Junior Research Fellowship In Engineering & Technology
The UGC's Junior Research Fellowship in Engineering & Technology is for ME/MTech or MPharm graduates who want to pursue a PhD in engineering, technology, or pharmacy — and GATE score is NOT required. Only 50 fellowships are awarded each year through competitive interviews by the UGC. The fellowship pays ₹14,000/month for the first 2 years and ₹15,000/month for up to 3 more years (5 years total). Watch for advertisements in leading newspapers and the AIU Newsletter for applications.
About This Scheme
The UGC's Junior Research Fellowship in Engineering & Technology is for ME/MTech or MPharm graduates who want to pursue a PhD in engineering, technology, or pharmacy — and GATE score is NOT required. Only 50 fellowships are awarded each year through competitive interviews by the UGC. The fellowship pays ₹14,000/month for the first 2 years and ₹15,000/month for up to 3 more years (5 years total). Watch for advertisements in leading newspapers and the AIU Newsletter for applications.
Full official description
INTRODUCTION
The scheme "Junior Research Fellowship in Engineering & Technology" by the University Grants Commission (UGC), Department of Higher Education is meant for candidates who wish to pursue research leading to a Ph.D. degree in engineering and technology. As of date, the University Grants Commission (UGC) or the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) are not conducting National Education Testing (NET) examinations in these fields. Therefore, M.Pharma and M.E., M.Tech. students are given this opportunity, through direct interviews conducted by the Commission. There are 50 slots under this scheme per year.
OBJECTIVES The objective of this scheme is to provide an opportunity to research scholars to undertake advanced study and research in engineering and technology, and agricultural engineering, leading to Ph.D. Subjects like geology and geo-physics are not considered under this scheme.
Benefits
- ₹14,000/month for the first 2 years (JRF phase)
- ₹15,000/month for the next 3 years (SRF phase, after satisfactory evaluation)
- ₹12,000/year contingency for first 2 years; ₹25,000/year thereafter for research expenses
- ₹3,000/year departmental assistance paid to the host institution for infrastructure
- HRA as per host institution rules
- 30 days annual leave plus public holidays; maternity leave of 135 days available
Who Can Apply (Eligibility)
- Must hold an ME, MTech, or MPharm degree with at least 55% marks from a recognized university
- GATE score is NOT mandatory
- Age limit: 40 years as of 1st July of the award year; extended by 5 years for women and SC/ST candidates
- 22.5% of fellowships reserved for SC/ST candidates (unused slots go to general candidates)
- Must commit to full-time PhD at a recognized institution; geology and geo-physics are not covered
Exclusions
CANCELLATION OF AWARD The fellowship is liable to cancellation, in the case of:
- Misconduct
- Unsatisfactory progress of research work Failure in any of the examinations related to Ph.D.
- Candidate found ineligible later.
How to Apply
PROCEDURE FOR APPLYING FOR THE SCHEME
Applications are invited in the prescribed format (Annexure II) once in a year through advertisements in leading newspapers and the AIU Newsletter for the award of a research fellowship in engineering and technology for pursuing research leading to a Ph.D. Selection will be made on the basis of merit, and candidates will be interviewed by an expert committee appointed by the Commission.
PROCEDURE FOR APPROVAL OF THE UGC Received applications will be scrutinized, and short-listed candidates will be called to appear before the selection committee, constituted by the Commission. No TA/DA will be paid for attending the interview. The decision of the Commission will be final and binding. The Commission reserves the right to withdraw/cancel the award without assigning any reason. On completion of the above formalities, the Joining Report of the candidate, duly signed by the supervisor/head of department is to be sent to the UGC through the registrar/principal. On receipt of the Joining Report and other required documents (Annexure III), the admissible grant for the first year will be released or the concerned university will be informed to release the grant from the funds already sanctioned.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Are The Objectives Of This Scheme?
The objective of this scheme is to provide an opportunity to research scholars to undertake advanced study and research in engineering and technology, and agricultural engineering, leading to Ph.D. Subjects like geology and geo-physics are not considered under this scheme.
Is There A Validity To The Scheme Benefits?
The benefits are provided till the complete duration of the course.
What Is The Amount Of Fellowship Provided In This Scheme?
Fellowship @ Rs. 14,000/- p.m. for the initial two years, @ Rs.15,000/- for the remaining period.
What Is The Amount Of Contingency Provided In This Scheme?
Contingency @ Rs.12,000/- p.a. for the initial two years, @Rs.25,000/- p.a. for the remaining period.
What Is The Amount Of Departmental Assistance Provided In This Scheme?
Departmental Assistance @ Rs. 3,000/- p.a. per student to the host institute for providing, infrastructure to the researcher.
What Is The Amount Of Escorts/Reader Assistance Provided In This Scheme?
Escorts/Reader Assistance @Rs.2,000/- p.m. in cases of physically handicapped and blind candidates.
Is Medical Assistance Provided To The Candidate?
Medical: No separate/fixed medical assistance is provided. However, the fellow may avail the medical facilities available in the institution/university.
How Many Days Of Leave In A Year Are The Researchers Entitled To?
Research Fellows are entitled to a maximum period of 30 days leave in a year in addition to public holidays.
Is The Candidate Entitled To Leave, For Summer, Winter, Pooja Vacations?
They are not entitled to any other leave, for example, summer, winter, pooja vacations, etc.
Is Maternity Leave Provided To Women Candidates?
Women candidates are eligible for maternity leave of 135 days at full rates of fellowship once during the tenure of their award.
Will The Period Of Leave Without Fellowship Be Counted Towards The Total Tenure Of The Fellowship?
No, the period of leave without fellowship will be counted towards the total tenure of the fellowship.
What Is The Total Period Of Fellowship (JRF And SRF)?
The total period of fellowship (JRF and SRF) is five years, which is non-extendable. The awardee can avail research fellowship for the full tenure of the fellowship or up to the date of award of the Ph.D. degree, whichever is earlier.
Is GATE Score Card Required For Getting A Research Fellowship To Pursue Ph.D.?
GATE is not a mandatory condition for getting a research fellowship to pursue Ph.D.
Is There An Age Criteria To This Scheme?
Yes, the age limit is 40 years as on 1 July of the year of the award, extendable by five years for women and SC/ST candidates.
Is There A Percent Of Fellowships That Are Reserved For SC/ST Candidates?
A total of 22.5 percent of the fellowships are reserved for candidates belonging to SC/ST who fulfill the requisite qualifications laid down for the award. In case of the non-availability of SC/ST candidates, these slots will be made available to general candidates.
Is There A Validity To The Scheme Benefits?
The benefits are provided till the complete duration of the course.
Is There Any Application Fee?
No. The entire application process is completely free of cost.
Do I Need To Complete The Application In One Sitting?
No. You can save the application as draft and continue at a later time before the deadline.
Ready to apply?
Visit the official government portal to apply for this scheme.
Apply on myScheme.gov.inDocuments Required
- Duly Filled Application Form
- Aadhaar Number
- Proof of DOB (Birth Certificate or Class 10th Marksheet)
- Proof of Address
- Proof of educational qualifications (mark sheets, certificates, diplomas, etc.)
- Certificate from the head of the department/institution
- A brief abstract not exceeding 500 words on the proposed research work methods of approach, etc. must be sent along with the application.
- Proof reg. Employment Status (if currently employed)
- Declaration
- Basic Data Sheet
- Caste certificate (if applicable)
- Minority certificate (if applicable)
- Physical disability certificate (if applicable)
- Bank Details
- ID proof provided by the government