The Junior Research Fellowship (JRF) scheme is aimed at candidates who have qualified for the UGC-NET JRF or the UGC-CSIR Joint Test. This fellowship provides an opportunity for scholars to pursue M.Phil. or Ph.D. degrees in Sciences, Humanities, and Social Sciences at recognized universities, colleges, and institutions across India.
Note: Qualifying for NET-JRF does not automatically grant a fellowship. Candidates must secure admission to a recognized research institution to receive the benefits.
Objectives
- Support research scholars pursuing M.Phil./Ph.D. in Humanities, Social Sciences, and Sciences.
- Encourage high-quality research in various disciplines.
- Provide financial assistance to scholars for their research work.
Benefits
Fellowship Amount
- Junior Research Fellowship (JRF): ₹37,000 per month for the first 2 years.
- Senior Research Fellowship (SRF): ₹42,000 per month for the remaining period (after evaluation).
Contingency Grant
- For Humanities & Social Sciences:
- ₹10,000 per annum for JRF
- ₹20,500 per annum for SRF
- For Science Scholars:
- ₹12,000 per annum for JRF
- ₹25,000 per annum for SRF
Housing Rent Allowance (HRA)
- Hostel Accommodation: Candidates staying in university hostels can claim hostel fees (excluding mess, electricity, and water charges).
- Self-arranged accommodation: HRA is provided as per Government of India norms, based on city categorization.
Medical Facilities
- No separate medical assistance, but candidates can avail medical facilities available in their university/institution.
Leave Policy
- General Leave: 30 days per year, excluding public holidays.
- Maternity/Paternity Leave: As per Government of India norms, granted once during the fellowship.
- Intermittent Break (for Women Scholars): Up to one year (maximum three times) without affecting the fellowship duration.
- Academic Leave: Scholars can take up to one year without fellowship for academic assignments or foreign research visits.
Fellowship Tenure
| Course Type | Maximum Duration (Years) | JRF Period (Years) | SRF Period (Years) |
|---|---|---|---|
| M.Phil. + Ph.D. | 5 Years | 2 Years | 3 Years |
| Ph.D. | 5 Years | 2 Years | 3 Years |
Eligibility Criteria
- Must have qualified for NET-JRF or UGC-CSIR Joint Test.
- Must enroll in an M.Phil./Ph.D. program at a recognized university/institution within 2 years of:
- The declaration of the result.
- The date of issue of the award letter.
- The date of joining the fellowship.
Application Process
Offline Application
- Visit the university/institution/college where you have secured admission.
- Obtain the prescribed application form from the academic office.
- Fill out the form, attach required documents, and submit it to the concerned authority.
- Obtain an acknowledgment receipt from the institution, ensuring it has a submission date and unique application number.
Note: The application must be submitted within the prescribed deadline (if applicable).
Documents Required
- Aadhaar Number
- Duly Filled Application Form
- NET-JRF Scorecard
- Proof of Address
- Educational Qualification Certificates (Mark Sheets, Degrees, Diplomas, etc.)
- Caste Certificate (if applicable)
- Physical Disability Certificate (if applicable)
- Bank Account Details
- Joining Report (signed by the institution)
- UGC Award Letter
- HRA Form (if applicable)
- Half-Yearly Progress Report (to be submitted every six months)
- Three-Member Assessment Committee Report (for upgrading from JRF to SRF after two years)
Note: Documents must be verified by the university/academic office and uploaded to the UGC Canara Bank Portal for fellowship disbursement.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What is the objective of the JRF scheme?
A: To provide financial support for scholars pursuing M.Phil./Ph.D. in Humanities, Social Sciences, and Sciences.
Q: What is the fellowship amount under the JRF scheme?
A: ₹37,000 per month for JRF (2 years) and ₹42,000 per month for SRF (3 years).
Q: Is the contingency grant different for Science and Humanities?
A: Yes, Science scholars receive a higher contingency grant than Humanities scholars.
Q: What is the HRA policy for JRF/SRF scholars?
A: HRA is provided as per city categorization, except for scholars staying in university hostels.
Q: Are medical expenses covered under the fellowship?
A: No, but scholars can avail medical facilities at their institution.
Q: What is the leave policy for JRF and SRF scholars?
A: Scholars are entitled to 30 days of leave per year, in addition to public holidays.
Q: Can the candidate take maternity/paternity leave?
A: Yes, as per Government of India norms.
Q: What is an ‘Intermittent Break’?
A: Women scholars can pause their fellowship for up to one year, up to three times, without affecting the total duration.
Q: Are UGC-CSIR qualified candidates eligible?
A: Yes, UGC-CSIR JRF candidates can apply for this scheme.
Q: How often must progress reports be submitted?
A: Every six months.
Q: How does a scholar transition from JRF to SRF?
A: After two years, scholars must submit a Three-Member Assessment Committee Report for approval.