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
ICMR JRF 2025 exam is generally scheduled in the first week of July (Sunday) You can keep a track by the month of March or April as the application window usually opens around that time.
- 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.
ICMR Recruitment Notification – 2025
The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) invites online applications from Indian Citizens for the following vacancy under Direct Recruitment, on a regular basis:
| Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Position | To be announced in the official notification |
| Recruitment Mode | Direct Recruitment (Regular Appointment) |
| Pay Level | Level 14 of Pay Matrix (₹1,44,200 – ₹2,18,200) as per 7th CPC |
| Allowances | As per ICMR rules (usual allowances admissible) |
| Application Deadline | 21st April, 2025 (till 5:30 PM) |
| Application Mode | Online Only |
| Eligibility | Indian Citizens |
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.