About this education scheme
The ICMR-Junior Research Fellowship provides financial support for Ph.D. candidates in medical and social sciences. Eligible candidates can receive Rs. 31,000 per month for the first two years. Apply online anytime as there is no last date.
The ICMR-Junior Research Fellowship supports eligible candidates pursuing Ph.D. programs in medical and social sciences. This scheme is run by the Indian Council of Medical Research under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.
It aims to provide financial assistance and research opportunities to deserving students. The fellowship is awarded based on merit through a national-level entrance examination.
Successful candidates can enroll in recognized institutions and receive a monthly stipend along with a contingency grant for research-related expenses. This fellowship is crucial for fostering research in health sciences in India.
Benefits at a glance
| Scheme name | ICMR-Junior Research Fellowship (ICMR-JRF) |
|---|---|
| Launched by | Ministry Of Health & Family Welfare |
| Benefit | Rs. 20,000 per year |
| Benefit type | Cash (money paid to your bank account) |
| Category | Education |
| Level / State | Central · All India |
| Official portal | icmr.gov.in (link at the end of this page) |
Key facts
| Scheme type | Central Sector Scheme |
|---|---|
| Implementing agency | Indian Council Of Medical Research, Government Of India |
| Scheme for | Individual |
| Application mode | Online |
| Last date | Ongoing (no last date notified) |
| DBT (direct bank transfer) | No |
| Fellowship Duration | Up to 5 years |
| Number of Fellowships | 150 fellowships awarded annually |
| Contingency Grant | Rs. 20,000 per year |
| Examination Frequency | Once a year in July |
Who can apply (quick check)
- 👤All genders
- 🎂Age 18 to 25 years
- 📝Online
Quick check from official data. Full conditions are in the Eligibility section.
What you receive
- Fellowship Stipend: Rs. 31,000 per month for the first two years
- Rs. 35,000 per month for the third to fifth year (if upgraded)
- Contingency Grant: Rs. 20,000 per year for research expenses
- Fellowship Duration: Up to 5 years
The stipend and grant are paid monthly and yearly, respectively, to support your research activities.
Who qualifies
- You are between 18 and 25 years old.
- You have a Post Graduate degree (M.Sc./MA) in basic or professional science with at least 55% marks (50% for SC/ST/PH/VH).
- You are not enrolled in any other financial assistance program.
Who is not eligible
- Students with B. Tech/M. Tech in biomedical sciences, B. Pharma/M. Pharma, or D. Pharma are not eligible.
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Registration walkthrough
- Check for the advertisement in leading newspapers or the official website, usually in March/April.
- Fill out the application form online after the notification is released.
- Prepare for the entrance examination, usually held in July.
- Results will be based on your performance in the exam.
- Join your Ph.D. program as per the admission letter guidelines.
To check your application status, visit the ICMR website and look for the results section. You can also contact the helpline for assistance.
Real-life examples: are you eligible?
A quick way to gauge your eligibility: find the profile nearest to yours.
Every case differs. Confirm your eligibility on the official portal before applying.
- Not checking eligibility criteria before applying.
- Incomplete application forms or missing documents.
- Applying with incorrect personal details.
- Not following instructions in the advertisement.
- Missing the entrance exam preparation.
Frequently asked questions
When is the ICMR-JRF entrance exam held?
The entrance exam is usually held in the first or second week of July.
What is the age limit for applying?
The maximum age limit is 25 years for applicants.
How many fellowships are awarded each year?
A total of 150 fellowships are awarded annually.
What subjects can I pursue for my Ph.D.?
Candidates can pursue their Ph.D. in Life Sciences and Social Sciences.
What happens if I do not secure a Ph.D. placement?
The fellowship is granted only upon securing placement in a recognized institution.
Can I apply for other fellowships while enrolled?
No, you cannot draw any stipend or salary from other sources during the fellowship.
Submit your application yourself on the official portal; it costs nothing. Treat anyone demanding money to "get you approved" as a scam.
- Guidelines www.icmr.gov.in (PDF)
- FAQs www.icmr.gov.in (PDF)
tsmpb.in is not affiliated with any government department. Apply only on the official portal and never pay anyone for an application.
First draft prepared with editorial AI tools; every fact verified against the official notification and rewritten by our team.
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