ICAR Junior Research Fellowship For Post-Graduate Studies In Agricultural Sciences
₹8,640/month fellowship for M.Sc. in agriculture · merit-based exam · ICAR JRF scheme
ICAR awards Junior Research Fellowships to talented students pursuing a Master's degree in agriculture or allied sciences through a national entrance exam. Successful candidates are admitted to top Agricultural Universities and receive a monthly stipend for the 2-year programme. Apply online through the ICAR education portal (education.icar.gov.in) during the March/April advertisement window each year.
About This Scheme
ICAR awards Junior Research Fellowships to talented students pursuing a Master's degree in agriculture or allied sciences through a national entrance exam. Successful candidates are admitted to top Agricultural Universities and receive a monthly stipend for the 2-year programme. Apply online through the ICAR education portal (education.icar.gov.in) during the March/April advertisement window each year.
Full official description
ICAR awards a certain number of Junior Research Fellowships for Postgraduate Studies (course and research work) leading to a Master’s degree, in different disciplines of agriculture and allied sciences. This is done to ensure the recognition of talent and promotion of merit in general, and for encouraging talented students to undertake higher agricultural education. The duration of the fellowship is two years. The minimum age limit shall be 19 years as of the date of the examination. Reservation of various categories such as SC/ST/OBC and PH etc will be given as per Government of India rules/instructions issued from time to time.
Benefits
- Veterinary Sciences: ₹12,000/month stipend + ₹6,000/year contingency grant
- All other agriculture disciplines: ₹8,640/month stipend + ₹6,000/year contingency grant
- Duration: 2 years (covers the entire Master's degree programme)
💡 Why Startups Should Care
Not startup-relevant — this is an agricultural research fellowship for postgraduate students. Relevant if your agri-tech startup needs to hire high-quality agricultural science researchers.
Who Can Apply (Eligibility)
- Must have a Bachelor's degree (or be in the final year) in Agriculture or Allied Sciences
- Minimum 60% marks (or 6.60/10 OGPA) for General/OBC categories; 55% (or 5.5/10 OGPA) for SC/ST/Physically Handicapped
- Minimum age: 19 years on the date of examination
- For M.V.Sc. admission: must have completed B.V.Sc. internship before the date of registration
- Selection is through the All India Competitive Entrance Examination (AICE) conducted by ICAR
- SC/ST/OBC/PH reservation as per Government of India rules
How to Apply
- Register online at education.icar.gov.in with a unique email ID and mobile number.
- Fill in personal details, contact details, and academic qualifications.
- Upload your photograph, signature, and thumb impression.
- Pay the application fee online (₹400).
- After submission, you receive a system-generated application number.
- Send the hard copy of the online application and proof of fee payment to the COE (Agril. Edn.) by post.
- If you need to correct mistakes, use the NTA correction window when it opens.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are different modes to apply for JRF?
Application Forms can only be submitted through online mode on the website https://icar.nta.nic.in. The Application Form other than online mode will not be accepted
Can I submit two application forms for two courses at a time?
NO. Only one application is to be submitted by a candidate
What documents or certificates do I need to upload along with the Application Form?
- Candidates need to upload scanned images of photographs, signatures, and thumb impressions, with the Application Form.
- No certificates are required to be uploaded along with the Application Form at the time of online submission.
- The documents/certificates etc., shall be verified directly at the time of admission in the admitting university.
How can I pay Application Fee ?
Fee can be paid using SBI/Syndicate/HDFC Payment Gateway through Debit Card/Credit Card/Net Banking/UPI. Candidates need to keep proof of fee paid.
If I have made any mistake(s) while registering/applying, can I make changes later in the Application Form ?
Once the 'Final Submit' button has been clicked, the candidate's details cannot be edited/changed.
However, NTA shall open the rectification window as per the schedule and Corrections in particulars of the Application Form can be incorporated on the website only during Correction Window.
No corrections shall be allowed after the closure of correction window and all particulars entered by the candidate would be considered as final
How will I get my admit card ?
The admit card will be uploaded on NTA website https://icar.nta.nic.in as per the schedule communicated through the website. Candidates need to check the admit card carefully for all particulars eg Roll No. Name, Subject Group, Date of Birth, Gender, Examination Centre Name, City, and Category, etc
If I do not get my Admit Card, whom should I contact?
Toll free Number and email details will be displayed on the website. 0120- 6895200; Email for queries: icar@nta.ac.in
Ready to apply?
Visit the official government portal to apply for this scheme.
Apply on myScheme.gov.inDocuments Required
- Candidate photograph
- Candidate signature
- Thumb impression
- Government ID (Aadhaar / Election Card / PAN / Passport)
- Three passport-size photographs
- Proof of application fee payment
- Post office receipt (as postal dispatch proof)
- Bank account details