ICMR Junior Research Fellowship (JRF) 2026 – ₹31,000 monthly stipend
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Quick answer
The ICMR-Junior Research Fellowship (ICMR-JRF) is a national-level fellowship for postgraduate students in basic or professional sciences, offering a monthly stipend of ₹31,000 for the first two years and ₹35,000 thereafter if upgraded to Senior Research Fellow, along with an annual contingency grant of ₹20,000. Eligible candidates with 55% marks (General/OBC) or 50% (SC/ST/PH/VH) and age up to 28 years (with relaxations) can apply online via the ICMR website after the March/April advertisement. Selection is based on an entrance examination held in July, followed by enrollment in a recognised Ph.D. programme.
At a glance
| Main benefit | Financial and service benefits |
| Ministry / department | Ministry Of Health & Family Welfare |
| Level | Central Government |
| Age | Up to 28 years |
| Application mode | Online |
About the scheme
The ICMR-JRF scheme selects candidates through a national-level entrance test for awarding Junior Research Fellowships. Successful fellows receive a stipend, contingency grant, and may upgrade to Senior Research Fellow after two years. The fellowship supports Ph.D. research in medical colleges, hospitals, universities, national laboratories, or higher learning institutions recognised by UGC/MCI.
Benefits
- Monthly stipend of ₹31,000/- for the 1st & 2nd year.
- Monthly stipend of ₹35,000/- for the 3rd, 4th & 5th years (if upgraded to SRF).
- Annual contingency grant of ₹20,000/-.
- Tenure for JRF is two/three years.
- Duration of SRF is maximum three years.
- Total duration of fellowship is five years.
- Hostel accommodation may be allowed in the parent institute; if residing in a hostel provided by the parent institute or another university/institute, the fellow is not eligible for HRA.
- Medical benefits are as per the rules of the institution where the fellow works; ICMR does not bear any financial burden.
- Eligible for casual leave & maternity leave as per Government rules.
Who can apply (eligibility)
- Candidate must hold 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/OBC and 50% for SC/ST/PH/VH.
- Candidates with degrees like B. Tech/M. Tech in biomedical sciences, B. Pharma/M. Pharma or D. Pharma are not eligible.
- Upper age limit is 28 years, relaxable up to five years for SC/ST/OBC/PH/VH and female candidates, and three years for OBC category.
Who cannot apply
- Candidates drawing any other stipend, salary, or financial assistance (except leave salary) during the fellowship are not eligible.
Documents required
- Identity proof of applicant
- Passport size photographs
- Educational qualification certificates
- Proof of age
- Caste certificate for SC/ST candidates
- Medical certificate for persons with disability
- Any other document as required
How to apply
- 1Check the advertisement published in leading English newspapers usually during March/April and on the official ICMR website (https://main.icmr.nic.in/content/junior-research-fellowships-jrf).
- 2After the notification release, fill out the online application form on the official ICMR website.
- 3Appear for the entrance examination usually held in the first/second week of July.
- 4Selection is based on marks obtained in the examination; check the result on the ICMR website.
- 5Successful candidates must join their respective Ph.D. programme on the prescribed date as indicated in the admission letter.
- 6Ensure the application is complete; incomplete applications will not be considered.
Frequently asked questions
Who is eligible for ICMR-JRF?+
Candidates with a Post Graduate degree (M.Sc./MA) in basic science or a professional course with 55% marks (General/OBC) or 50% (SC/ST/PH/VH) and age up to 28 years (with relaxations for SC/ST/OBC/PH/VH/female and OBC categories) are eligible.
What is the stipend amount for ICMR-JRF?+
The monthly stipend is ₹31,000 for the first two years and ₹35,000 for the third to fifth years if upgraded to Senior Research Fellow.
How to apply for ICMR-JRF?+
Apply online via the official ICMR website after the March/April advertisement; fill the form, appear for the July entrance exam, and follow the selection process.
What is the age limit for ICMR-JRF?+
The upper age limit is 28 years, with relaxation up to five years for SC/ST/OBC/PH/VH/female candidates and three years for OBC category.
What documents are required for ICMR-JRF?+
Identity proof, passport size photographs, educational qualification certificates, proof of age, caste certificate for SC/ST candidates, medical certificate for persons with disability, and any other document as required.
What is the selection process for ICMR-JRF?+
Selection is based on an entrance examination consisting of one paper of two hours duration with Section A (50 compulsory questions) and Section B/C (Life Sciences or Social Sciences, 75 questions to be attempted). Final result uses an aggregate of 55% marks for General/OBC and 50% for SC/ST/PH/VH.
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