UGC Junior Research Fellowship (JRF) in Science, Humanities and Social Sciences
University Grants Commission (UGC)
Application deadline
Check the official page
Overview
The UGC Junior Research Fellowship (JRF) supports research scholars doing a PhD in science, humanities or social sciences. It is awarded by the University Grants Commission (UGC) to candidates who qualify the NET-JRF exam or the joint UGC-CSIR test.
You are paid ₹37,000 per month as a Junior Research Fellow for the first 2 years, and then ₹42,000 per month as a Senior Research Fellow for the remaining period. You also get a yearly contingency grant for books, travel and research costs: ₹10,000 (JRF) and ₹20,500 (SRF) for humanities and social sciences, or ₹12,000 (JRF) and ₹25,000 (SRF) for science scholars.
The fellowship runs for 5 years, or until you submit your PhD thesis — whichever comes first. There are 11,750 slots. Your university or institution must register you for M.Phil/PhD within two years of your result or award letter.
To get it you must first qualify the UGC-NET (JRF) exam, which is conducted by the National Testing Agency at ugcnet.nta.nic.in. Check the NTA website for the current exam cycle and its last date.
At a glance
| Who can apply | PhD |
|---|---|
| Streams | — |
| Category | All |
| Age | — |
| Income limit | — |
| Gender | — |
| States | All India |
| Benefit / amount | JRF ₹37,000/month for 2 years, then SRF ₹42,000/month |
| Duration | 5 years, or until you submit your thesis — whichever is earlier |
| Renewable | Yes |
| Last date | See official page |
| Opened | — |
How you're selected
You must qualify NET-JRF or the UGC-CSIR joint test (conducted by the National Testing Agency). 11,750 slots. Registration for M.Phil/PhD must be done by the university/institution within two years of the result or the award letter/joining date.
FAQs
Who can apply for the UGC JRF? Candidates who have qualified NET-JRF or the UGC-CSIR joint test and are registered for M.Phil/PhD.
How much is the fellowship? ₹37,000 per month as JRF for the first 2 years, then ₹42,000 per month as SRF.
Is there a contingency grant? Yes — per year: ₹10,000 (JRF) / ₹20,500 (SRF) for Humanities & Social Sciences, and ₹12,000 (JRF) / ₹25,000 (SRF) for Science scholars.
How long does it last? 5 years, or until you submit your thesis, whichever is earlier.
How do I apply? Qualify the UGC-NET (JRF) exam through the National Testing Agency (ugcnet.nta.nic.in). Check the NTA site for the current cycle's last date.
How many fellowships are available? 11,750 slots.