CSIR-UGC NET Junior Research Fellowship 2026: Eligibility, Stipend

Key facts

Offered by

Council of Scientific and Industrial Research, Human Resource Development Group, in association with the University Grants Commission

Stipend

Rs 37,000 per month as Junior Research Fellow for the first two years and Rs 42,000 per month as Senior Research Fellow thereafter, plus an annual contingency grant of Rs 20,000 and house rent allowance where hostel accommodation is not provided

Duration

Up to five years in total, comprising up to two years as JRF followed by three to five years as SRF

Location

Universities, national laboratories and recognised research institutions across India

The Junior Research Fellowship awarded through the joint CSIR UGC National Eligibility Test is the standard route into funded doctoral research in the sciences in India. Candidates sit the national test, and those who qualify in the JRF category receive a fellowship award letter that they carry to a university or national laboratory where they register for a PhD.

The fellowship is structured in two stages. It begins as a Junior Research Fellowship for the first two years, then converts to a Senior Research Fellowship at a higher rate once the fellow has registered for the doctorate and a review committee is satisfied with progress. Total tenure across both stages is capped at five years. Fellows also draw an annual contingency grant for research expenses and house rent allowance where the host institution cannot provide accommodation. The award letter must be activated within a defined validity period.

Who is eligible

Must qualify in the JRF category of the joint CSIR-UGC National Eligibility Test

Master's degree with at least 55 percent marks for General and EWS candidates

At least 50 percent marks for OBC non creamy layer, SC, ST, persons with disability and third gender candidates

Upper age limit of 30 years as on the date of conclusion of the examination for the JRF award

Five year age relaxation for OBC non creamy layer, SC, ST, persons with disability, third gender and women candidates, and for those with relevant research experience

Must register for a PhD and show satisfactory progress before the award converts to Senior Research Fellowship

Frequently asked questions

Who is eligible for CSIR-UGC NET JRF?

Candidates must qualify in the JRF category of the joint CSIR-UGC National Eligibility Test, hold a Master's degree with at least 55% marks (General/EWS) or 50% marks (OBC/SC/ST/PwD/third gender), and be under 30 years on examination conclusion date.

What is the monthly stipend for CSIR-UGC NET JRF?

Rs 37,000 per month as Junior Research Fellow for the first two years, then Rs 42,000 per month as Senior Research Fellow from year three onwards. Fellows also receive an annual contingency grant of Rs 20,000.

What is the age limit for CSIR-UGC NET JRF?

Upper age limit is 30 years as on the examination conclusion date. OBC non-creamy layer, SC, ST, persons with disability, third gender, and women candidates get five years age relaxation. Those with relevant research experience also qualify for relaxation.

How long is the CSIR-UGC NET JRF fellowship duration?

Up to five years total: two years as Junior Research Fellow, then three to five years as Senior Research Fellow after PhD registration and satisfactory progress review.

Do I get house rent allowance with CSIR-UGC NET JRF?

Yes, house rent allowance is provided where hostel accommodation is not offered by the host institution. You also receive an annual contingency grant of Rs 20,000 for research expenses.

Where can I pursue CSIR-UGC NET JRF?

At universities, national laboratories and recognised research institutions across India. You must register for a PhD at your chosen institution within the fellowship validity period.