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.
About This Scheme
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
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.
Eligibility Criteria
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.
Application Process
Apply Online
Step 1: Qualify in the Biotechnology Eligibility Test (BET)
The BET is a national-level entrance exam conducted by the Department of Biotechnology (DBT) to select candidates for the DBT-JRF program. The BET exam is held once a year, typically in the month of June.
To apply for the BET exam, applicant must have a master’s degree in biotechnology or a related field from a recognized university. Applicant must also have a valid GATE score or a NET score in biotechnology or a related field.
Step 2: Apply for the DBT-JRF program online
Once applicant have qualified in the BET exam, applicant can apply for the DBT-JRF program online. The online application process typically opens in the month of July and closes in the month of August.
To apply for the DBT-JRF program online, applicant will need to create an account on the DBT website and fill in the required details. applicant will also need to upload the required documents, such as applicant’s BET exam scorecard, research proposal, and NOC from the current employer (if applicable).
Step 3: Appear for the interview
Candidates who are shortlisted for the DBT-JRF program will be called for an interview. The interview will be held at a designated venue and will be conducted by a panel of experts.
The interview will be based on applicant’s research proposal and applicant’s overall knowledge of biotechnology and life sciences. Applicant will also be asked questions about applicant’s research interests and career goals.
Step 4: Check the final selection list
The final selection list for the DBT-JRF program is usually announced within a few weeks of the interview. Applicant can check the final selection list online on the DBT website.
Official Source: View on myScheme.gov.in
Benefits
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.
Application Process
Apply Online
Step 1: Qualify in the Biotechnology Eligibility Test (BET)
The BET is a national-level entrance exam conducted by the Department of Biotechnology (DBT) to select candidates for the DBT-JRF program. The BET exam is held once a year, typically in the month of June.
To apply for the BET exam, applicant must have a master's degree in biotechnology or a related field from a recognized university. Applicant must also have a valid GATE score or a NET score in biotechnology or a related field.
Step 2: Apply for the DBT-JRF program online
Once applicant have qualified in the BET exam, applicant can apply for the DBT-JRF program online. The online application process typically opens in the month of July and closes in the month of August.
To apply for the DBT-JRF program online, applicant will need to create an account on the DBT website and fill in the required details. applicant will also need to upload the required documents, such as applicant's BET exam scorecard, research proposal, and NOC from the current employer (if applicable).
Step 3: Appear for the interview
Candidates who are shortlisted for the DBT-JRF program will be called for an interview. The interview will be held at a designated venue and will be conducted by a panel of experts.
The interview will be based on applicant's research proposal and applicant's overall knowledge of biotechnology and life sciences. Applicant will also be asked questions about applicant's research interests and career goals.
Step 4: Check the final selection list
The final selection list for the DBT-JRF program is usually announced within a few weeks of the interview. Applicant can check the final selection list online on the DBT website.
Frequently Asked Questions
References & Official Links
Scheme Details
| Full Name | Junior Research Fellowship |
| Short Title | JRFBIO |
| Level | Central |
| Scheme For | Individual |
| Ministry | Ministry Of Science And Technology |
| Categories | Education & Learning |
| States | All India |
| Gender | All |
| Caste/Category | SC, ST, EWS |
| Area | Both |
| Source | www.myscheme.gov.in ↗ |
Deepika Raikwar
Deepika Raikwar is an Education Analyst and scholarship researcher who focuses on public welfare and merit-based scholarships. She simplifies complex eligibility rules, deadlines, and application processes to help common people access reliable funding opportunities worldwide.
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