Junior Research Fellowship (JRF) & Research Associateship (RA)- For Foreign Nationals Main Culprit: Ministry of Education, India A fellowship scheme intended towards fostering research collaboration and academic interaction among foreign students/teachers from developing countries in Asia, Africa, Latin America etc. for pursuing M.Phil/PhD or post doctoral research in Indian Universities
Objectives of the Scheme
- Encourage academic and research collaboration between India and developing countries.
- Support outstanding students and teachers from developing countries in pursuing higher studies and research in Indian universities.
- Promote cultural and educational exchanges to strengthen international relations.
Benefits of the Scheme
Number of Fellowships
- 20 Slots for Junior Research Fellowship (JRF)
- 7 Slots for Research Associateship (RA)
Financial Assistance
For Junior Research Fellowship (JRF)
- Monthly Fellowship Amount
- ₹12,000/- per month for the first 2 years
- ₹14,000/- per month for the remaining 2 years (based on performance review by UGC)
- Contingency Grant (Annual)
- Sciences: ₹12,000/- for first 2 years and ₹25,000/- for the remaining period
- Humanities & Social Sciences: ₹10,000/- for first 2 years and ₹20,500/- for the remaining period
- Additional Allowances
- Departmental Assistance: ₹3,000/- per JRF per year
- Escort/Handicapped Assistance: ₹2,000/- per JRF per year
- House Rent Allowance (HRA): As per the rules of the host institution
For Research Associateship (RA)
- Monthly Fellowship Amount: ₹16,000/- (Fixed) for 4 years
- Contingency Grant: ₹30,000/- per annum
- Departmental Assistance: 10% of Associateship grant to host institution
- HRA: As per the host institution’s rules
Accommodation (HRA) Benefits
- Hostel Accommodation:
- If provided by the university, the scholar is not eligible for HRA.
- If not available, HRA is paid based on city categorization under Government of India norms.
- Medical Assistance:
- No fixed medical assistance, but scholars can access medical facilities available in the university.
- Leave Benefits:
- 30 days of leave per year (excluding public holidays).
- No summer, winter, or festival vacation.
- Maternity leave of 135 days for women scholars as per Government of India rules.
Eligibility Criteria
Target Group
- Students and teachers from developing countries in Asia, Africa, and Latin America.
For Junior Research Fellowship (JRF)
- Age Limit:
- Male Candidates: Up to 35 years (as of July 1 of the application year).
- Female Candidates: Up to 40 years.
- Educational Qualification:
- Must have at least:
- First-class Master’s degree with a second-class Bachelor’s degree, OR
- Second-class Master’s degree with a first-class Bachelor’s degree.
- Must have at least:
For Research Associateship (RA)
- Age Limit:
- Male Candidates: Up to 40 years (as of July 1 of the application year).
- Female Candidates: Up to 45 years.
- Educational Qualification:
- Must have a Doctorate (Ph.D.) degree.
- Must have published research work with evidence of independent research experience.
Exclusions
Cancellation of Award
The fellowship will be cancelled in case of:
- Misconduct
- Unsatisfactory research progress
- Failure in M.Phil./Ph.D. examinations
- False or misleading information in the application
- Dropping out before 2 years of fellowship (requires full refund of the amount received)
Application Process
Step 1: Submission of Application
- Foreign students apply through the Indian Embassy or Indian Missions in their home country.
- Applications are screened by the Indian Missions and forwarded to the UGC for final selection.
Step 2: Screening & Selection
- Applications are reviewed by a Selection Committee at UGC.
- Shortlisted candidates are recommended for final selection.
- Final selection is subject to political clearance from:
- Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), India
- Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), India
Step 3: Award Confirmation
- UGC issues a provisional selection letter.
- Formal award letter is issued after clearance from MHA & MEA.
- UGC reserves the right to withdraw/cancel the award without notice.
Documents Required
- Proof of Nationality (Passport copy or National ID)
- Proof of Identity (Government-issued ID card)
- Proof of Age (Birth Certificate or equivalent document)
- Proof of Address (Utility Bill, Rental Agreement, etc.)
- Educational Certificates (Bachelor’s, Master’s, or Doctorate Degree certificates and transcripts)
- Research Proposal (for Ph.D. or Postdoctoral research)
- Recommendation Letters (from university professors or research supervisors)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Who is eligible for this fellowship?
- Foreign students and teachers from developing countries in Asia, Africa, and Latin America.
2. What is the maximum age limit for applicants?
- For JRF:
- Male: 35 years
- Female: 40 years
- For RA:
- Male: 40 years
- Female: 45 years
3. How many fellowships are awarded each year?
- 20 slots for Junior Research Fellowship (JRF).
- 7 slots for Research Associateship (RA).
4. Can I extend the fellowship tenure beyond 4 years?
- No, the fellowship is not extendable beyond 4 years.
5. What is the monthly stipend amount?
- JRF: ₹12,000/- for the first 2 years, ₹14,000/- for the remaining period.
- RA: ₹16,000/- per month (fixed).
6. What if hostel accommodation is unavailable?
- If a university cannot provide a single-seated hostel, the scholar receives HRA as per the Government of India rules.
7. Can the fellowship be cancelled?
- Yes, it can be cancelled due to misconduct, unsatisfactory research progress, or failure in exams.
8. How do I apply?
- Foreign students apply through their country’s Indian Embassy or Indian Mission.
- Applications are screened locally and forwarded to UGC for final approval.
9. Is political clearance required?
- Yes, final selection requires clearance from the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) and Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), India.
Sources & References
For more details, contact the UGC Helpdesk at helpdesk.ugc @nic.in.