DBT-Junior Research Fellowship (JRF) Programme 2025

The DBT-Junior Research Fellowship (JRF) Programme, initiated in 2004 by the Department of Biotechnology (DBT), Ministry of Science and Technology, Government of India, supports Indian students pursuing doctoral research in biotechnology and life sciences at recognized universities or research institutions across India. The program aims to nurture skilled human resources and promote cutting-edge research in frontier areas such as molecular biology, bioinformatics, and environmental biotechnology. Fellows are selected through the Biotechnology Eligibility Test (BET), a national-level computer-based exam conducted annually by the National Testing Agency (NTA). The program offers up to 500 Category-I fellowships with a monthly stipend of INR 37,000 and additional benefits, while Category-II candidates are eligible for research positions in DBT-sponsored projects. Managed by the DBT-HRD Project & Management Unit (DBT-HRD PMU) at the Regional Centre for Biotechnology (RCB), Faridabad, the DBT-JRF Programme has significantly contributed to building India’s biotechnology research ecosystem.

To be eligible for the DBT-JRF Programme 2025, applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Be a bonafide Indian citizen residing in India.

• Hold a Bachelor’s degree (B.E./B.Tech./MBBS) or Master’s degree (M.Sc./M.Tech./M.VSc./M.Pharm./Integrated M.Sc./M.Tech.) in biotechnology or allied life sciences fields, such as Biomedical Sciences, Bioinformatics, Biochemistry, Biophysics, Botany, Chemistry, Computational Biology, Genetics, Microbiology, or Zoology.

• Have a minimum of 60% aggregate marks (or equivalent grade) for General, EWS, and OBC categories, or 55% for SC/ST/Differently Abled candidates in their qualifying degree.

• Be under 28 years of age as of March 28, 2025, for General and EWS categories. Age relaxation of 5 years (up to 33 years) is provided for SC/ST/Differently Abled candidates and women, and 3 years (up to 31 years) for OBC candidates.

• Be willing to pursue full-time doctoral research at a recognized university or research institution in India.

• Candidates yet to appear for their final semester examination or awaiting results are eligible to apply under the Result Awaited (RA) category, provided they meet the academic criteria upon result declaration.

• Candidates enrolled in DBT-supported M.Sc./M.Tech./M.VSc./M.Sc. (Agri) programs are also eligible to apply.

• Exclusions:

  • Candidates already receiving other government fellowships (e.g., CSIR-NET, UGC-NET) for PhD research are ineligible for Category-I funding.

  • Category-II selection does not guarantee a fellowship from the DBT-JRF Programme but allows appointment in DBT-sponsored projects.

The DBT-JRF Programme offers financial support as follows:

• Category-I Fellowship (up to 500 fellows):

  • Junior Research Fellow (JRF): INR 37,000 per month (effective from January 1, 2023, as per DST OM No. DST/PCPM/Z-06/2022, dated June 26, 2023) for the first two years.

  • Senior Research Fellow (SRF): INR 42,000 per month after two years, subject to performance review by the host institution’s Review Committee.

  • House Rent Allowance (HRA): Provided as per government norms if institutional accommodation is not available (typically 8–24% of the stipend, depending on the city).

  • Contingency Grant: INR 30,000 per annum for research-related expenses (e.g., consumables, travel, literature).

  • Duration: Up to 5 years (2 years as JRF + 3 years as SRF, subject to performance review), or until PhD completion, whichever is earlier.

• Category-II Selection: Candidates are eligible for appointment in DBT-sponsored projects with a fellowship equivalent to NET/GATE qualifications (as per DST guidelines). No direct fellowship is provided by the DBT-JRF Programme, and project investigators are not obligated to select from Category-II.

• Note: The fellowship is tenable at any recognized Indian university/institution where the candidate registers for a PhD. Verification of documents is required for shortlisted candidates, and award letters are issued only to those with valid documentation within one year of the BET result declaration.

The DBT-JRF Programme application process involves qualifying the Biotechnology Eligibility Test (BET) and subsequent steps for fellowship activation. Follow these steps:

1. Register for BET 2025:

   • Visit the official DBT-JRF portal (www.dbtjrf.gov.in) or the NTA website (www.nta.ac.in).

   • Create an account using a valid email ID and mobile number.

   • Complete the online application form, available from February 28, 2025, to March 28, 2025.

2. Pay Application Fee:

   • General/EWS/OBC: INR 1,000.

   • SC/ST/Differently Abled: INR 400.

   • Payment is made online via debit/credit card, net banking, or UPI.

3. Submit Documents: Upload required documents (listed below) in the specified format.

4. Make Corrections: Edit submitted applications during the correction window (March 30–31, 2025).

5. Download Admit Card: Available in the first week of May 2025 from the NTA website.

6. Appear for BET 2025: Scheduled for May 13, 2025 (10:00 AM–1:00 PM, Computer-Based Test, English medium).

   • Exam Structure:

     • Section A: 50 compulsory MCQs on General Science, Mathematics, Chemistry, General Aptitude, Analytical/Quantitative Ability, and General Biotechnology (3 marks each, 1 mark deducted for incorrect answers).

     • Section B: 150 MCQs on specialized biotechnology areas (e.g., Molecular Biology, Genetics, Bioinformatics); answer 50 questions (3 marks each, 1 mark deducted for incorrect answers).

     • Total: 100 questions, 300 marks, 3 hours.

   • Syllabus: Available at https://dbtindia.gov.in.

7. Check Results: BET results are announced in June 2025 on www.dbtjrf.gov.in. Two merit lists are prepared:

   • Category-I: Top candidates (up to 500) eligible for DBT-JRF fellowship.

   • Category-II: Candidates eligible for DBT-sponsored project appointments.

8. Apply for Fellowship (Category-I):

   • Log in to www.dbtjrf.gov.in, select “Award Letter Issuance,” and use the BET application email ID.

   • Complete the fellowship application form, upload required documents, and submit.

   • Award letters are issued after document verification, typically within one year of result declaration.

9. Join PhD Program: Register for a PhD at a recognized Indian university/institution to activate the fellowship.

Note: Shortlisted candidates may be called for an interview to assess their research proposal and knowledge. Ensure accurate document submission to avoid disqualification.

• For BET Application:

  • Recent passport-size photograph (digital format).

  • Signature (digital format).

  • Date of birth proof (e.g., 10th certificate).

  • Academic transcripts/mark sheets for all degrees (Bachelor’s and Master’s).

  • Category certificate (if applicable, for SC/ST/OBC/EWS/Differently Abled).

  • Result Awaited certificate (if final semester results are pending).

• For Fellowship Application (Post-BET):

  • BET 2025 scorecard (downloaded from www.dbtjrf.gov.in).

  • Research proposal (detailing intended PhD research).

  • No Objection Certificate (NOC) from current employer, if applicable.

  • PhD registration/enrollment certificate from the host institution.

  • Updated academic transcripts and category certificate (if applicable).

• Note: Documents must be uploaded in the specified format (e.g., PDF, JPEG). Originals are verified for shortlisted candidates before issuing award letters.

• BET 2025 Application Window: February 28, 2025, to March 28, 2025.

• Application Correction Window: March 30–31, 2025.

• Admit Card Release: First week of May 2025.

• BET Exam Date: May 13, 2025 (10:00 AM–1:00 PM).

• Result Declaration: June 2025 (tentative).

• Fellowship Application: Within one year of BET result declaration for Category-I candidates to secure the award letter.

• PhD Registration: Category-I fellows must register for a PhD within two years of the award letter issuance.

• Note: Deadlines are subject to change. Check www.dbtjrf.gov.in or www.nta.ac.in for updates.

• DBT-HRD Project & Management Unit (DBT-HRD PMU):

  • Email: dbtjrf@rcb.res.in

  • Address: Regional Centre for Biotechnology, NCR Biotech Science Cluster, 3rd Milestone, Faridabad-Gurgaon Expressway, Faridabad, Haryana – 121001, India.

• National Testing Agency (NTA):

  • Email: Contact via the NTA helpdesk on www.nta.ac.in.

  • Phone: +91-11-40759000

• Department of Biotechnology (DBT):

  • Website: www.dbtindia.gov.in

  • Address: Block 2, CGO Complex, Lodhi Road, New Delhi – 110003, India.

• Official Portal: www.dbtjrf.gov.in

• Competitive Selection: The BET is highly competitive, with thousands of applicants annually but only up to 500 Category-I fellowships awarded. Strong performance in both exam sections (General Aptitude and Specialized Biotechnology) is crucial.

• Category-II Opportunities: While Category-II candidates do not receive direct DBT-JRF funding, they are eligible for research positions in DBT-sponsored projects, offering a pathway to PhD enrollment subject to institutional selection.

• Research Scope: The program supports research in diverse areas, including Cell Biology, Genetics, Molecular Biology, Microbiology, Agricultural Biotechnology, Animal Biotechnology, Plant Biotechnology, Biostatistics, and Environmental Biotechnology.

• Impact Since 2004: The DBT-JRF Programme has supported thousands of scholars, building institutional capacity and fostering excellence in biotechnology research across India.

• Preparation Tips: Candidates should review the BET syllabus, practice previous years’ question papers, and focus on fundamental concepts. Resources like Pathfinder Academy and standard biotechnology textbooks are recommended.

• Document Verification: Award letters are issued only after rigorous document verification. Candidates found ineligible or submitting incorrect documents within one year of results lose eligibility.