ICAR Junior Research Fellowship For Post-Graduate Studies In Agricultural Sciences

ICAR Junior Research Fellowship for Post-Graduate Studies in Agricultural Sciences

The Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) offers a prestigious Junior Research Fellowship (ICAR-JRF) aimed at postgraduate students pursuing courses and research work leading to a Master’s degree in various agricultural and allied science disciplines. This initiative seeks to promote academic excellence and encourage talented individuals to further their education in agriculture.

Overview of the Scheme

ICAR provides a specific number of Junior Research Fellowships intended for students engaging in postgraduate studies, which encompasses both coursework and research. This scheme serves to identify and nurture talent within the agricultural sector, thereby enhancing the quality of higher education in agriculture-related fields. The fellowship is valid for a period of two years, and applicants must meet the minimum age requirement of 19 years as of the date of the examination. Reservations for candidates belonging to SC/ST/OBC and physically handicapped (PH) categories will be ensured in accordance with the guidelines set by the Government of India.

Financial Benefits

Participants in the fellowship scheme will receive financial assistance as follows:

• Veterinary Sciences: ₹ 12,000 per month along with a contingency grant of ₹ 6,000 annually.
• All other disciplines: ₹ 8,640 per month with a contingency grant of ₹ 6,000 annually.

These fellowship amounts and contingency grants are subject to periodic revisions by the Council.

Eligibility Criteria

Selection Method

The ICAR Junior Research Fellowship (PGS) will be awarded based on merit determined through the All India Competitive Entrance Examination, which encompasses:

• ICAR-JRF (PGS)
• Concurrent admission to Master’s degree programs at:
  • State Agricultural Universities (SAUs)
  • Deemed Universities such as IARI (New Delhi), IVRI (Izatnagar), NDRI (Karnal), CIFE (Mumbai), AAU (Allahabad), and Central Agricultural University (Imphal, Manipur)
  • Central Universities with agricultural faculties, including Banaras Hindu University (BHU), Aligarh Muslim University (AMU), Visva Bharati, and Nagaland University.

Eligibility Requirements

Candidates must meet the following criteria:

• Applicants should have completed their Bachelor’s Degree or be in the final examination stage in the relevant field, under the educational structures of 10+2+5, 10+2+4, or 10+2+3 (only for basic science subjects).
• A minimum of 60% marks or an Overall Grade Point Average (OGPA) of 6.60/10.00, 3.25/5.00, or 2.6/4.00 is required for General, OBC, and Under Privileged States (UPS) categories. For SC/ST/PH candidates, the minimum requirement is 55% or an OGPA of 5.5/10.00, 2.75/5.00, or 2.20/4.00.
• For candidates seeking admission in M.V.Sc., completion of B.V.Sc. & A.H. with an internship prior to the registration date at the university is mandatory.
• The minimum age limit is strictly set at 19 years as of the examination date, with no exemptions allowed.

Note: Reservations for SC/ST/OBC and PH candidates will be aligned with the Government of India’s regulations. Verification of SC/ST/OBC and PH certificates is the responsibility of the respective Agricultural University where the candidate is recommended for admission.

Important: The ICAR-JRF (PGS) is exclusive to the aforementioned Agricultural Universities.

Application Process

To apply for the ICAR Junior Research Fellowship, candidates must follow these steps:

• Step 1: Begin by registering online using a valid Email ID and Mobile Number.
• Step 2: Fill in the required personal, contact, and academic qualification details.
• Step 3: Upload necessary documents including a scanned photograph, signature, and thumb impression.
• Step 4: Proceed to pay the application fee.
• Step 5: After completing the application form, a system-generated Application Number will be provided.
• Step 6: Finally, submit a hard copy of the online application along with proof of fee payment to the COE (Agril. Edn.) via post.

Application Correction

Upon submission of the application form, candidates will have the opportunity to correct any mistakes. The National Testing Agency (NTA) will provide a correction window for this purpose. Candidates may use their credentials to access the application form and make necessary amendments. Please note that no additional chances for corrections will be granted after this window closes.

Official Information

For further details, please visit the official website: myScheme.gov.in.