ICMR Junior Research Fellowship (ICMR-JRF)
Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) & Department of Health Research · All India
| Scheme Name | ICMR Junior Research Fellowship (ICMR-JRF) |
| Provided By | Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) & Department of Health Research |
| Eligibility Summary | Class 11-12, Graduation, Engineering (< ₹8L Income) |
About the Program
The ICMR Junior Research Fellowship (ICMR-JRF) provides ₹37,000 to ₹42,000 per month plus contingency grants to meritorious postgraduates in biomedical sciences, microbiology, biochemistry, and public health pursuing Ph.D. degrees in India.
Benefits & Financial Support
₹4.6 Lakh+
₹37,000 per month for JRF (first 2 years) and ₹42,000 per month for SRF (remaining 3 years), along with an annual contingency grant of ₹20,000 and applicable House Rent Allowance.
Monthly fellowship of ₹37,000 - ₹42,000 + HRA + annual contingency of ₹20,000 for up to 5 years of medical and biomedical doctoral research.
Note: Must qualify the national DHR-BRET / ICMR JRF entrance exam.
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
- ✓* DHR-BRET / ICMR JRF Entrance Examination Scorecard and Award Memo
- ✓* Postgraduate Degree (M.Sc./M.Tech/M.Pharma) Marks Certificate with 55% marks (50% for SC/ST/PwD)
- ✓* Ph.D. Registration / Admission Allotment letter in medical/life sciences
- ✓* Joining Report from research guide and university registrar
- ✓* Aadhaar Card & active bank account details
- ✓* Caste/Category Certificate (if claiming age relaxation/reservation)
Selection Process
National competitive ranking in the DHR-BRET entrance examination conducted specifically for biomedical and clinical research streams.
Renewal Policy
Renewable annually up to 5 years based on submission of satisfactory doctoral progress report verified by the research guide and doctoral advisory committee.
How to Apply Online
Applications are submitted online via Online. Complete eKYC, upload scanned documents, and submit before the closing date.
- 1Appear for DHR-BRET
Apply and appear for the Biomedical Research Eligibility Test conducted under ICMR/DHR on the designated examination portal.
- 2Receive Award Letter
Candidates securing qualifying national ranks receive the official ICMR-JRF award certification.
- 3Ph.D. Enrollment
Secure admission into a Ph.D. program in medical or biomedical sciences at an ICMR institute, AIIMS, medical college, or recognized research university.
- 4e-PMS Submission
Log in to the ICMR electronic Project Management System (epms.icmr.org.in) to upload your joining report, fellowship activation forms, and bank ECS mandate.
- 5Disbursement & Review
Monthly stipends are transferred through DBT; submit annual work progress reports for SRF upgradation after year 2.
Common Questions (FAQs)
Which entrance exam is required for ICMR JRF?
Selection is conducted through the national-level Biomedical Research Eligibility Test (DHR-BRET) organized by the Department of Health Research (DHR) and ICMR for entry into medical and biomedical doctoral research.
What subjects are covered under the ICMR JRF scheme?
Eligible fields include Life Sciences, Microbiology, Biochemistry, Biotechnology, Genetics, Immunology, Pharmacology, Physiology, Public Health, Nursing, and allied medical/biomedical sciences.
What is the monthly stipend and financial support?
JRF fellows receive ₹37,000 per month for the first two years. On successful assessment, the fellowship upgrades to Senior Research Fellow (SRF) at ₹42,000 per month for up to three additional years. An annual contingency grant of ₹20,000 is also provided.
What is the maximum duration of the ICMR JRF fellowship?
The total tenure of the fellowship is up to 5 years (2 years JRF + 3 years SRF) or until the formal submission of the doctoral thesis, whichever occurs earlier.
Similar Opportunities You Can Apply For Today
TRTI Scholarship 2026 (Maharashtra ST)
Applications OpenTribal Research and Training Institute, Pune
Prime Minister's Research Fellowship (PMRF)
Applications OpenMinistry of Education, Government of India
NSP One-Time Registration (OTR) Scheme 2026-27
Applications OpenMinistry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY)
UGC Junior Research Fellowship (JRF)
Applications OpenUniversity Grants Commission (UGC)
Discover More
Legal Disclaimer
IndiaScholarships.in attempts to provide accurate information manually curated from official sources. Scholarship details, timelines, and eligibility can change without notice as per the provider's discretion. Applying for a scholarship does not guarantee selection. Always verify all information on the official Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) & Department of Health Research website before final submission.