Junior Research Fellowship (JRF) And Research Associateship (RA) For Foreign Nationals
4-year research fellowship for foreign nationals from Asia, Africa, Latin America · in India
This UGC scheme invites students and teachers from developing countries in Asia, Africa, and Latin America to pursue advanced research (MPhil, PhD, or postdoctoral) at Indian universities, funded by the Government of India. There are 20 slots for Junior Research Fellows and 7 for Research Associates, each with a 4-year tenure. Applications are submitted through Indian embassies or missions abroad, or via the Indian university where the applicant wishes to study.
About This Scheme
This UGC scheme invites students and teachers from developing countries in Asia, Africa, and Latin America to pursue advanced research (MPhil, PhD, or postdoctoral) at Indian universities, funded by the Government of India. There are 20 slots for Junior Research Fellows and 7 for Research Associates, each with a 4-year tenure. Applications are submitted through Indian embassies or missions abroad, or via the Indian university where the applicant wishes to study.
Full official description
INTRODUCTION
The scheme was initiated keeping in view the political and cultural bilateral relations of India with other developing countries of Asia, Africa, and Latin America. The scheme has opened new vistas for foreign students and teachers, enabling them to come to India and undertake advanced studies and research in sciences, humanities, and social sciences in Indian Universities.
OBJECTIVE The objective of the scheme is to provide an opportunity for foreign students and teachers from developing countries to undertake advanced study and research leading to M.Phil/Ph.D. and postdoctoral research in sciences, humanities, and social sciences at Indian Universities.
Benefits
- JRF: ₹12,000/month for first 2 years; ₹14,000/month thereafter (sciences)
- RA: ₹16,000/month fixed for all 4 years
- Annual contingency allowance: ₹12,000/year (JRF, sciences), ₹10,000/year (JRF, humanities), ₹30,000/year (RA)
- HRA as per host institution rules
- 30 days annual leave plus public holidays; maternity leave of 135 days at full rates
💡 Why Startups Should Care
Not directly relevant to most founders, but if your startup brings in international scientific talent from South/Southeast Asia or Africa, this scheme shows the academic pathway those collaborators may already be on — useful context for structuring research partnerships.
Who Can Apply (Eligibility)
- Must be a student or teacher from a developing country in Asia, Africa, or Latin America
- For JRF: maximum age 35 (male) / 40 (female) as of 1st July of the application year; must have a high-class Master's degree with a second-class Bachelor's, or second-class Master's with a first-class Bachelor's
- For RA: maximum age 40 (male) / 45 (female); must hold a doctorate with published research and evidence of independent research work
- Applications must be endorsed by your country's Indian embassy or mission
Exclusions
- Not available to Indian citizens — open only to foreign nationals from developing countries in Asia, Africa, and Latin America
- Fellowship is cancelled for misconduct, unsatisfactory research progress, or exam failure
How to Apply
- Applications are routed through Indian embassies or missions abroad — apply to the Indian Embassy in your home country
- If already studying in India after completing a master's or doctoral degree, apply through the Indian university you propose to work with
- The university forwards your application to UGC, endorsed by your respective embassy
- A selection committee reviews shortlisted proposals — no TA/DA is provided for interviews
- Formal award letter is issued only after political clearance from India's Ministry of Home Affairs and Ministry of External Affairs
Frequently Asked Questions
Students And Teachers From Which Developing Countries Are Eligible To Apply To This Scheme?
Students and teachers from developing countries of Asia/Africa and Latin America are eligible to apply.
Is There Any Eligibility Criteria Regarding The Age Of The Candidate?
For Junior Research Fellowship (JRF): 35 years for male candidates as on 1st July of the year of application and 40 years for female candidates. For Research Associateship (RA): In case of male applicants the age should be 40 years as on 1st July of the year of application, and 45 years in the case of female candidates.
Is There Any Eligibility Criteria Regarding The Educational Qualification Of The Candidate?
For Junior Research Fellowship (JRF): The candidates must have at least a high-class master's degree with a second-class bachelor's degree, or second-class master's degree with a first-class bachelor's degree. For Research Associateship (RA): The candidates must have a doctorate degree, published research work to their credit and evidence of independent research work.
How Many Slots Are Available Under The Scheme For Junior Research Fellowship (JRF) And For Research Associateship (RA)?
The number of slots available under the scheme is 20 for Junior Research Fellowship (JRF) and 7 for Research Associateship (RA).
Is The Tenure Extendable?
The tenure of these awards is four years (Non-extendable) for both JRF and RA.
What Is The Amount Of Fellowship Provided To The JRF?
Fellowship for JRF - @ Rs. 12,000/-p.m. for an initial period of two years. @ Rs. 14,000/-p.m. for the remaining period subject to the recommendation for enhancement/extension by a three-member committee and the Commission's approval for Sciences for initial two years.
What Is The Amount Of Fellowship Provided To The RA?
Fellowship for RA - @ Rs. 16,000/-p.m. (Fixed) for 4 years.
What If The University Fails To Provide A Suitable Single-Seated Hostel Accommodation In The Institution To The JRF?
Suitable single-seated hostel accommodation in the institutions may be provided to the JRF, failing which HRA as per rules of the university/institution will be paid to the Fellow subject to the submission of the HRA certificate through Registrar/Principal.
Ready to apply?
Visit the official government portal to apply for this scheme.
Apply on myScheme.gov.inDocuments Required
- Proof of nationality
- Identity proof
- Proof of age
- Proof of address
- Educational qualification certificates for all degrees