Junior Research Fellowship (JRFBIO) 2026: ₹31,000 per month for first two years, ₹35,000 thereafter – Eligibility & How to Apply
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Quick answer
The Junior Research Fellowship (JRFBIO) provides ₹31,000 per month for the first two years and ₹35,000 per month for the next three years to Indian citizens pursuing full-time doctoral research in biotechnology. Eligible candidates must hold a master's degree in biotechnology or a related field and have cleared GAT/NET/BET. Applications are made online through the DBT website after qualifying in the Biotechnology Eligibility Test (BET).
At a glance
| Main benefit | ₹31,000–₹35,000 monthly fellowship for 5 years |
| Ministry / department | Ministry Of Science And Technology |
| Level | Central Government |
| Application mode | Online |
About the scheme
The Junior Research Fellowship (JRF) from the Department of Biotechnology (DBT) is a central government fellowship that supports students undertaking doctoral research in biotechnology and life sciences. It offers financial assistance for a total of five years, with a stipend of ₹31,000 per month for the initial two years and ₹35,000 per month for the remaining three years. The scheme is open to Indian nationals who possess a master's degree in biotechnology or a related subject from a recognised university and have qualified in the GAT, NET or BET examination. Selected fellows must commit to full-time research at a recognised university or research institution in India.
Benefits
- ₹31,000 per month for the first two years
- ₹35,000 per month for the remaining three years
- Total fellowship duration of five years
Who can apply (eligibility)
- Applicant must be an Indian citizen
- Applicant must have a master's degree in biotechnology or a related field from a recognised university
- Applicant must clear the GAT or NET exam in biotechnology or a related field
- Applicant must not be older than 28 years for general and EWS category candidates and 33 years for SC/ST/PH category candidates
- Applicant must be willing to pursue full-time doctoral research in biotechnology or a related field at a recognised university or research institution in India
Documents required
- BET exam scorecard
- Research proposal
- No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the current employer (if applicable)
- Passport size photograph
- Signature
- Date of birth
- Academic transcripts for all degrees obtained
- Category certificate (if applicable)
- Persons with Disability (PWD) certificate (if applicable)
How to apply
- 1Qualify in the Biotechnology Eligibility Test (BET) conducted by the Department of Biotechnology (DBT).
- 2After qualifying in BET, apply online for the DBT-JRF programme on the DBT website by creating an account and uploading the required documents.
- 3Attend the interview conducted by a panel of experts based on your research proposal and knowledge of biotechnology.
- 4Check the final selection list published on the DBT website a few weeks after the interview.
Frequently asked questions
What is the JRF program?+
The JRF program is a fellowship that provides financial support to students pursuing doctoral research in biotechnology and life sciences, funded by the Department of Biotechnology (DBT), Government of India.
Who is eligible for the JRF program?+
Indian nationals with a master's degree in biotechnology or a related field from a recognised university who have cleared the GAT, NET or BET exam and meet the age criteria (≤28 years for general/EWS, ≤33 years for SC/ST/PH) are eligible.
How to apply for the JRF program?+
First qualify in the Biotechnology Eligibility Test (BET). Then apply online via the DBT website, upload documents such as BET scorecard, research proposal, NOC, photographs, signature, date of birth, academic transcripts and applicable category/PWD certificates, appear for interview and await the final selection list.
What documents are required for the JRF program?+
Required documents include BET exam scorecard, research proposal, NOC from employer (if applicable), passport size photograph, signature, date of birth, academic transcripts of all degrees, category certificate (if applicable) and PWD certificate (if applicable).
What is the fellowship amount under the JRF program?+
The fellowship amount is ₹31,000 per month for the first two years and ₹35,000 per month for the remaining three years of the five‑year program.
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