UGC Junior Research Fellowship (JRF)
Status Check
The previous application cycle (2025–26) closed on 7 November 2025. The upcoming 2026–27 cycle is expected to open soon. We will update the links here as soon as the official notification is released.
👉 View active scholarships you can apply for todayAbout the Program
The UGC JRF is the most sought-after fellowship for researchers in India, providing a substantial monthly stipend to support full-time PhD candidates.
Benefits & Financial Support
Candidates receive ₹37,000 per month (+ HRA) for the first 2 years as JRF, and ₹42,000 per month (+ HRA) for the remaining 3 years as SRF upon performance review; payments are made via Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) directly to Aadhaar-seeded bank accounts of the fellowship holder.
Inclusions
₹37,000 to ₹42,000 monthly.
Important Note
Premier fellowship for doctoral research in India.
Eligibility Criteria
Educational Qualification
Postgraduate, PhD
Must be enrolled in relevant courses. Minimum 55% marks required in previous exam.
Financial & Category
Selection Process
Candidates are selected based on their ranking in the UGC NET (or CSIR-UGC NET) Joint Examination
only those who secure the Junior Research Fellowship (JRF) rank are eligible
Final admission and fellowship award require joining a recognized university/institution for a full-time PhD or M.Phil./PhD program against advertised vacancies.
Renewal Policy
The JRF tenure is initially for 2 years
it is extendable to a total of 5 years if the candidate registers for a PhD within 2 years of award and submits mandatory progress reports
Upgradation to Senior Research Fellowship (SRF) at ₹42,000/month is granted after 2 years based on a 3-member committee assessment (Guide, HOD, External Expert) confirming satisfactory research progress.
Application Process
- 1Register
Visit https://ugcnet.nta.nic.in, click 'New Registration', and enter personal details (Name, DOB, Email, Mobile) to create a password.
- 2Apply
Log in, fill the application form with educational qualifications, exam center preferences, and select 'JRF' (and/or Assistant Professor) as the subject/post preference.
- 3Upload
Upload scanned passport-size photo (10–200 KB, JPG) and signature (4–30 KB, JPG).
- 4Pay
Submit the fee via online payment modes.
- 5Track
Download the admit card before the exam; after the exam, check results and JRF rank on the same portal. Upon qualifying, apply to recognized universities/institutions listing JRF vacancies to secure admission and fellowship award.
Documents Required
Important Dates
Application Deadline
7 November 2025
Twice a year via UGC-NET / CSIR-NET exam cycles
Dates are subject to change as per the provider's official notification. Applicants are encouraged to apply well before the closing date.
Scholarship Quick Facts
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Common Questions (FAQs)
Q. What is the minimum percentage required in Master's degree for UGC NET JRF?▼
General category candidates need at least 55% marks in Master's degree; SC/ST/OBC/PwD categories require 50%.
Q. Is the JRF fellowship valid for 5 years or only 2 years?▼
JRF is initially awarded for 2 years but can be extended up to 5 years total if the candidate registers for PhD within 2 years and maintains satisfactory progress, with upgradation to SRF after year 2.
Q. How is the fellowship amount paid—directly to the student or via the university?▼
The monthly stipend is paid directly to the fellowship holder's Aadhaar-seeded bank account via Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT); the university receives a separate annual contingent grant of ₹20,000 for research expenses.
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