Sarkari Yojana

Junior Research Fellowship

Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT)
Quick Summary: DBT's JRF funds Indian nationals with a biotechnology-related master's degree to pursue doctoral research, after clearing the BET exam and an interview. Fellows earn ₹31,000 monthly for the first two years, rising to ₹35,000 for the remaining three.

About Junior Research Fellowship

The Department of Biotechnology’s (DBT) Junior Research Fellowship (JRF) funds Indian nationals pursuing doctoral research in biotechnology and life sciences. It’s open to anyone with a master’s degree in biotechnology or a related field.

Scheme Overview

Government Level

Central Government

Ministry

Ministry Of Science And Technology

Eligible Entity

Individual

Launch / Open Date

01 Jan 2004

Scheme Details

Eligibility

Eligibility Requirements

To qualify for Junior Research Fellowship, applicants must satisfy the following conditions:

✅

The applicant must be an Indian citizen

The applicant must be an Indian citizen.

🎓

The applicant must hold a master's degree in…

The applicant must hold a master's degree in biotechnology or a related field from a recognized university.

✅

The applicant must clear the GAT or NET…

The applicant must clear the GAT or NET exam in biotechnology or a related field.

✅

The applicant's age must not exceed 28 years…

The applicant's age must not exceed 28 years for General/EWS candidates, or 33 years for SC/ST/PH candidates.

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The applicant must be willing to pursue full-time…

The applicant must be willing to pursue full-time doctoral research in biotechnology or a related field at a recognized Indian university or research institution.

Applicants must meet all of the above conditions to be considered eligible for this scheme.
Benefits

Benefits Provided

Junior Research Fellowship provides the following benefits to eligible applicants:

💰

Under the JRF program, fellows receive ₹31,000 per…

Under the JRF program, fellows receive ₹31,000 per month during the first two years, rising to ₹35,000 per month for the remaining three years.

Benefit amounts and conditions may vary by category — refer to the official scheme guidelines for exact figures applicable to your case.
Documents Required

Documents Required

Applicants should keep the following documents ready before starting the application:

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The candidate's BET exam scorecard

The candidate's BET exam scorecard.

✅

A proposal outlining the intended research

A proposal outlining the intended research.

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Where applicable, a No Objection Certificate (NOC) issued…

Where applicable, a No Objection Certificate (NOC) issued by the present employer.

✅

Personal particulars and educational qualifications, covering

Personal particulars and educational qualifications, covering:

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A photograph of passport size

A photograph of passport size.
The candidate's signature.
Date of birth.
Transcripts for every degree earned.

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A certificate of category, where applicable

A certificate of category, where applicable.

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Where applicable, a Persons with Disability (PWD) certificate

Where applicable, a Persons with Disability (PWD) certificate.

Ensure all documents are valid and, where required, duly attested before submitting your application.
Important Dates

2004-01-01

How to Apply

Online Application

Applicants can apply for Junior Research Fellowship through the online application process outlined below.

1️⃣

Qualify in the Biotechnology Eligibility Test (BET) 1

Qualify in the Biotechnology Eligibility Test (BET) 1. BET is DBT's national-level entrance exam for selecting DBT-JRF candidates, usually held once a year in June. 2. Applying to BET requires a master's degree in biotechnology or a related field from a recognized university, plus a valid GATE or NET score in biotechnology or a related field.

2️⃣

Apply for the DBT-JRF program online 1

Apply for the DBT-JRF program online 1. Once you clear BET, you can apply online for DBT-JRF, typically between July and August. 2. This involves creating an account on the DBT website, filling in the required details, and uploading documents such as your BET scorecard, research proposal, and NOC from your current employer (if applicable).

3️⃣

Appear for the interview 1

Appear for the interview 1. Shortlisted candidates are called for an interview at a designated venue, conducted by a panel of experts. 2. The interview covers your research proposal, general knowledge of biotechnology and life sciences, research interests, and career goals.

4️⃣

Check the final selection list 1

Check the final selection list 1. The final DBT-JRF selection list is usually announced a few weeks after interviews and can be checked on the DBT website.

Ensure all required documents are ready before starting the application process.

Official Application & Website

Verify the latest eligibility, dates and instructions before applying.

Official Sources & References