Introduction

The ICMR JRF (Junior Research Fellowship) examination, officially known as the DHR-ICMR Non Medical Biomedical Research Eligibility Test (BRET), is a national-level test for candidates seeking to pursue a PhD in Biomedical Sciences or Social Sciences. The exam is administered by the National Testing Agency (NTA) on behalf of the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR). This fellowship program is designed to identify promising researchers and support them in their doctoral studies.

Benefits of the ICMR JRF Fellowship

• Fellowship: The fellowship provides a monthly stipend and a contingency grant to support the research work.
• Career Path: The fellowship serves as a gateway to pursue a Ph.D. at premier institutions in India.
• Networking: It offers opportunities to work with leading scientists and researchers in the field of biomedical and social sciences.

Eligibility Criteria

• Age Limit: The upper age limit is 28 years as of a specified date, with a relaxation of up to five years for SC/ST, Physically Handicapped (PH)/Visually Handicapped (VH), and female candidates, and three years for OBC candidates.
• Educational Qualification:
  • For Life Sciences: M.Sc. or an equivalent post-graduate degree in a relevant discipline with at least 55% marks for General/EWS/OBC candidates and 50% for SC/ST/PH candidates.
  • For Social Sciences: M.A. in Social Sciences or equivalent with a minimum of 55% marks for General/EWS/OBC candidates and 50% for SC/ST/PH candidates.

Exam Structure (New after 2024)

The exam pattern is expected to undergo a significant change for 2025, moving to a three-part, entirely compulsory test, unlike the previous format that had an optional section. The new structure is as follows:

• Total Questions: 150 questions.
• Total Marks: 150 marks.
• Duration: 2 hours (120 minutes) without any break.
• Marking Scheme: +1 for each correct answer and a negative marking of 0.25 for each incorrect answer.

The three compulsory sections are:

• Section-A (Aptitude Section) comprising of 50 questions from the following areas:
  1. Reading Comprehension: Evaluate comprehension and interpretation skills across diverse fields.
  2. Reasoning Ability: Assess deductive reasoning, data interpretation, verbal and nonverbal reasoning.
  3. Analytical Ability: Analyze information systematically and logically, interpret data, and apply logical reasoning.
  4. Quantitative Ability: Evaluate logical reasoning, numerical analysis, and graphical interpretation.
  5. Quantitative comparison: Problem-solving through quantitative comparison and analytical reasoning.
• Section-B will be having 50 questions pertaining to cross-disciplinary areas and not from any specific domain but related to fundamental knowledge which is common to the topics listed below:
  1. Molecular basis of changes occurring in living cells.
  2. Cell structure and function including cell communication, signaling, growth, reproduction and differentiation.
  3. Basic understanding of physiological processes.
  4. Genetic inheritance and genomics.
  5. Origin of life and evolution.
  6. Biotechnological processes, techniques and applications.
  7. Biosafety.
  8. Bioethics.
  9. Natural and acquired immune responses.
  10. Common bacterial, viral, fungal and parasitic infections.
• Section-C would comprise of 50 questions relevant to applied/analytical part of the biological processes from the eleven (11) specific disciplines/subjects as listed below, candidate will have to opt for only for one subject for this section:
  1. Microbiology (Bacteriology, Virology, Parasitology, Entomology, Mycology)
  2. Biochemistry
  3. Biostatistics
  4. Veterinary Science/Medicine
  5. Public Health
  6. Nursing
  7. Biotechnology
  8. Social Behavioral Sciences (Anthropology, Sociology, Psychology)
  9. Nutrition
  10. Pharmacology
  11. Biological Sciences (Life Sciences, Human Biology, Environmental Sciences, Zoology, Botany)

Schedule

How to Apply & Apply Link

The application process for the ICMR JRF 2025 is expected to be conducted online by the NTA. As of now, the official notification and application dates have not been announced. The notification is generally released in April, followed by the registration window. Candidates should regularly check the official websites for updates.