JRFSHSS
Junior Research Fellowship In Sciences, Humanities, And Social Sciences
6.5/10The scheme of Junior Research Fellowship in Sciences, Humanities, and Social Science by UGC, Dept. of Education, is open to candidates who qualify for the National Eligibility Test-Junior Research Fellowship(NET-JRF) of the UGC and the UGC-Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (UGC-CSIR).
States / UT: All India
Ministry / nodal: Ministry of Education
Nodal department: University Grants Commission
Scheme for: Individual
Scheme profile
DBT (direct benefit transfer): Yes
Categories: Education & Learning, Science, IT & Communications
Sub-categories: Education and training grants, fellowship, stipend
Target beneficiaries: Individual
Tags: Fellowship, Research, Junior, University, Students
Details
The Junior Research Fellowship (JRF) scheme of the University Grants Commission (UGC) is open to candidates who qualify for the National Eligibility Test-Junior Research Fellowship(NET-JRF) of the UGC and the UGC-Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (UGC-CSIR) joint test. However, please note that these are qualifying tests only and do not bestow a fellowship upon the candidate.
OBJECTIVES
The objective of the JRF scheme is to provide opportunities to NET-JRF qualified candidates to undertake advanced studies and research leading to M.Phil/Ph.D. Degrees in Humanities and Social Sciences including Languages and Sciences.
Benefits
- Fellowship Amount: Junior Research Fellowship (JRF): ₹37,000 per month for 2 years Senior Research Fellowship (SRF): ₹42,000 per month for the remaining period Contingency A (for Humanities & Social Sciences): ₹10,000 per annum for JRF ₹20,500 per annum for SRF Contingency B (for Science Scholars): ₹12,000 per annum for JRF ₹25,000 per annum for SRF Housing Rent Allowance (HRA) (HRA is provided as per the categorization of cities by the Government of India.) Hostel Accommodation:
- If suitable single-seated hostel accommodation is provided by the institution, the fellow is eligible to receive only hostel fees (excluding mess, electricity, water charges, etc.)
- A certificate confirming this must be furnished through the Registrar/Director/Principal
- HRA is not permissible for fellows staying in hostel accommodation. Alternative Accommodation:
- If hostel accommodation is not available, the fellow may be provided with single accommodation by the host institution
- In such cases, rent paid by the fellow may be reimbursed on an actual basis, subject to the HRA ceiling set by the Government of India. Self-Arranged Accommodation:
- If the fellow arranges her own accommodation, she is entitled to HRA as per the Government of India's city categorization norms. Medical Facilities
- No separate or fixed medical assistance is provided under the fellowship
- However, the fellow may avail of the medical facilities available at the institution, university, or college. Leave Policy General Leave:
- Fellows are entitled to a maximum of 30 days of leave per year, in addition to public holidays
- They are not entitled to any additional vacations. Maternity/Paternity Leave:
- Maternity/Paternity leave is granted as per Government of India norms, at full fellowship rates, once during the tenure of the fellowship. Intermittent Break (For Women Candidates Only):
Fellowship Amount:
Junior Research Fellowship (JRF): ₹37,000 per month for 2 years
Senior Research Fellowship (SRF): ₹42,000 per month for the remaining period
Contingency A (for Humanities & Social Sciences):
₹10,000 per annum for JRF
₹20,500 per annum for SRF
Contingency B (for Science Scholars):
₹12,000 per annum for JRF
₹25,000 per annum for SRF
Housing Rent Allowance (HRA)
(HRA is provided as per the categorization of cities by the Government of India.)
Hostel Accommodation:
- If suitable single-seated hostel accommodation is provided by the institution, the fellow is eligible to receive only hostel fees (excluding mess, electricity, water charges, etc.).
- A certificate confirming this must be furnished through the Registrar/Director/Principal.
- HRA is not permissible for fellows staying in hostel accommodation.
Alternative Accommodation:
- If hostel accommodation is not available, the fellow may be provided with single accommodation by the host institution.
- In such cases, rent paid by the fellow may be reimbursed on an actual basis, subject to the HRA ceiling set by the Government of India.
Self-Arranged Accommodation:
- If the fellow arranges her own accommodation, she is entitled to HRA as per the Government of India's city categorization norms.
Medical Facilities
- No separate or fixed medical assistance is provided under the fellowship.
- However, the fellow may avail of the medical facilities available at the institution, university, or college.
Leave Policy
General Leave:
- Fellows are entitled to a maximum of 30 days of leave per year, in addition to public holidays.
- They are not entitled to any additional vacations.
Maternity/Paternity Leave:
- Maternity/Paternity leave is granted as per Government of India norms, at full fellowship rates, once during the tenure of the fellowship.
Intermittent Break (For Women Candidates Only):
- Women candidates may avail an intermittent break of up to one year (maximum three times during the fellowship).
- The total break period must not exceed one year.
- This period will not be counted toward the tenure of the fellowship, ensuring that the fellowship duration remains the same.
Academic Leave:
- Academic leave without fellowship is permissible for one year during the fellowship tenure.
- This leave can be availed for academic assignments, teaching, or foreign visits related to research work.
- The period of leave without fellowship will be counted towards the tenure.
- Expenditure for foreign visits related to research work cannot be claimed from UGC.
Tenure of Fellowship:
These are integrated five-year fellowships for M.Phil. and Ph.D. subject academic criteria in force for selection of Ph.D. program. The duration of the fellowship is as under:
M.Phil. + Ph.D.
Maximum duration (Years): 5
Admissibility of JRF (Years): 2
Admissibility of SRF (Years): 3
Ph.D.
Maximum duration (Years): 5
Admissibility of JRF (Years): 2
Admissibility of SRF (Years): 3
Eligibility
- The candidates must have qualified NET-JRF or the UGC-CSIR Joint Test.
- The candidates must register for M.Phil/Ph.D. in a recognized University/Institution/College within two years from:
- The date of declaration of the result, or
- The date of issue of the award letter, or
- The date of joining the fellowship.
How useful is this scheme?
A practical look at this scheme for citizens
AI-generated insights showing how useful, accessible, and practical this scheme may be — combining deterministic scoring rules with a public-policy LLM analyst.
- Accessibility5.0
- Financial impact8.0
- Rural utility5.0
- Awareness7.5
- Simplicity5.0
- Inclusivity8.0
What problem does this scheme solve?
The Junior Research Fellowship scheme provides significant opportunities for advanced studies in various fields, particularly benefiting those who qualify for NET-JRF.
Key challenges addressed
- Facilitates advanced research opportunities
- Supports candidates pursuing higher education
Most beneficial for
- NET-JRF qualified candidates
- Students in Humanities and Social Sciences
Likely challenges
- Complex application process
- Limited awareness among rural candidates
Practical insights for citizens
The scheme is practical for those already in academia but challenging for first-time applicants from rural backgrounds.
Rural challenges
- Limited access to information
- Difficulty in reaching institutions
Digital challenges
- Low digital literacy
- Limited online application options
Implementation bottlenecks
- Verification delays
- Institutional bureaucracies
Awareness challenges
- Lack of outreach in rural areas
- Limited information dissemination
Application analysis
- Application mode
- Offline office
- Documents burden
- Moderate, requires several documents
- Verification complexity
- Moderate, involves institutional verification
- Office dependency
- High, requires interaction with universities/institutions
- Estimated citizen effort
- High, multiple steps involved
Estimated beneficiary reach
Benefit analysis
- Benefit type
- Composite
- Benefit frequency
- Monthly
- Benefit practicality
- Practical for qualified candidates
- Financial meaningfulness
- Moderately meaningful due to the fellowship amount
- Long-term impact
- Positive impact on academic and research careers
Plain-language guidance
The Junior Research Fellowship helps students who pass the NET-JRF exam to pursue advanced studies. It provides a monthly stipend and support for research.
- Who should apply
- Candidates who have qualified for the NET-JRF or UGC-CSIR tests.
- Who may struggle
- Rural candidates with limited access to information and resources.
- Best application route
- Apply directly at recognized universities or institutions during office hours.
This intelligence section is generated by an AI policy analyst combined with rule-based scoring. Scores and narrative are estimates derived from the publicly available scheme information shown on this page; actual experience may vary by state, district, and department. Always confirm details on the official portal before you apply.
Application Process
Offline
Step 1: The interested applicant should visit (during office hours) the universities/institutions/colleges recognized u, and request the hard copy of the prescribed format of the application form from the concerned authority.
Step 2: In the application form, fill in all the mandatory fields, paste the passport-sized photograph (signed across, if required), and attach copies of all the mandatory documents (self-attest, if required).
Step 3: Submit the duly filled and signed application form along with the documents, within the prescribed period (if any), to the authority.
Step 4: Request a receipt or acknowledgement from the concerned authority to whom the application has been submitted. Ensure that the receipt contains essential details such as the date and time of submission, and a unique identification number (if applicable).
NOTE: Ensure that the application is submitted within the prescribed period, if any.
Clarifications
Additional points from the scheme information published on myScheme (not legal advice).
- What is the objective of the JRF scheme?
The objective is to provide opportunities for NET-JRF qualified candidates to undertake advanced research leading to M.Phil./Ph.D. degrees in Humanities, Social Sciences, Languages, and Sciences.
- Who is eligible for the UGC Junior Research Fellowship (JRF) scheme?
The scheme is open to candidates who qualify for the National Eligibility Test (NET-JRF) conducted by UGC or the UGC-CSIR joint test. However, qualifying for these tests does not automatically grant a fellowship.
- What is the fellowship amount under the JRF scheme?
JRF: ₹37,000 per month (for the first two years). SRF: ₹42,000 per month (for the remaining tenure).
- What is the contingency grant for JRF and SRF scholars?
For Humanities & Social Sciences: ₹10,000 per annum (JRF) ₹20,500 per annum (SRF) For Science Scholars: ₹12,000 per annum (JRF) ₹25,000 per annum (SRF)
- Is Housing Rent Allowance (HRA) provided under the fellowship?
Yes, HRA is provided as per Government of India norms.
- Are medical expenses covered under the fellowship?
No separate or fixed medical assistance is provided, but fellows can avail medical facilities available at their institution, university, or college.
- What is the leave policy for JRF and SRF scholars?
Fellows are entitled to a maximum period of 30 days of leave in a year in addition to public holidays. They are not entitled to any other vacations.
- Can The Candidate Take Maternity Leave?
Yes, the candidates are eligible for maternity/paternity leave as per Govt. of India norms issued from time to time at full rates of fellowship once during the tenure of their award.
- What Is ‘Intermittent Break’?
Besides maternity/paternity leave, 'Intermittent Break' for a maximum period of 1 year may also be permissible to the women candidates. The leave can be availed 3 times during the entire period of the fellowship. However, the total duration of leave shall not exceed one year. This Flexi Time period should not be counted towards the tenure of the fellowship and thus effectively the total period of fellowship will remain the same.
- Are The Candidates Who Have Qualified UGC-CSIR Also Eligible To Apply?
Candidates who have qualified in NET-JRF or the UGC-CSIR joint tests.
- When Does The Student Have To Submit The Half-Yearly Progress Report?
The student has to submit half yearly progress report after every six months to the Academic office, for sending to the UGC for release of fellowship in continuation.
- How Would The Candidate Transition From JRF To SRF?
After completion of two years of the program, the student has to submit Three member Assessment committee report for upgradation from JRF to SRF to the Academic office for uploading on the UGC portal.
Official links
References
- Guidelines (Plan XII)
- https://www.ugc.ac.in/pdfnews/8821047_revised-JRF.pdf
- Guidelines (Plan XI)
- https://www.ugc.gov.in/oldpdf/xiplanpdf/jrfsciencehumanities.pdf
- Website
- https://www.ugc.gov.in/Fellowship/stu_Fellowship1
Apply
Apply nowOpens the official application or programme portal in a new tab. If in doubt, confirm details on the ministry site.
Frequently asked questions
- What is the purpose of Junior Research Fellowship In Sciences, Humanities, And Social Sciences?
- Junior Research Fellowship In Sciences, Humanities, And Social Sciences is a government welfare initiative designed to support Individual, Individual through benefits related to Education & Learning, financial assistance, subsidies, social welfare, healthcare, education, or livelihood support.
- Who can apply for Junior Research Fellowship In Sciences, Humanities, And Social Sciences?
- Eligibility for Junior Research Fellowship In Sciences, Humanities, And Social Sciences may depend on factors such as income category, age, gender, occupation, state of residence, social category, and government-defined beneficiary criteria.
- What benefits are offered under Junior Research Fellowship In Sciences, Humanities, And Social Sciences?
- Benefits under Junior Research Fellowship In Sciences, Humanities, And Social Sciences may include financial assistance, subsidies, scholarships, insurance support, healthcare benefits, pension support, training assistance, or welfare services depending on the scheme guidelines.
- Which department manages Junior Research Fellowship In Sciences, Humanities, And Social Sciences?
- Junior Research Fellowship In Sciences, Humanities, And Social Sciences is managed by University Grants Commission and may be implemented through district offices, online portals, CSC centres, banks, or authorised government agencies.
- Can users apply online for Junior Research Fellowship In Sciences, Humanities, And Social Sciences?
- Yes, eligible applicants may be able to apply online for Junior Research Fellowship In Sciences, Humanities, And Social Sciences through official government portals, authorised service centres, or digital application systems depending on the implementation process.
- Is Aadhaar mandatory for Junior Research Fellowship In Sciences, Humanities, And Social Sciences?
- Many government schemes may require Aadhaar verification, identity proof, or linked bank account details for beneficiary validation and direct benefit transfer processing.
- Where can users apply for Junior Research Fellowship In Sciences, Humanities, And Social Sciences?
- Applications for Junior Research Fellowship In Sciences, Humanities, And Social Sciences may be submitted through government departments, official scheme portals, CSC centres, district offices, welfare departments, or authorised service centres.
- What documents may be required for Junior Research Fellowship In Sciences, Humanities, And Social Sciences?
- Applicants may need Aadhaar card, income certificate, residence proof, bank account details, caste certificate, photographs, educational records, or occupation-related documents depending on scheme eligibility requirements.
- Is income certificate required for Junior Research Fellowship In Sciences, Humanities, And Social Sciences?
- Income certificate requirements may vary depending on beneficiary category, subsidy eligibility, and financial assistance criteria defined under Junior Research Fellowship In Sciences, Humanities, And Social Sciences.
- Is Junior Research Fellowship In Sciences, Humanities, And Social Sciences a central government scheme?
- Yes, Junior Research Fellowship In Sciences, Humanities, And Social Sciences is a central government welfare initiative that may be implemented across multiple states through authorised departments and agencies.
- Can students apply for Junior Research Fellowship In Sciences, Humanities, And Social Sciences?
- Eligible students studying in recognised institutions may apply for Junior Research Fellowship In Sciences, Humanities, And Social Sciences depending on educational qualification, category, income limit, and academic eligibility.
- Is scholarship amount provided under Junior Research Fellowship In Sciences, Humanities, And Social Sciences?
- Junior Research Fellowship In Sciences, Humanities, And Social Sciences may provide scholarship assistance, tuition support, educational reimbursement, or financial aid for eligible students.
- Can CSC centres help users apply for Junior Research Fellowship In Sciences, Humanities, And Social Sciences?
- Many government schemes may be accessible through nearby CSC centres, authorised digital service centres, or welfare facilitation offices.
- How can users check the latest updates for Junior Research Fellowship In Sciences, Humanities, And Social Sciences?
- Users should verify official notifications, department announcements, application deadlines, and eligibility updates through authorised government portals or implementing agencies.
- Can beneficiaries track application status for Junior Research Fellowship In Sciences, Humanities, And Social Sciences?
- Certain schemes may provide online application tracking, beneficiary verification systems, or status-check facilities through official portals.
- Where can users get help for Junior Research Fellowship In Sciences, Humanities, And Social Sciences in All India?
- Users in All India may seek assistance through CSC centres, district welfare offices, government departments, agriculture offices, social welfare departments, or authorised facilitation centres.
- Which nearby public services may help with Junior Research Fellowship In Sciences, Humanities, And Social Sciences applications?
- Depending on the scheme, users may require support from Aadhaar centres, CSC centres, banks, hospitals, post offices, or government welfare offices for document verification and application assistance.