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 | Doctorate · No income limit |
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+
The fellowship provides a monthly stipend of Rs. 37,000 for the first two years (Junior Research Fellowship - JRF phase) and Rs. 42,000 per month from the third year onwards upon successful upgrade to Senior Research Fellow (SRF). An annual contingency grant of Rs. 20,000 is also provided. Fellows in the top 10% of the merit list receive an enhanced 'Exemplary Performance Reward' of Rs. 1,00,000 per annum, in addition to eligibility for a one-time DHR international travel grant. House Rent Allowance (HRA) is provided as per Government of India rules if institutional hostel accommodation is not availed. Funds for the stipend are disbursed monthly through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) to Aadhaar-seeded bank accounts, while the annual contingency grant is paid to the host institution. The first payment is made upon submission of the joining report and other necessary documents.
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 | 50% |
| Income Limit | No income bar |
| 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
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Candidates are selected based on their performance in the national-level Biomedical Research Eligibility Test (DHR-BRET), formerly known as ICMR JRF Examination, conducted by AIIMS
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The examination is a Computer-Based Test (CBT) held annually
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Two separate merit lists are generated:one for Life Sciences and another for Social Sciences
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The final selection is based on an aggregate of 55% marks for General/OBC/EWS categories and 50% for SC/ST/PwBD/PH/VH categories obtained in the entrance exam
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A total of 150 fellowships are awarded annually (120 for biomedical sciences with emphasis on Life Sciences and 30 for Social Sciences)
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Additionally, 100 candidates are selected for potential JRF positions under various ICMR research projects, with the result remaining valid for two years for this category
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The award of JRF depends on finding placement in a recognized research institution.
Renewal Policy
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The fellowship is initially awarded for two years as Junior Research Fellowship (JRF)
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Continuation for subsequent years, up to a maximum total tenure of five years (or until PhD completion, whichever is earlier), is subject to satisfactory performance
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A review of the JRF's performance is conducted by an institutional Review Committee after two years
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Upon successful assessment, the fellow is upgraded to Senior Research Fellow (SRF) for the remaining period
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Fellows are required to submit annual progress reports
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the first report is due 10 months from the date of commencement, and subsequent reports are due two months before the completion of each fellowship year
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Failure to submit reports or unsatisfactory progress may lead to termination of the fellowship
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Additionally, the Ph.D. registration certificate must be submitted within two years from the date of joining, failing which the fellowship will be terminated
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If a JRF leaves before completing one year, they may be required to refund the stipend drawn.
How to Apply Online
Applications are submitted online via Online. Complete eKYC, upload scanned documents, and submit before the closing date.
- 1Notification and Online Application
The official notification for the Biomedical Research Eligibility Test (DHR-BRET), previously ICMR-JRF, is typically released in March/April each year on the websites of the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) at `icmr.gov.in`, Department of Health Research (DHR) at `dhr.gov.in`, and the conducting authority, AIIMS, at `aiimsexams.ac.in`. Prospective candidates must complete the online application process on the designated portal during the application window.
- 2Application Form Filling
The application involves registering on the portal, providing personal details, educational qualifications (M.Sc./M.A. or equivalent with minimum marks), and contact information. Candidates are required to upload scanned copies of necessary documents, including a photograph and signature, and pay the application fee.
- 3Admit Card Download
Once the application process is complete and before the examination date, candidates can download their admit cards from the AIIMS exam portal (`aiimsexams.ac.in`) using their login credentials. It is advisable to print multiple copies for the examination day.
- 4Entrance Examination
The DHR-BRET entrance examination is a Computer-Based Test (CBT) typically held once a year, historically in July, though the 2026 exam was held in January.
- 5Result Declaration
The results, including merit lists for Life Sciences and Social Sciences, are published on the official websites of ICMR, DHR, and AIIMS.
- 6Fellowship Activation & Joining
Upon selection, candidates must submit a 'willingness letter' to ICMR. They are then required to find a suitable guide and institute, secure enrollment in a Ph.D. program (strictly in ICMR health research-related topics), and submit a joining report to DHR within one year of the award letter.
- 7Ph.D. Registration Submission
The Ph.D. registration certificate from the affiliating university/institute must be submitted to ICMR within two years from the date of joining the fellowship. Failure to do so will result in the termination of the fellowship.
- 8Status Tracking (Post-Award)
While there isn't a specific online portal for real-time status tracking post-award, the fellowship continuation relies on the timely submission of annual progress reports (the first report after 10 months, subsequent reports two months before the completion of each fellowship year) and utilization certificates to the ICMR through the host institution and guide. Official communications and updates are released on the ICMR and DHR websites.
Common Questions (FAQs)
What is the monthly stipend and annual contingency grant for the ICMR-JRF (DHR-BRET) fellowship, and how is the payment made?
The ICMR-JRF (DHR-BRET) fellowship provides a monthly stipend of Rs. 37,000 for the first two years, increasing to Rs. 42,000 per month from the third year after successful upgrade to Senior Research Fellow (SRF). An annual contingency grant of Rs. 20,000 is also provided to the host institution. Fellows in the top 10% of the merit list also receive an additional 'Exemplary Performance Reward' of Rs. 1,00,000 per annum. Payments are made monthly through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) to Aadhaar-seeded bank accounts, with HRA applicable as per Government of India rules if no institutional hostel is availed.
What are the minimum eligibility criteria, including educational qualification and age limit, for applying to the ICMR-JRF (DHR-BRET) scholarship?
To be eligible for the ICMR-JRF (DHR-BRET), candidates must possess a Master's degree (M.Sc./M.A./M.Tech./M.Pharma or equivalent) in Life Sciences, Biomedical Sciences, Nursing, Public Health, or Social Sciences. A minimum of 55% aggregate marks is required for General/OBC/EWS candidates, and 50% for SC/ST/PwBD/PH/VH candidates. Final-year students are also eligible to apply provisionally. The upper age limit for General/EWS category candidates is 28 years. Age relaxations apply: up to 5 years for SC/ST/PwBD/Female candidates and 3 years for OBC candidates.
What are the conditions for the continuation and renewal of the fellowship, and how long is its tenure?
The total tenure of the fellowship is a maximum of five years or until the submission of the Ph.D. thesis, whichever is earlier. The fellowship is initially for two years as JRF, followed by a review by an institutional committee. Upon satisfactory performance, it can be upgraded to SRF for the subsequent three years. Continuation each year is contingent upon the submission of satisfactory annual progress reports. Fellows must also secure Ph.D. registration within two years of joining the fellowship; failure to do so will lead to termination. If a fellow discontinues the fellowship before completing one year, they may be required to refund the stipend received.
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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.