Junior Research Fellowship
₹31,000–35,000/month for biotech doctoral research · DBT-BET exam required
The DBT-JRF Program offers monthly fellowships to Indian students who clear the Biotechnology Eligibility Test (BET) and want to pursue a full-time PhD in biotechnology or life sciences at a recognized Indian institution. Fellowships start at ₹31,000/month for the first two years and rise to ₹35,000/month for the remaining three years. Apply by qualifying in the BET exam (held annually in June), then submit an online application on the DBT website and attend an interview if shortlisted.
About This Scheme
The DBT-JRF Program offers monthly fellowships to Indian students who clear the Biotechnology Eligibility Test (BET) and want to pursue a full-time PhD in biotechnology or life sciences at a recognized Indian institution. Fellowships start at ₹31,000/month for the first two years and rise to ₹35,000/month for the remaining three years. Apply by qualifying in the BET exam (held annually in June), then submit an online application on the DBT website and attend an interview if shortlisted.
Full official description
The Junior Research Fellowship (JRF) from the Department of Biotechnology (DBT) is a fellowship program that provides financial support to students who are pursuing doctoral research in biotechnology and life sciences. The JRF program is open to all Indian nationals who have a master's degree in biotechnology or a related field.
Benefits
- ₹31,000 per month for the first 2 years of the fellowship
- ₹35,000 per month for the remaining 3 years (subject to satisfactory performance review)
- Up to 5 years of total financial support to complete a PhD in biotechnology or life sciences
💡 Why Startups Should Care
DBT-JRF holders are doing cutting-edge biotech research — if you're a biotech startup founder looking for deep-science co-founders or early hires, these fellows are exactly the talent pool to scout from IISc, NCBS, and major life-science institutions.
Who Can Apply (Eligibility)
- Must be an Indian citizen
- Must have a Master's degree in biotechnology or a related life science field from a recognized university
- Must clear the GAT-B (Graduate Aptitude Test — Biotechnology) or NET exam in biotechnology
- Age limit: 28 years for General/EWS candidates; 33 years for SC/ST/PH candidates
- Must commit to full-time PhD research at a recognized Indian university or research institution
How to Apply
- Qualify the Biotechnology Eligibility Test (BET) held annually in June — requires a master's degree in biotech or related field with a valid GATE or NET score
- After BET results, apply online through the DBT website (applications typically open July–August)
- Upload your BET scorecard, research proposal, and NOC from your current employer if applicable
- Appear for an interview with a panel of experts when shortlisted
- Check the final selection list on the DBT website after the interview round
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the JRF program?
The JRF program is a fellowship program that provides financial support to students who are pursuing doctoral research in biotechnology and life sciences. The program is funded by the Department of Biotechnology (DBT), Government of India.
Who is eligible for the JRF program?
- Be an Indian national.
- Have a master's degree in biotechnology or a related field from a recognized university.
- Have a valid BET score.
What is the application process for the JRF program?
To apply for the JRF program, you must first qualify in the Biotechnology Eligibility Test (BET). The BET is a national-level entrance exam conducted by the DBT once a year.
Once you have qualified in the BET, you can apply for the JRF program online. The online application process typically opens in the month of July and closes in the month of August.
What documents are required for the RF program?
- BET exam scorecard.
- Research proposal.
- No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the current employer (if applicable).
- Personal details and educational qualifications.
- Category certificate (if applicable).
- Persons with Disability (PWD) certificate (if applicable).
What is the selection process for the JRF program?
- BET exam score
- Research proposal
- Interview performance
What is the duration of the JRF program?
The JRF program is a five-year program.
What is the fellowship amount for the JRF program?
The fellowship amount for the JRF program is [?]31,000 per month for the first two years and [?]35,000 per month for the remaining three years.
What are the career prospects after completing the JRF program?
After completing the JRF program, you can pursue a career in research, academia, industry, or government. Some of the specific job roles that you may be eligible for include:
Research scientist Professor Lecturer Science communicator Technical writer Patent agent Regulatory affairs specialist Quality assurance manager Business development manager
What are the responsibilities of a JRF fellow?
The responsibilities of a JRF fellow include:
Conducting research in biotechnology or a related field Publishing research papers in peer-reviewed journals Presenting research findings at conferences and seminars Completing PhD degree within the stipulated time frame
Ready to apply?
Visit the official government portal to apply for this scheme.
Apply on myScheme.gov.inDocuments Required
- BET exam scorecard
- Research proposal
- NOC from current employer (if applicable)
- Passport-size photograph
- Signature specimen
- Date of birth proof
- Academic transcripts for all degrees obtained
- Category certificate (SC/ST/OBC, if applicable)
- Persons with Disability (PWD) certificate (if applicable)