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Education & Learning

Junior Research Fellowship

The Department of Biotechnology, Ministry of Science & Technology, Government of India provides fellowships for pursuing research in biotechnology and life-sciences through the "DBT-Junior Research Fellowship" (DBT-JRF) Programme.

Authority

Central

Region

Central Government

Status

Verified 2026

Updated

March 2026

What you get

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.

Who can apply

Applicant must be Indian citizen.; Applicant must have a master's degree in biotechnology or a related field from a recognized university; Applicant must clear the GAT or NET exam in biotechnology or a related field; Applicant should not be more then 28 years for general and EWS category candidates and 33 years for SC/ST/PH category candidates; Applicant must be willing to pursue full-time doctoral research in biotechnology or a related field at a recognized university or research institution in India.

Required Paperwork

  • Aadhaar Card
  • PAN Card
  • Income Certificate
  • Residence Proof (Domicile)

Common 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