ICMR JRF Recruitment 2026: Latest Vacancies, Syllabus & Exam Pattern

ICMR JRF 2026: Key Highlights

Job Profile & Responsibilities

The ICMR JRF fellowship is primarily a research-oriented position. Junior Research Fellows are expected to:

• Conduct original research experiments and studies in assigned biomedical and health science areas.
• Collect, analyze, and interpret research data.
• Contribute to writing research papers, reports, and proposals.
• Assist senior scientists and research staff.
• Maintain laboratory records and adhere to ethical research practices.
• Present research findings at conferences and meetings.

Eligibility Criteria (Detailed)

To be eligible for the ICMR JRF fellowship, candidates generally need to meet the following criteria:

• Educational Qualification: A Master's degree (M.Sc./MBBS/BAMS/BHMS/B.Pharma/MVSc/MDS or equivalent) in a relevant subject from a recognized university.
• Minimum Marks: Usually, a minimum of 55% marks or equivalent grade in the qualifying Master's degree is required.
• Qualifying Examinations: Candidates should have qualified in a relevant national-level entrance examination. Historically, this has included qualifying for either the CSIR-UGC NET (LS) exam (for science subjects) or the GATE exam (for engineering and science disciplines) for certain categories, or a specific ICMR entrance test. For 2026, candidates should look for the specific qualifying exam mentioned in the official notification.
• Age Limit: Generally, the maximum age limit is 28 years as of the closing date of the application. Age relaxations are provided for SC/ST, OBC, PwBD candidates, and women candidates as per government guidelines.

Selection Process & Exam Pattern

The selection process for ICMR JRF fellowships typically involves the following stages:

• Written Examination/National Level Test: ICMR may conduct its own entrance examination or accept scores from national-level tests like CSIR-UGC NET or GATE, depending on the fellowship scheme and year. The syllabus generally covers topics from the qualifying Master's degree, including subjects like Life Sciences, Health Sciences, Biotechnology, Biochemistry, Genetics, etc. The exam pattern usually involves Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs).
• Interview: Shortlisted candidates based on their performance in the written test or national-level exam are called for an interview. This stage assesses the candidate's research aptitude, knowledge, communication skills, and suitability for research work.

Likely Syllabus Topics: Molecular Biology, Cell Biology, Genetics, Biochemistry, Physiology, Immunology, Microbiology, Biotechnology, Bioinformatics, Public Health, Epidemiology, Medical Statistics, and relevant specialty areas.

Salary Structure & Allowances

ICMR JRF fellows receive a stipend and other allowances. The salary structure is subject to revision as per government norms. For 2026, candidates can expect:

• Fellowship/Stipend: Typically begins at ₹31,000 per month for the first two years.
• Contingency Grant: A research contingency grant may also be provided.
• House Rent Allowance (HRA): Admissible as per government rules if not provided with a hostel facility.

Note: Pay scales and allowances are subject to change based on the latest government directives and ICMR policy.

How to Apply

Applications for ICMR JRF fellowships are usually invited through specific notifications released by ICMR on its official website. The process typically involves:

1. Check Official Website: Regularly visit the official ICMR website (icmr.nic.in) for announcements and detailed notifications.
2. Read Notification Carefully: Understand the eligibility criteria, application dates, required documents, and the specific national-level examination scores accepted (if any).
3. Online Application: Fill out the application form accurately on the portal specified in the notification.
4. Application Fee: Pay the prescribed application fee online.
5. Submit Application: Submit the completed application form before the deadline.

Candidates should also monitor websites of ICMR institutes and national examination bodies (like CSIR-UGC NET) for related announcements.