Junior Research Fellowship In Sciences, Humanities, And Social Sciences
₹37,000–42,000/month for M.Phil/PhD research · NET-JRF or CSIR-UGC qualified
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
💡 Why Startups Should Care
UGC-JRF fellows in social sciences or humanities are undervalued talent for EdTech, policy-research startups, and NGO-adjacent ventures — the ₹37,000/month fellowship means they won't join unless your mission is compelling, so lead with impact.
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
- Qualify the UGC-NET-JRF or UGC-CSIR Joint Test — note that qualifying alone does not automatically bestow the fellowship
- Register with a recognized university for M.Phil/PhD within 2 years of the result, award letter, or joining date
- Visit the university's office during working hours and obtain the prescribed hard-copy application form
- Fill the form, attach self-attested mandatory documents, and submit to the authority within the prescribed period
- Request a receipt with date, time, and unique identification number as proof of submission
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
- NET-JRF or CSIR-UGC Joint Test score card
- Proof of address
- Educational qualification certificates and marksheets
- Physical disability certificate (if applicable)
- Bank account details
- After receiving the Award letter: joining report, HRA form, UGC award letter, last qualifying degree certificate
- Half-yearly progress report (submitted every 6 months for disbursement continuation)
- Three-member assessment committee report after 2 years (required for upgrade from JRF to SRF)