CSIR-UGC NET Junior Research Fellowship (CSIR-JRF)
Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR-HRDG) · All India
| Scheme Name | CSIR-UGC NET Junior Research Fellowship (CSIR-JRF) |
| Provided By | Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR-HRDG) |
| Eligibility Summary | Class 11-12, Graduation, Engineering (< ₹8L Income) |
About the Program
The CSIR-UGC NET Junior Research Fellowship (CSIR-JRF) provides ₹37,000 to ₹42,000 per month plus contingency grants to top-ranking science postgraduates pursuing Ph.D. doctoral research in Physical, Chemical, Mathematical, Earth, and Life Sciences across India.
Benefits & Financial Support
₹4.6 Lakh+
₹37,000 per month for initial 2 years (JRF), upgraded to ₹42,000 per month for subsequent 3 years (SRF), plus annual contingency grant of ₹20,000 and applicable House Rent Allowance (HRA).
Monthly fellowship of ₹37,000 to ₹42,000 + HRA + annual contingency grant of ₹20,000 for up to 5 years of doctoral research.
Note: Must qualify Joint CSIR-UGC NET examination in JRF category.
Eligibility Criteria & Income Limit
| Education Level | Doctorate |
| Course / Stream | Relevant courses |
| Minimum Marks | 55% |
| Income Limit | Up to ₹NaN Lakh/year |
| Category / Caste | All |
| Domicile State | All India |
Mandatory Documents Checklist
- ✓* Joint CSIR-UGC NET JRF Award Letter / Scorecard issued by NTA
- ✓* Master’s Degree (M.Sc./BS-MS/BE/B.Tech/MBBS) marksheets and degree certificate showing minimum 55% marks (50% for SC/ST/PwD)
- ✓* Ph.D. Registration / Admission Certificate from a recognized university or CSIR laboratory
- ✓* Joining Report endorsed by Research Guide and Head of Institution
- ✓* Aadhaar Card & active bank account details
- ✓* Category Certificate (SC/ST/OBC-NCL/EWS/PwD, if applicable)
Selection Process
National merit ranking in the Joint CSIR-UGC NET examination across five designated scientific disciplines, followed by Ph.D. enrollment in an approved research organization.
Renewal Policy
Annual renewal subject to submission of satisfactory research progress report, attendance certification, and timely submission of contingency expenditure vouchers on Fellow AMS.
How to Apply Online
Applications are submitted online via Online. Complete eKYC, upload scanned documents, and submit before the closing date.
- 1Qualify National Exam
Register for and qualify the Joint CSIR-UGC NET examination in JRF category conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA).
- 2Secure Ph.D. Admission
Enroll in a recognized Ph.D. doctoral program at a CSIR national laboratory, central/state university, IIT, IISc, or authorized research institute within 2 years of qualifying.
- 3Onboard on Portal
Register on the CSIR Fellow AMS Portal (fellowams.csir.res.in) along with your research guide and institutional nodal officer.
- 4Submit Joining Documentation
Upload your official JRF award letter, university admission memo, joining report, and bank details.
- 5Disbursal & Upgradation
Monthly fellowship is credited via DBT; after 2 years, submit progress report to the assessment committee for upgradation to Senior Research Fellow (SRF).
Common Questions (FAQs)
What is the difference between CSIR NET JRF and UGC NET JRF?
CSIR NET JRF covers five core scientific disciplines (Chemical Sciences, Earth Sciences, Life Sciences, Mathematical Sciences, and Physical Sciences), whereas UGC NET JRF covers Humanities, Social Sciences, Languages, Commerce, and Computer Applications.
What is the monthly stipend and contingency amount under CSIR-JRF?
Fellows receive ₹37,000 per month for the first two years as Junior Research Fellows (JRF). Upon successful evaluation after two years, the fellowship is upgraded to Senior Research Fellow (SRF) at ₹42,000 per month. An annual contingency grant of ₹20,000 and HRA (if hostel is not provided) are also granted.
What is the validity period of the CSIR JRF award letter?
The CSIR-JRF award letter is valid for 2 years from the date of issuance. Qualifiers must register and join a Ph.D. program in a recognized university or institute within this 2-year timeframe to activate their fellowship.
Is there any upper age limit to apply for CSIR JRF?
The upper age limit is 30 years as of the examination notification date. A relaxation of up to 5 years is applicable for women, SC, ST, PwD, and third-gender candidates, and up to 3 years for OBC-NCL applicants.
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