Junior Research Fellowship (JRF) and Research Associateship (RA) for Foreign Nationals 2026 – Fellowship up to Rs. 14,000 per month

At a glance

About the scheme

The scheme was initiated to strengthen political and cultural bilateral relations with developing countries of Asia, Africa and Latin America, enabling foreign students and teachers to undertake advanced studies and research in sciences, humanities and social sciences at Indian Universities.

Benefits

• Monthly fellowship of Rs. 12,000 for the first two years for JRF, increasing to Rs. 14,000 per month thereafter subject to enhancement and commission approval.
• Monthly fellowship of Rs. 16,000 (fixed) for four years for RA.
• Tenure of the award is four years, non‑extendable for both JRF and RA.
• Eligible candidates may be provided suitable single‑seated hostel accommodation; if not available, house rent allowance (HRA) as per university rules is payable.
• Opportunity to undertake advanced study and research leading to M.Phil/Ph.D. or post‑doctoral research in sciences, humanities and social sciences at Indian universities.

Who can apply (eligibility)

• Applicants must be students or teachers from developing countries of Asia, Africa and Latin America.
• For JRF: male candidates must be 35 years or younger, female candidates 40 years or younger as of 1st July of the year of application.
• For RA: male candidates must be 40 years or younger, female candidates 45 years or younger as of 1st July of the year of application.
• JRF candidates must hold at least a high‑class master’s degree with a second‑class bachelor’s degree, or a second‑class master’s degree with a first‑class bachelor’s degree.
• RA candidates must hold a doctorate degree, have published research work, and show evidence of independent research work.

How to apply

1. 1Apply online via the official Ministry of Education portal.

Frequently asked questions