ICMR-JRF

ICMR-Junior Research Fellowship

ICMR-Junior Research Fellowship (ICMR-JRF) examination is the first step in the process of admission to the PhD/Research Programme through council's support.

Central Cash

States / UT: All India

Ministry / nodal: Ministry Of Health & Family Welfare

Scheme for: Individual

Scheme profile

DBT (direct benefit transfer): No

Categories: Education & Learning

Sub-categories: Education and training grants, fellowship, stipend

Target beneficiaries: Individual

Tags: JRF, Research, Fellowship, ICMR, Life Science, Social Science, SRF

Details

ICMR-Junior Research Fellowship (ICMR-JRF) examination is the first step in the process of admission to the PhD/Research Programme through the council's support. ICMR holds a national-level examination for determining the eligibility of Indian National candidates for the award of Junior Research Fellowships (JRF) through the Indian Council of Medical Research. The award of Junior Research Fellowship to the successful eligible candidates will depend on their finding placement in a medical college/hospital/university / national laboratory/institution of higher learning and research as applicable. The award of JRF is made on a merit basis by holding an entrance examination after issuing a countrywide admission notice.

Scheme of Test:

  • The test will consist of one paper of 2 hours duration.
  • The paper will consist of 2 Sections. The Aptitude Section (Section A) will have 50 questions on (i) scientific phenomenon in everyday life; (ii) general knowledge in sciences; and (iii) common statistics. All these questions would be compulsory with each question carrying 1 mark. The subject Specific Section (Section B & C) would pertain to (B) Life Sciences and (C) Social Science. The candidate may attempt questions in either of the two areas. Each area of section B & C would have 100 questions and the candidate may attempt any 75 questions in the predesigned area of Section B or C. Candidates are required to indicate the option for Section B or C in the application form too.
  • Each question carries one mark. Negative marking @ 0.25 will be made for each of the wrong answers. The questions in both sections would appear in English only.
  • The final result will be based on an aggregate of 55 % marks obtained in both the sections for the General category and OBC and 50% for SC/ST and physically handicapped.

The test will be held in the following streams:

  • Aptitude test (common for all) (2) Life Sciences (3) Social Sciences.
  • Subjects covered under Life Sciences include microbiology, physiology, molecular biology, genetics, human nutrition, human biology, biotechnology, biochemistry, biophysics, immunology, pharmacology, zoology, environmental sciences, botany, public health veterinary science, and bioinformatics. Subjects covered under Social Sciences include psychology, sociology, home sciences, statistics, anthropology, social work, and health economics.

A total of 150 Fellowships would be awarded. 120 Fellowships would be awarded for work in the field of biomedical sciences with emphasis on Life Sciences (like microbiology, physiology, molecular biology, genetics, human biology, bioinformatics, biotechnology, biochemistry, biophysics, immunology, Pharmacology, zoology, environmental science, botany, veterinary sciences, bio-informatics, etc.). Thirty Fellowships would be awarded for work with an emphasis on Social sciences like psychology, sociology, home science, statistics, anthropology, social work, and Health Economics.

  1. Two separate merit lists, one comprising the candidates qualifying for life sciences and the second for those candidates qualifying for social sciences, will be made on the basis of their performance in the above test.
  2. The candidates selected for the JRF programme of ICMR would be permitted to enroll themselves in the Ph.D. programme of any University recognised by the UGC/MCI. However, the JRF programme would not have any connection with the Ph.D. programme. The validity of the fellowship awarded to a candidate will be six months.
  • Another 100 candidates would be selected for consideration for positions of JRF under various research schemes of ICMR (subject to fulfilling the conditions for appointment under the schemes) for the duration of that scheme. These JRFs would also be permitted to complete a Ph.D. while working in the scheme if enrolled. The validity of the result will be two years for placement in ICMR-funded projects.
  • SC/ST/OBC/Physically handicapped (PH) applicants will be given such special consideration as per policy guidelines.
  • Candidates qualifying for the award of JRF will receive a fellowship from ICMR.

Benefits

  • 1. The Junior Research fellows will be paid a monthly stipend of ₹31 000/- for the 1st & 2nd year. 1. The Senior Research Fellow (SRF) (if upgraded after completion of two years of JRF) will be paid a monthly stipend of ₹35 000/- for the 3rd 4th & 5th years. 1. There is an annual contingency grant of ₹20 000/-. 1. The tenure for the JRF will be two/three years. The duration of an SRF will be for a maximum of three years. However the total duration is five years. > HRA & Medical Benefits: 1. All Research Fellows may be allowed hostel accommodation in the parent institute wherever available and those residing in a hostel provided by the parent institute OR a hostel by another University/Institute will not be eligible for HRA. 1. Medical benefits will be allowed to a Fellow as per the rules of the Institution where they are working. ICMR will not bear any financial burden in this regard. > Leave Salary and Other Service Benefits: 1. A Fellow will be eligible for casual leave & maternity leave as per Govt. rules. Note 01: The Fellow will not be treated as an employee of the ICMR. Note 02: The applicant should not draw any stipend or salary or be in receipt of any other type of financial assistance except leave salary during the fellowship
  1. The Junior Research fellows will be paid a monthly stipend of ₹31,000/- for the 1st & 2nd year.
  2. The Senior Research Fellow (SRF) (if upgraded after completion of two years of JRF) will be paid a monthly stipend of ₹ 35,000/- for the 3rd, 4th & 5th years.
  3. There is an annual contingency grant of ₹20,000/-.
  4. The tenure for the JRF will be two/three years. The duration of an SRF will be for a maximum of three years. However, the total duration is five years.

HRA & Medical Benefits:

  1. All Research Fellows may be allowed hostel accommodation in the parent institute wherever available and those residing in a hostel provided by the parent institute OR a hostel by another University/Institute will not be eligible for HRA.
  2. Medical benefits will be allowed to a Fellow as per the rules of the Institution where they are working. ICMR will not bear any financial burden in this regard.

Leave Salary and Other Service Benefits:

  1. A Fellow will be eligible for casual leave & maternity leave as per Govt. rules.

Note 01: The Fellow will not be treated as an employee of the ICMR.
Note 02: The applicant should not draw any stipend or salary or be in receipt of any other type of financial assistance except leave salary during the fellowship.

Eligibility

  • The candidate should have a Post Graduate degree (M.Sc./MA) in basic science or a Post-Graduate degree (M.Sc./MA) in a professional course with 55% marks for General/Other Backward Class (OBC) and 50% for SC/ST/Physically Handicapped (PH)/Visually Handicapped (VH).
  • The students having degrees like B. Tech/M. Tech in biomedical sciences, B. Pharma/M. Pharma or D. Pharma are not eligible.
  • The upper age limit is 28 years [upper age limit relaxable up to five years in case of candidates belonging to SC/ST/OBC/PH/VH and female candidates, three years in the case of OBC category].

Application Process

Online

Step 01: The advertisement is published in leading English Newspapers of India usually during March/April and also on the official website.
Step 02: The eligible candidates can fill out the application forms on the official website after the official release of the notification.
Step 03: The entrance examination is usually held in the first/second week of July.
Step 04: The candidates will be selected on the basis of marks obtained in the examination.
Step 05: The final result will be based on an aggregate of 55 % marks obtained in both the sections for the General category and OBC and 50% for SC/ST and physically handicapped.
Step 06: The list of successful candidates will be available on the ICMR website. Selected candidates must join their respective Ph.D. courses on the prescribed date as indicated in their admission letter.
Note 01: Before applying, candidates are advised to go through the admission notice published in the advertisement in various Newspapers and the instructions given therein carefully.
Note 02: Incomplete applications will not be considered and no correspondence will be entertained.

Clarifications

Additional points from the scheme information published on myScheme (not legal advice).

When the ICMR-JRF entrance examination is usually announced? When it is usually held?
The examination notice is published in leading English Newspapers of India usually during March/April and also on the websites of the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) and Post-graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER), Chandigarh. The entrance examination is usually held once a year in the first/second week of July, on a Sunday.
Where will be the Centres for the written examination located?
Test for ICMR JRF is conducted at the twelve Centres VIZ., Bengaluru, Bhopal, Bhubaneswar, Chandigarh, Chennai, Delhi, Guwahati, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Mumbai, Srinagar (J&K) and Varanasi.
What is the eligibility criterion for appearing in the entrance examination?
You should have a Post Graduate degree (M.Sc./MA) in basic science or Post-Graduate degree (M.Sc./MA) in professional courses (B. Tech/M. Tech in biomedical sciences, B. Pharma/M. Pharma or D.Pharma are not eligible) with 55% marks for General/Other Backward Class (OBC) and 50% for SC/ST/Physically Handicapped (PH)/Visually Handicapped (VH). The upper age limit is 28 years [relaxable up to five years in case of candidates belonging to SC/ST/PH/VH and female candidates, three years in the case of OBC category].
What is the number of fellowships awarded annually? What are the subjects? Can I also apply for other JRF appointments?
A total of 150 seats VIZ; 120 for work in the field of biomedical sciences with emphasis on life sciences and 30 for social sciences. Another 100 candidates would be selected for consideration for positions of JRF under various research projects of ICMR only (subject to fulfilling the conditions for appointment under the projects) for the duration of that project. These JRFs would also be permitted to complete Ph.D. while working in the project if enrolled. The validity of the result will be two years for placement in ICMR-funded projects for this category.
What is the pattern of the written examination? Do I have to attempt all the questions?
The paper will consist of two Sections. The Aptitude Section (Section A) will have 50 questions on (i) scientific phenomenon in everyday life; (ii) general knowledge in sciences; and (iii) common statistics. All these 50 questions would be compulsory with each question carrying 1 mark. The subject-specific section (Sections B & C) would pertain to (B) Life sciences and (C) Social sciences. Each question carries one mark. The candidate may attempt questions in either of the two areas. Each area of section B & C would have 100 questions and the candidate may attempt any 75 questions in the predesigned area of Section B or C. Candidates are required to indicate the option for Section B or C in the application form too. Negative marking @ 0.25 will be made for each of the wrong answers. If the candidate answers more than 75 questions in Section B or C, then only the first 75 questions will be evaluated. The questions in both Sections would appear in English only.
What is the duration of the written examination?
The test will consist of one paper of two hours duration.
Can I have a look at the sample paper for JRF examination?
The specimen paper for ICMR-JRF is available at: http://icmr.nic.in/jrf/jrf_specimen.pdf
Is there any syllabus for the examination?
The syllabi is as per PG level by University Grants Commission (UGC), New Delhi
Is there any aggregate marks cut-off for selection?
The final result will be based on an aggregate of 55% marks obtained in both the Sections for the General category and OBC and 50% for SC/ST and PH/VH.
What is criterion for results for selection?
Two separate merit lists, one comprising the candidates qualifying for Life sciences and the second for those candidates qualifying for Social sciences, will be made on the basis of their performance in the above exam.
What is the admission procedure after selection?
The list of successful candidates would be available on the ICMR website. Selected candidates must join their respective Ph.D. course on the prescribed date as indicated in their admission letter.
Can I enroll myself in any research institute/organization for my JRF work?
The candidates selected for the JRF programme of ICMR would be permitted to enroll themselves for the Ph.D. programme (the Ph.D. topic should be strictly pertaining to ICMR health research) of any University or government college recognized by the UGC/ or any medical college recognized by Medical Council of India (MCI). Ph.D. Enrollment letter certified through Guide is required at the time of Joining, whereas the Ph.D. registration may be submitted within two years from the date of Joining.
What will be the validity of JRF awarded?
The validity of the fellowship awarded to a candidate will be one year from the date of issue of the Award letter.
What will be my joining time?
Selected candidates must send their willingness to join ICMR JRF as soon as they receive the ICMR Award letter and then find placement under a suitable Guide and enroll themselves for Ph.D. in the concerned Institute or University and send the joining report to ICMR within one year of Issue of Award letter. The PhD Registration certificate may be submitted within two years of joining. Failure of which, leads to termination of the fellowship.
What is the tenure of the fellowship?
JRF is generally for first two years. Only after successful assessment by the Review Committee, JRF may be upgraded as SRF after 22 months of commencement of work either on the date when Review Committee meets but not before completion of two years. And SRF is generally for three years or submission of Ph.D. whichever is earlier. However, total duration is five years. The fellowship can be terminated at any time on a month's notice if the progress of the work is not satisfactory or on receipt of adverse reports from the Guide. In the event if the fellow leaves before completing one year, he/she may be required to refund the stipend drawn by him/her from the date of joining to the date of leaving the fellowship.
What is the stipend amount that I will be getting? And what is amount of House Rent Allowance (HRA) and contingency for the fellowship?
1st year to 2nd year- Rs. 31,000/-, 3rd year or thereafter whenever upgraded as a SRF Rs. 35,000/- till submission of Ph.D. thesis or 5th year, whichever is earlier (Terms and conditions may be adopted from ICMR Fellowship rules available at http://icmr.nic.in/). The HRA will be given as per rules. If the fellow gets accommodation in the institute hostel then he/she will not be eligible for drawing HRA. The contingent amount for JRF/SRF will be Rs. 20,000/- per annum.
How and when will I receive the funds from ICMR?
One needs to send the duly filled and signed mandate form for receiving e-payments along with a photocopy of a cancelled cheque (should be clearly scanned) for purpose of verification of the concerned bank account where money (stipend) is to be remitted. Relevant certificates from hostel warden / AO specifying the date of joining hostel facility should be submitted to avail HRA. If residing in a private accommodation, proof of rent paid from the land lord should be submitted.
Do I have to send reports annually or quarterly?
The Fellow shall submit annual reports for 1st year and all annual report thereafter as per Guidelines and rules in the prescribed standard ICMR proforma.
When should I submit the annual reports?
The first annual report should be submitted after 10 months from the date of commencement of the fellowship (through the Guide along with his/her appraisal) giving complete factual details of the research work done. Subsequent annual reports as per the standard proforma should be submitted through the Guide two months before completion of the fellowship year.
Is the Utilization Certificate (UC) also required?
Annual UC is needed from April to March each financial year.
Can I transfer my fellowship from one institute to other?
A Fellow will not be allowed transfer from one institution to another except in special circumstances with the prior approval of the DG, ICMR. No Travelling Allowance (TA) will be paid as a result of such a transfer. ICMR approval is required before any Transfer of fellowship is done.

References

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