The Department of Biotechnology, Ministry of Science & Technology, Government of India provides fellowships for pursuing research in biotechnology and life sciences through the "DBT-Junior Research Fellowship" (DBT-JRF) Programme.
Junior Research Fellowship - Introduction
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.
Eligibility
- Applicant must be an 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 older than 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 June.
- To apply for the BET exam, the applicant must have a master’s degree in biotechnology or a related field from a recognised university. The 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 the applicant has qualified in the BET exam, the applicant can apply for the DBT-JRF program online. The online application process typically opens in July and closes in August.
- To apply for the DBT-JRF program online, the applicant will need to create an account on the DBT website and fill in the required details. The applicant will also need to upload the required documents, such as the 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 the applicant’s research proposal and overall knowledge of biotechnology and life sciences. The applicant will also be asked questions about their 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. The applicant can check the final selection list online on the DBT website.