Junior Research Fellowship In Sciences, Humanities, And Social Sciences
The UGC-JRF Scheme funds MPhil and PhD research for students who qualify in the UGC-NET or UGC-CSIR Joint Test, covering humanities, social sciences, languages, and sciences. Monthly stipends start at ₹37,000 for the first 2 years and rise to ₹42,000 for up to 3 more years, for a total fellowship of up to 5 years. After qualifying NET-JRF, register for MPhil/PhD at any recognized institution within 2 years to activate the fellowship through your university.
About This Scheme
The UGC-JRF Scheme funds MPhil and PhD research for students who qualify in the UGC-NET or UGC-CSIR Joint Test, covering humanities, social sciences, languages, and sciences. Monthly stipends start at ₹37,000 for the first 2 years and rise to ₹42,000 for up to 3 more years, for a total fellowship of up to 5 years. After qualifying NET-JRF, register for MPhil/PhD at any recognized institution within 2 years to activate the fellowship through your university.
Full official description
The Junior Research Fellowship (JRF) scheme of the University Grants Commission (UGC) is open to candidates who qualify for the National Eligibility Test-Junior Research Fellowship(NET-JRF) of the UGC and the UGC-Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (UGC-CSIR) joint test. However, please note that these are qualifying tests only and do not bestow a fellowship upon the candidate.
OBJECTIVES The objective of the JRF scheme is to provide opportunities to NET-JRF qualified candidates to undertake advanced studies and research leading to M.Phil/Ph.D. Degrees in Humanities and Social Sciences including Languages and Sciences.
Benefits
- ₹37,000/month for the first 2 years (Junior Research Fellowship phase)
- ₹42,000/month for the remaining up to 3 years (Senior Research Fellowship phase)
- Annual contingency: ₹10,000–₹12,000/year for JRF phase; ₹20,500–₹25,000/year for SRF phase (varies by discipline)
- HRA as per institution rules or Government of India city categorization
- 30 days annual leave plus public holidays; maternity/paternity leave as per Government norms
- Women scholars: up to 1 year intermittent break available (max 3 times), not counted against tenure
Who Can Apply (Eligibility)
- Must have qualified UGC-NET-JRF or UGC-CSIR Joint Test in your subject area
- Must register for MPhil or PhD at a recognized university/institution within 2 years of the NET-JRF result, award letter, or date of joining
- The NET-JRF is a qualifying test — qualifying alone does not automatically activate the fellowship; you must also enroll in a PhD program
How to Apply
Step 1: The interested applicant should visit (during office hours) the universities/institutions/colleges recognized u, and request the hard copy of the prescribed format of the application form from the concerned authority.
Step 2: In the application form, fill in all the mandatory fields, paste the passport-sized photograph (signed across, if required), and attach copies of all the mandatory documents (self-attest, if required).
Step 3: Submit the duly filled and signed application form along with the documents, within the prescribed period (if any), to the authority.
Step 4: Request a receipt or acknowledgement from the concerned authority to whom the application has been submitted. Ensure that the receipt contains essential details such as the date and time of submission, and a unique identification number (if applicable).
NOTE: Ensure that the application is submitted within the prescribed period, if any.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the objective of the JRF scheme?
The objective is to provide opportunities for NET-JRF qualified candidates to undertake advanced research leading to M.Phil./Ph.D. degrees in Humanities, Social Sciences, Languages, and Sciences.
Who is eligible for the UGC Junior Research Fellowship (JRF) scheme?
The scheme is open to candidates who qualify for the National Eligibility Test (NET-JRF) conducted by UGC or the UGC-CSIR joint test. However, qualifying for these tests does not automatically grant a fellowship.
What is the fellowship amount under the JRF scheme?
JRF: [?]37,000 per month (for the first two years). SRF: [?]42,000 per month (for the remaining tenure).
What is the contingency grant for JRF and SRF scholars?
For Humanities & Social Sciences: [?]10,000 per annum (JRF) [?]20,500 per annum (SRF) For Science Scholars: [?]12,000 per annum (JRF) [?]25,000 per annum (SRF)
Is Housing Rent Allowance (HRA) provided under the fellowship?
Yes, HRA is provided as per Government of India norms.
Are medical expenses covered under the fellowship?
No separate or fixed medical assistance is provided, but fellows can avail medical facilities available at their institution, university, or college.
What is the leave policy for JRF and SRF scholars?
Fellows are entitled to a maximum period of 30 days of leave in a year in addition to public holidays. They are not entitled to any other vacations.
Can The Candidate Take Maternity Leave?
Yes, the candidates are eligible for maternity/paternity leave as per Govt. of India norms issued from time to time at full rates of fellowship once during the tenure of their award.
What Is ‘Intermittent Break’?
Besides maternity/paternity leave, 'Intermittent Break' for a maximum period of 1 year may also be permissible to the women candidates. The leave can be availed 3 times during the entire period of the fellowship. However, the total duration of leave shall not exceed one year. This Flexi Time period should not be counted towards the tenure of the fellowship and thus effectively the total period of fellowship will remain the same.
Are The Candidates Who Have Qualified UGC-CSIR Also Eligible To Apply?
Candidates who have qualified in NET-JRF or the UGC-CSIR joint tests.
When Does The Student Have To Submit The Half-Yearly Progress Report?
The student has to submit half yearly progress report after every six months to the Academic office, for sending to the UGC for release of fellowship in continuation.
How Would The Candidate Transition From JRF To SRF?
After completion of two years of the program, the student has to submit Three member Assessment committee report for upgradation from JRF to SRF to the Academic office for uploading on the UGC portal.
Ready to apply?
Visit the official government portal to apply for this scheme.
Apply on myScheme.gov.inDocuments Required
- Aadhaar Number
- Duly Filled Application Form
- Score Card of NET-JRF or the UGC-CSIR Joint Test
- Proof of Address
- Proof of educational qualifications (mark sheets, certificates, diplomas, etc.)
- Physical disability certificate (if applicable)
- Bank Details
- After receiving the Award letter student has to verify the document from the Dept. office and then submit it to the Academic office which will be further uploaded on the UGC Canara bank portal:
- Joining report, HRA form, UGC award letter, Last qualifying degree certificate.
- The student has to submit half yearly progress report after every six months to the Academic office,
- for sending it to the UGC for release of fellowship in continuation.
- After completion of two years of the program, the student has to submit Three member
- Assessment committee report for upgradation from JRF to SRF to Academic office for
- uploading on the UGC portal.
- Contingency and HRA form: Students have to get it signed personally by the Academic office and
- Directly deposit it to the Accounts section. No softcopy will be accepted.