NET JRF 2021: The University Grants Commission sponsored the Junior Research Fellowship (JRF) is one of the greatest research schemes offered by the government of India. To award JRF’s to eligible candidates, UGC conducts the NET examination throughout the country. The National Eligibility Test (NET) for JRF is conducted bi-yearly in June and in December. The government offers to encourage Mphil and PhD holders to contribute to the nations’ science and development activities. In this regard, the JRF provides adequate scope and unlimited opportunities for selected fellows to pursue advanced scientific research in the field of languages/humanities/ social sciences and sciences. This article gives detail information about Junior Research Fellowship 2021 that includes the last date to apply, eligibility criteria, application process, documents required, selection procedure, renewal, rewards and more.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
NET JRF – Eligibility Criteria
JRF is awarded to candidates who intend to do Mphil or PhD courses to pursue advanced research in their specific areas of interest. For this purpose, candidates have to clear the NET exams with a good score successfully. Also, candidates should have sought admission into an institute that allows them to pursue research through JRF. Given below are detailed eligibility criteria for interested candidates:
- Candidate should be a master degree holder with a minimum score of 55%.
- Candidate should have pursued masters in one of these areas – humanities/ social sciences/ sciences/ languages/ computer science/ computer applications/ electronics etc.
- Candidate should have pursued masters’ course from UGC recognized universities only.
- Sc/ST/PWD/OBC candidates and transgender communities enjoy the relaxation of 5% in minimum score required.
- Candidates pursuing their final year of masters’ degree are also eligible.
- Candidate should be able to complete the masters’ course within two years of applying to NET-JRF exam.
- PhD holders also enjoy 5% relaxation in minimum marks required.
- Maximum age to apply for JRF is 30 years. Reserved candidates enjoy 5% relaxation in age limit.
- Candidates with a previous track record of exceptional research can get additional relaxation of 5 years in the specified age limit.
- Candidates who are LLM degree holders enjoy three years relaxation in age limit specification.
NET JRF – Application Process
The following process explains the steps to get admission into full-time Mphil or PhD course and thereby claim the JRF allowance:
- Visit the official portal of National Testing Agency [NTA], a web initiative by the MHRD, the government of India. [https://ugcnet.nta.nic.in/webinfo/public/home.aspx]
- Scroll to ‘Quick links’ and select ‘UGC NET’.
- Enter requisite details in the application form displayed.
- The application number displayed should be noted down for future references.
- Candidates need to scan and upload recent passport size photo and signature of the candidate.
- Candidates need to perform online exam payment through the SBI_MOPS gateway. Preserve payment proof for future needs.
- Wait for the confirmation page to be displayed.
- Right after this application process is completed; lookout for advertisements calling out for admissions into Mphil or PhD programs.
- Select the right institute and course.
- Once a candidate gets enrolled, he automatically receives the JRF grant amount.
NET JRF – Exam Pattern
The selection for JRF is done through the NET exam conducted twice a year. UGC conducts the exam and the specific pattern and format are explained in the steps below:
- A Computer Based Test (CBT) – an online mode test is conducted for candidates.
- The exam consists of two papers – Paper 1 and Paper 2.
- The exam consists of a total of 150 questions. 50 questions are covered in paper 1, while 100 questions are covered in paper 2.
- All questions in paper 1 and paper 2 are compulsory.
- 100 marks of paper 1 and 200 marks of paper 2 are reserved for the objective type or MCQ’s.
- Paper 1 concern with General Studies, Logical Reasoning, General Awareness and similar sections. Questions based on the candidate’s aptitude and skills in teaching are also present.
- For paper 2, the candidate has to choose a subject area of his own choice.
NET JRF Rewards and Benefits
On the further assessment of the candidate’s progress in his research work, he shall be deemed fit to receive a higher grant in the form of Senior Research Fellowship (SRF). SRF is for 3 years. JRF and SRF combined are for the tenure of 5 years. Here in this section, we list down important benefits of the JRF scheme:
- Monthly grant of INR 12,000 for two years.
- Contingency grant for candidates conducting research in humanities and social sciences – INR 10,000 per annum [ for 2 years]
- Contingency grant for candidates conducting research in sciences – INR 12,000 per annum [ for 2 years]
- INR 3000 per annum per student is provided as departmental assistance to the institution where the candidate chooses to study and do research.
- INR 2000 per month as escort grant for physically disabled and blind candidates.
- HRA as per government norms.
Please Note: The national average salary for a Junior Research Fellow is ₹3,62,449 in India.
NET JRF – Terms and Conditions
Here are some of the important terms and conditions that all candidates appearing for the NET exam to get Junior Research Fellowship grant should abide by:
- Candidates only need to send an online application form. There is no need to send a print or hard copy again by postal means.
- No applications should be accompanied by documents or mark sheets or certificates.
- All qualifications acquired by the candidate should meet standards equivalent to a master degree recognized by the government of India [ association of Indian universities, New Delhi]
- Candidates who send multiple applications shall be rejected outright without any further notice.
- The exam ID card/ admit card for writing NET shall be available on the official portal of NTA. Candidates can download it from the online portal.
- 40% in paper 1 and 40% in paper 2 of is the minimum qualifying score required in NET exam.
- The funding of JRF is counted for 2 years right from the date of dispatch of JRF official letter to the candidate.
NET JRF – FAQ’s
1. What is the tenure for which JRF is offered?
Answer: JRF is offered for a duration of 2 years only.
2. What is the financial assistance provided under the JRF scheme?
Answer: The selected fellows receive a financial grant of INR 28000 among other benefits.
3. What is the basic application procedure to be followed?
Answer: An online application needs to be sent through the official portal of NTA.
4. What are the key dates to be remembered?
Answer: Applications are called in twice a year, in June and in December.
5. What are the minimum qualifying marks to be attained in the NET?
Answer: 40% score for General merit category and 35% for other reserved classes is compulsory.
Contact Details
Address: UGC, Bahadur Shah Zafar Marg, New Delhi – 110002
Helpline Number: 011-23604446.
E-mail: [email protected]