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Overview of CSIR Junior Research Fellowship (JRF)
The CSIR Junior Research Fellowship (JRF) is a national-level fellowship awarded to Indian students intending to pursue research and development careers in disciplines of science and technology.
Objective: The CSIR Junior Fellowship intends to support and enhance the capacities of talented individuals in undertaking high-quality research via a doctoral (Ph.D) program to develop the landscape of scientific research in India.
Organizing Council: This fellowship is organized by the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) in collaboration with the University Grants Commission (UGC).
Importance: It is an essential steppingstone for students wishing to develop research careers in universities, national laboratories, and R&D institutions both in the government sector and the private sector.
Key Features and Benefits of CSIR JRF 2025
The CSIR Junior Research Fellowship (JRF) provides an excellent financial and academic background to undertake doctoral-level research in science and technology.
Stipend and Financial Support
Competitive monthly stipends and annual research grants will be provided to adequately fund your scientific endeavors during JRF and SRF periods.
Fellowship Duration
There will be a long-term research opportunity available with a total support period of 5 years including transition to SRF depending on performance.
Additional Benefits
- Encourages full-time research in academia and national laboratories.
- Facilitates further study through a smooth progression to a PhD.
- Provides a career trajectory in R&D, higher education, and industry.
- Fellowships are tenable at all CSIR-recognized laboratories, universities and institutes throughout India.
Eligibility Requirements
In order to apply for CSIR Junior Research Fellowship 2025, candidates are requested to meet some educational, age, and nationality eligibility criteria as established by CSIR and UGC.
Educational Qualifications
Candidates are required to have a sound educational background in science or technology from a recognized institution. The following degrees are acceptable for the eligibility requirement:
• Bachelor of Science (4-year degree)
• Bachelor of Engineering / Bachelor of Technology
• Bachelor of Pharmacy
• MBBS
• Integrated BS-MS
• M.Sc./equivalent degrees
Minimum Marks Requirement
General/EWS
- At least 55% Marks
OBC-NCL/SC/ST/PwD/Third Gender
- At least 50% Marks
Nationality
- Candidates who are foreign nationals are not eligible to apply for the CSIR JRF 2025 exam. Only Indian nationals can apply under this fellowship program.
Age Limit(as on 1st July 2025)
Candidates must be within the specified age limit to apply; there are some relaxations provided for reserved categories, as per guidelines/stipulations from the Government.
CSIR JRF 2025 Application Process
The application process for the CSIR Junior Research Fellowship (JRF) 2025 is completely online via the CSIR NET official website. Follow the details below for a successful application.
Mode of Application
Candidates can only apply online via the official CSIR NET portal. There is no option to apply offline or by post.
Step-by-Step Application Process
- Registration
- Candidates must visit the CSIR NET official website and click on "New Registration".
- Candidates must enter personal and contact details to generate their login credentials.
- Filling the form
- Candidates must login to the portal using their registration credentials.
- Candidates then enter their academic details, personal details, and examination-related details.
3. Uploading Documents
- Candidates must upload scanned copies of the following:
- Recent passport size photograph
- Signature
- Educational Qualification certificates
- Caste/Category certificate (if applicable)
- PwD certificate (if applicable)
- Making the Application Payment
- Candidates must use a debit/credit card/debit card, net banking, or UPI for online payment.
- The application fee is the same regarding categories (please see below).
4. Final Submission
- Candidates must check all provided details.
- Candidates must click on "Submit" to apply.
- Candidates must download and save the confirmation page, for future reference.
Documents required
- Passport size photograph recent (in JPEG format)
- Signature (in JPEG format)
- Mark sheets and degree certificates showing academic qualifications
- Valid caste/category certificate (SC/ST/OBC-NCL/EWS)
- PwD certificate (if applicable)
Application Fee Structure
Below is the category-wise application fee structure for CSIR JRF-2025:
Selection Process and Exam
Below is a detailed breakdown of the CSIR JRF 2025 exam selection process , including subjects,format,and evaluation criteria.
Important Dates for CSIR JRF 2025
The time table below shows the timelines and deadlines for the CSIR JRF 2025 examination.
Ways to leverage the fellowship & Research possibilities
Some ways that CSIR JRF holders can leverage their fellowship are:
- Host Institutions: Eligible to be hosted at a world class CSIR laboratory, university, IIT, IISc and other recognized R&D organizations.
- Research Opportunities: Eligible for a Ph.D. program in core sciences, applied sciences and interdisciplinary research.
- Career Opportunities: Can lead to academic careers, postdoctoral research opportunities, and scientific career opportunities with public and private organizations.
