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.
Documents Required
- BET exam scorecard.
- Research proposal.
- No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the current employer (if applicable).
- Personal details and educational qualifications, including:
- Passport size photograph.
- Signature.
- Date of birth.
- Academic transcripts for all degrees obtained.
- Category certificate (if applicable).
- Persons with Disability (PWD) certificate (if applicable).
Eligibility
- 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
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.
FAQs
Who is eligible for the JRF program?
1. Be an Indian national. 2. Have a master’s degree in biotechnology or a related field from a recognized university. 3. Have a valid BET score.
What is the selection process for the JRF program?
1. BET exam score 2. Research proposal 3. Interview performance