AI SummaryICMR-Junior Research Fellowship is a prestigious program designed for Indian citizens looking to pursue research and doctoral studies in the fields of Life Sciences and Social Sciences. This scheme provides financial support to meritorious candidates through a national level entrance examination, enabling them to conduct high quality research at recognized institutions across India.
From the 2024 cycle onwards, this entrance examination has been revised and is now conducted as DHR-BRET, the Biomedical Research Eligibility Test, by the Department of Health Research and the Indian Council of Medical Research through AIIMS. The fellowship continues to support doctoral research in biomedical and health sciences with a monthly stipend and research contingency.
ICMR-Junior Research Fellowship - Introduction
ICMR-Junior Research Fellowship serves as the gateway for admission into doctoral and research programs supported by the Indian Council of Medical Research. This scheme identifies and nurtures talented researchers by conducting a national level entrance exam to determine eligibility for the Junior Research Fellowship. Once you qualify, you may pursue your research at a medical college, hospital, university, or national research laboratory of your choice.
As a candidate, you should demonstrate academic excellence to earn this award. The program is merit based, and eligibility depends on your performance in the entrance examination. The exam is now held as DHR-BRET in computer based test mode, and the 2026 cycle was conducted on 10 January 2026. The next cycle notification is expected around March or April 2027 at icmr.gov.in.
Scheme of Test
The examination is a computer based test of 3 hours with a total of 150 questions carrying 150 marks. The paper is divided into three sections of 50 questions each:
- Section A (Aptitude and Analytical Skills): This section covers reading comprehension, reasoning, data interpretation, and quantitative ability. Each question is worth 1 mark.
- Section B (General and Interdisciplinary Biomedical and Life Science Knowledge): This section covers cell biology, genetics, immunology, physiology, biotechnology, and biosafety.
- Section C (Domain Specific Knowledge): This section tests the candidate's chosen subject such as microbiology, biochemistry, biostatistics, veterinary science, public health, nursing, biotechnology, social sciences, nutrition, pharmacology, or biological sciences.
For every incorrect answer, 0.25 marks are deducted as a negative marking penalty. The questions appear in English only.
Merit and Selection
To qualify as a General, OBC, EWS, or PwBD candidate, you should secure an aggregate of 50% marks. For SC and ST candidates, the required aggregate is 45%. Based on your performance, the council releases a combined merit list of qualified candidates. Around 250 fellowships are awarded each year, subject to budgetary provisions. The top 60% of qualified candidates may enrol for a PhD at any UGC recognized university, while the remaining 40% must enrol in any of the 27 ICMR institutes or AcSIR.
Key Information
| Scheme Name | ICMR-Junior Research Fellowship |
|---|---|
| Level | Central |
| Scheme For | Individual |
| Beneficiary States | All |
| Category | Education & Learning |
| Target Beneficiaries | Individual |
| Sub Category | Education and training grants, fellowship, stipend |
| Benefit Type | Cash |
| DBT Scheme | No |
| Nodal Ministry | Ministry of Health & Family Welfare |
| Implementing Agency | Indian Council of Medical Research, Government of India |
Benefits
This scheme provides comprehensive financial support to help you focus on your research work. The benefits include:
| Designation | Stipend (Monthly) |
|---|---|
| Junior Research Fellow (1st & 2nd Year) | ₹37,000 |
| Senior Research Fellow (3rd to 5th Year) | ₹42,000 |
Additionally, you will receive an annual contingency grant of ₹20,000 to support your research expenses. The top 10% of the merit list also receive an Exemplary Performance Reward of ₹1,00,000 research contingency per annum. House Rent Allowance is paid as per the rules of the parent institute. Medical benefits and leave rules, including maternity leave, are governed by the specific policies of the institution where you are employed.
Important Note: You should treat this as a fellowship rather than regular employment. You should not be receiving any other form of financial assistance or salary during this period.
Eligibility
To be eligible for this scheme, you should meet the following criteria:
- You should hold a Post Graduate degree such as M.Sc. or an equivalent degree like M.Tech or M.Pharma in Life Sciences, Biomedical Sciences, Nursing, Pharmacology, Public Health, Social Sciences, or related fields.
- General, OBC, and EWS candidates should have at least 55% marks, while SC, ST, and PwBD candidates should have 50% marks in the qualifying degree.
- Please note that B. Tech, M. Tech, B. Pharma, M. Pharma, and D. Pharma degree holders are not eligible for this program.
- Your upper age should be 28 years as on the last date of application. This limit is relaxable by five years for SC, ST, OBC, PH, and female candidates.
Application Process
You should follow these steps to participate in the application process:
STEP 1 - Monitor the official websites at icmr.gov.in and aiimsexams.ac.in, along with national English newspapers, for the DHR-BRET notification which is expected around March or April each year.
STEP 2 - Once the notification is released, fill out the application form accurately through the official AIIMS portal at aiimsexams.ac.in before the last date.
STEP 3 - Download the admit card about 7 to 10 days before the exam and carry a printed copy along with a valid government issued photo ID to the exam centre.
STEP 4 - After the exam, check the answer key, response sheet, and result at aiimsexams.ac.in. If selected, you should enrol in a PhD program at a UGC recognized university or an ICMR institute within the validity period of the award letter.
Documents
Keep these documents ready for your application:
- Identity proof (Aadhaar or Voter ID)
- Recent passport-sized photographs
- Original educational mark sheets and degree certificates
- Age proof (Birth certificate or Class 10th certificate)
- Relevant caste certificate if applying under reserved categories
- Medical certificate for persons with benchmark disabilities
References
Official Fellowships Page | ICMR Official Website | AIIMS Exam Portal
FAQ's
When is the entrance examination held?
The DHR-BRET notification is expected around March or April each year, and the 2026 exam was conducted on 10 January 2026. Admit cards are released about 7 to 10 days before the exam.
What is DHR-BRET?
DHR-BRET, the Biomedical Research Eligibility Test, is the revised name of the ICMR JRF entrance exam from the 2024 cycle onwards. It is conducted by the Department of Health Research and ICMR through AIIMS.
How many fellowships are awarded?
Around 250 fellowships are awarded each year through DHR-BRET, subject to budgetary provisions. The top 60% of qualified candidates may enrol at any UGC recognized university, while the remaining 40% must enrol in ICMR institutes or AcSIR.
What is the process for joining after selection?
Once you receive your award letter, you should find a suitable research guide and enrol in a PhD program at a UGC or Medical Council of India recognized university within one year of the award date.
Can I transfer my fellowship to another institution?
Transfers are allowed only under special circumstances and require prior approval from the Director General of ICMR.