for other JRF positions apart from ICMR?
Yes, you can apply for other fellowships as well. - Q: Can I get a sample question paper?
Yes, available on the ICMR official website. - Q: Is there a syllabus for the exam?
Yes, syllabus details are available on the ICMR website. - Q: What is the selection process?
Merit-based selection through national-level entrance exam. - Q: Can I enroll in any Ph.D. program?
Yes, as long as it is a UGC/MCI-recognized institute. -
Q: How is the fellowship amount disbursed?
Funds are transferred directly to the fellow’s bank account. -
Q: Are research reports required?
Yes, annual progress reports must be submitted. -
Q: When should I submit the Utilization Certificate (UC)?
At the end of each financial year. -
Q: Can I transfer my fellowship to another institution?
Yes, subject to ICMR approval.