ICAR JRF for Post-Graduate Studies 2026: Fellowship, Eligibility & How to Apply

At a glance

About the scheme

The ICAR Junior Research Fellowship for Post-Graduate Studies (ICAR-JRF PGS) is a central scheme by the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare designed to recognise talent and promote higher agricultural education in India. Awarded for two years of Master's study and research, the fellowship provides financial backing to students admitted into State Agricultural Universities, ICAR Deemed Universities, and Central Universities with agricultural faculties. Recipients are chosen strictly on merit through an all-India competitive entrance exam.

Benefits

• Veterinary Sciences: ₹12,000 per month fellowship along with a contingency grant of ₹6,000 per annum.
• All disciplines other than Veterinary Sciences: ₹8,640 per month fellowship along with a contingency grant of ₹6,000 per annum.
• Tenure of fellowship is provided for a duration of two years covering coursework and research.
• Reservation benefits for SC, ST, OBC, and PwD candidates as per Government of India guidelines.

Who can apply (eligibility)

• Must qualify the All India Competitive Entrance Examination for ICAR-JRF (PGS) and secure concurrent Master's admission in an approved Agricultural University.
• Candidates must hold a Bachelor's degree or be appearing in the final examination under the 10+2+5, 10+2+4, or 10+2+3 pattern (10+2+3 allowed only for basic science subjects).
• General, OBC, and Under Privileged States (UPS) candidates must score at least 60% marks or an OGPA of 6.60/10.00, 3.25/5.00, or 2.60/4.00.
• SC, ST, and Physically Handicapped (PH) candidates must score at least 55% marks or an OGPA of 5.50/10.00, 2.75/5.00, or 2.20/4.00.
• Candidates seeking admission into M.V.Sc. must have completed B.V.Sc. & A.H. along with the compulsory internship prior to university registration.
• Applicant must be at least 19 years old on the date of the examination, with no age relaxation permitted.

Who cannot apply

• The fellowship cannot be availed for admission in any university other than designated Agricultural Universities (SAUs, specified Deemed Universities, CAUs, and select Central Universities).
• Candidates younger than 19 years of age on the examination date are not eligible.
• Candidates who do not meet the minimum OGPA or percentage criteria required for their category are excluded.

Documents required

• Scanned passport-size photograph (with name and date) plus three identical coloured hard copies
• Scanned copy of signature
• Scanned thumb impression (Left thumb for male applicants, Right thumb for female applicants)
• Government Identity Card (Aadhaar Card, EPIC Voter ID, Passport, Ration Card, Bank Account, or PAN Card)
• Bank account details
• Proof of application fee payment receipt
• Post office dispatch receipt showing mailing proof of the application form
• Academic qualification certificates and mark sheets (verified during university admission)

How to apply

1. 1Visit the official ICAR portal (education.icar.gov.in) or NTA portal (icar.nta.nic.in) and register using a unique email ID and mobile number.
2. 2Log in and complete the application form with personal, contact, and academic details.
3. 3Upload scanned copies of the photograph, signature, and designated thumb impression.
4. 4Pay the required application fee through available online payment gateways (Debit Card, Credit Card, Net Banking, or UPI) and note the generated application number.
5. 5Print the submitted online application along with the fee payment proof.
6. 6Post the hard copy of the application form and fee receipt to the Controller of Examinations (Agricultural Education) and retain postal dispatch proof.

Frequently asked questions