Ugc net jrf . Its eligibility, cutoff and stipend

The UGC NET JRF 2025 is a prestigious research scholarship offered by the University Grants Commission (UGC), India, to support bright postgraduate students as they pursue doctoral and advanced research. This fellowship empowers young scholars to contribute meaningfully to academia and innovation.

Contents

Eligibility Criteria for UGC net JRF Fellowship:
Benefits for UGC net JRF Fellowship:
Duration for UGC net JRF:
Learning Approach:
Application Procedure for UGC net JRF:
Last date:
Documents Required:
Important Links:
Contact Details:
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

Eligibility Criteria for UGC net JRF Fellowship:

To be eligible for the UGC NET JRF , applicants must meet the following requirements:

Must have completed or be pursuing the final year of a post-graduate degree (Master’s/M.Phil/LLM) from a recognized university with at least 55% marks (50% for reserved categories).
Must qualify the UGC NET exam and secure the Junior Research Fellowship (JRF) rank in the cycle for which they apply.
Age limit: Maximum 30 years (up to 35 years for reserved categories – OBC-NCL, SC, ST, PwD, etc.).
Indian nationals are eligible to apply for the fellowship.
Must not be pursuing a Ph.D. or have already been awarded a JRF/teacher fellowship elsewhere.
Fellow should sign an undertaking not to take up another fellowship concurrently.

Benefits for UGC net JRF Fellowship:

Benefits Offered Under the UGC NET JRF Fellowship

Candidates who are selected for the UGC NET Junior Research Fellowship (JRF) are entitled to a range of financial and academic benefits designed to support their research work and higher studies. These benefits not only provide financial assistance but also ensure a stable and conducive environment for academic growth.

1. Monthly Fellowship Stipend

Fellows receive a monthly stipend to help cover their living and academic expenses.

First Two Years: During the initial two years of the fellowship, selected candidates are entitled to a monthly stipend of ₹37,000.
After Two Years: Upon successful assessment of research progress, the fellowship amount increases to ₹42,000 per month for the remaining duration of the fellowship.

This regular financial support ensures that scholars can fully dedicate their time and energy to research without worrying about income sources.

2. Contingency Grant

To support the purchase of books, journals, equipment, and other research-related materials, a Contingency Grant is provided:

First Two Years: ₹12,000 per annum
Third Year Onward: ₹15,000 per annum

This grant is intended to meet unforeseen academic and research needs that arise during the course of the fellowship.

3. House Rent Allowance (HRA)

Fellows who do not reside in institution-provided accommodation are eligible for House Rent Allowance. The HRA is paid as a percentage of the basic stipend, based on the city or town where the fellow is residing:

8%, 16%, or 24%, depending on whether the location is classified as a Tier-3, Tier-2, or Tier-1 city respectively, according to UGC norms.

HRA is meant to help fellows afford safe and appropriate housing close to their research institutions.

4. Medical Benefits

All selected fellows are entitled to receive medical coverage. This is either under the National Health Scheme (NHS) or as per the health policy followed by the host institution. This ensures access to basic healthcare during the fellowship period.

5. Leave Entitlement

Fellows are allowed leave in accordance with UGC guidelines:

Casual Leave: Up to 30 days per calendar year.
In addition to casual leave, fellows are also entitled to all gazetted public holidays as per the rules of their host institution.

These leave policies help fellows maintain a healthy work-life balance and take necessary breaks when needed.

6. Statutory Deductions and Compliance

Although no direct deductions are made from the stipend amount itself, fellows are expected to comply with all applicable government regulations. This includes:

Provident Fund (PF)
Income Tax
Other statutory requirements as per law or institutional policies.

These are legal obligations that fellows must be aware of and follow, although the stipend remains unaffected directly by these deductions.

Duration for UGC net JRF:

Total Duration: The UGC NET JRF is valid for three years only.
Maximum Duration: Three years from the date of joining.

Learning Approach:

The UGC NET JRF fellowship 2025 encourages a holistic research-oriented learning approach:

Mentored Research: Fellows work under a Ph.D. supervisor guide, following regular project reviews.
Seminar Participation: Participation in national or international conferences, workshops, symposia during the tenure.
Publication: Expected to publish in reputed peer-reviewed journals or at least present conference papers.
Training & Skill Development: Access to advanced research methodology seminars, labs, field research if applicable.
Interdisciplinary Exposure: Fellows can collaborate across departments/institutions to foster interdisciplinary scholarship.

Application Procedure for UGC net JRF:

1.Visit the Official Website

Go to: https://ugcnet.nta.nic.in

2. Registration

Click on “Apply Online” or “Registration for UGC NET” link.
If you’re a new user, select “New Registration” and fill in the required personal details such as:
- Name
- Date of Birth
- Email ID
- Mobile number
Create a password and select a security question.

3. Fill the Application Form

After registration, login using your application number and password.
Fill in the details:
- Personal information
- Educational qualifications
- Exam center preferences
- Subject and post preference (e.g., JRF and/or Assistant Professor)
- Category, PwD status, etc.

4. Upload Documents

Scanned passport-size photograph (10–200 KB, JPG/JPEG)
Scanned signature (4–30 KB, JPG/JPEG)

Payment can be made via Credit/Debit Card, Net Banking, or UPI.

5. Pay the Application Fee

Category	Fee (as per last notification)
General (Unreserved)	₹ 1150
General-EWS/OBC-NCL	₹ 600
SC/ST/PwD/Transgender	₹ 325

6. Download Confirmation Page

After successful payment, download and print the confirmation page for your records.

Last date:

The application process for the UGC‑NET (June 2025 session)—including eligibility for Junior Research Fellowship (JRF) and Assistant Professor—has officially closed. Here’s the timeline you need:

📌 Official Deadlines (June 2025 Session)

Event	Date
Application Start Date	April 16, 2025
Last Date to Apply	May 7, 2025 (11:59 PM IST)
Last Date for Fee Payment	May 8, 2025 (11:59 PM IST)
Application Correction Window	May 9–10, 2025
Exam Dates	June 21–30, 2025

Documents Required:

📝 1. Documents for Online Application

You should have these ready before starting your UGC NET application (June 2025 cycle):

Recent passport-size photo (colour, white/light background; JPEG/JPG; 10–200 KB; ≤ 3 months old)
Signature scan (black ink on white paper; JPEG/JPG; 4–30 KB; running hand—not all caps)
Identity proof number: Aadhaar / Passport / Voter ID / Driving Licence / Bank account number / etc.
Academic certificates/mark‑sheets:
- Class 10 (for date of birth)
- Class 12
- Master’s degree (or final-year marksheets)
- (Optional) PG diploma—if not a full Master’s, you’ll need an equivalence certificate from AIU
Category certificate (SC/ST/OBC-NCL/EWS), PwD certificate (if applicable)
Valid email ID and mobile number (for OTP, login, and communication)
Exam centre preferences (you can choose up to 4) and subject/course codes as per the brochure/information bulletin

📌 2. Documents to Carry to the Exam Center

Bring these with you on exam day:

UGC NET Admit Card (printout)
Original photo ID matching the one used in your application (Aadhaar, Passport, Voter ID, DL, PAN, Ration Card, etc.)
Passport-size photograph (the same as uploaded)
PwD certificate (if you’re availing such facilities)

Important Links:

Contact Details:

For any queries related to UGC NET JRF fellowship 2025, reach out to:

UGC NET Helpline: +91‑011‑26741550 / 26742154
Email: ugcnet@ugc.ac.in
UGC Regional Office (East Zone, Kolkata): +91‑33‑2334‑8399
University Scholarship Cell: Contact your selected university’s official webpage for phone/email.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

What is UGC NET JRF Fellowship?
The UGC NET JRF (Junior Research Fellowship) is a prestigious government-funded fellowship awarded to candidates who qualify the exam with top merit. It allows them to pursue full-time research (M.Phil./Ph.D.) in Indian universities and institutions. This fellowship is highly sought after by those aiming for a research-oriented academic career.
Who is eligible to apply for UGC NET JRF?
Postgraduate candidates with a minimum of 55% marks (50% for SC/ST/OBC/PwD/Third gender) are eligible to apply for the UGC NET JRF exam. Final year PG students can also apply. The upper age limit is 30 years (relaxable by 5 years for reserved categories and women) specifically for the UGC NET JRF component.
What is the age limit for UGC JRF?
As of the exam date:

30 years for general candidates
Relaxation of 5 years for SC/ST/OBC-NCL/Women/PwD candidates
This age limit applies specifically to the UGC NET JRF eligibility.

What is the difference between UGC NET and JRF?

UGC NET qualifies you for Assistant Professor roles.
UGC NET JRF includes a fellowship for research and also makes you eligible for Assistant Professor roles. Only top-ranking candidates receive the UGC NET JRF.

Is JRF mandatory for pursuing a PhD in India?
No, it is not mandatory for a PhD, but it provides financial support and is highly preferred for full-time research scholars pursuing M.Phil. or Ph.D.
How can I apply for UGC NET JRF?
Apply online at the official NTA UGC NET portal. During the application, select the option for “JRF and Assistant Professor” to be considered for the UGC NET JRF.
What is the exam pattern for UGC NET JRF?

Paper I: General Teaching & Research Aptitude – 50 questions, 100 marks
Paper II: Subject-specific – 100 questions, 200 marks
There is no negative marking in the UGC NET JRF exam.

Is there a separate application for JRF and Assistant Professor?
No. You make your preference choice (“JRF and Assistant Professor” or “Assistant Professor only”) in a single application form for the UGC NET JRF.
How is the JRF cut-off decided?
The cut-off is based on:

Overall performance
Number of JRF slots
Subject-wise and category-wise normalization

How many attempts are allowed for UGC JRF?
You can attempt the UGC NET JRF multiple times until the age of 30 (with relaxation for certain categories). There is no limit on attempts for the NET (Assistant Professor) alone.
What is the monthly fellowship amount under UGC JRF?

₹37,000/month for the first 2 years (JRF period)
₹42,000/month for the next 3 years (SRF phase)
Additionally, fellows receive HRA (if applicable) and an annual contingency grant.

What is the duration of the UGC JRF Fellowship?
The total duration of the UGC NET JRF is 5 years:

2 years as Junior Research Fellow (JRF)
3 years as Senior Research Fellow (SRF), subject to performance evaluation

Do JRF fellows receive HRA?
Yes. If the institute does not provide accommodation, JRF fellows are eligible for House Rent Allowance (HRA), according to institution norms.
Is UGC JRF Fellowship taxable?
No. The fellowship is considered a scholarship and is exempt from income tax under Section 10(16) of the Income Tax Act.
Can I hold another fellowship with UGC JRF simultaneously?
No, UGC NET JRF holders cannot hold any other fellowship or full-time employment while receiving the fellowship.
How do I activate my JRF fellowship after qualifying the exam?
To activate the UGC NET JRF:

Get admission into an M.Phil./Ph.D. program
Submit required documents to your institution
Register on the Canara Bank Scholarship Portal (Scholarship/Fellowship Management System)

Is GATE required to get UGC JRF?
No. GATE is not a requirement for the UGC NET JRF. The UGC NET JRF is a standalone exam mainly for non-engineering disciplines like humanities, commerce, social sciences, etc.
How can I track the disbursement of my JRF fellowship?
You can monitor the status of your fellowship through the Canara Bank Scholarship Portal:
🔗 https://scholarship.canarabank.in/scholar/Login.aspx
What documents are required to start receiving the JRF fellowship?
Typical documents needed for UGC NET JRF disbursal:

JRF award letter
Admission proof (Ph.D./M.Phil.)
Joining report
HRA certificate (if applicable)
Bank account details
Identity proof

Can JRF holders work part-time or take up teaching assignments?
Yes, UGC NET JRF holders may engage in part-time academic work such as teaching, with prior permission from their supervisor and institution.
Can I transfer my fellowship to another university?
Yes, but you need a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from both the current and new institutions. UGC’s approval is required for transferring the UGC NET JRF fellowship.
What happens if I do not join a PhD after qualifying JRF?
The certificate remains valid for 3 years from the result date. If not activated within this period, it expires.
Is UGC JRF Fellowship valid for PhD programs abroad?
No. The UGC NET JRF fellowship is valid only for research programs within India.
How long is the JRF certificate valid before joining a research program?
The certificate is valid for three years. You must enroll in an eligible program within this period to avail the fellowship.
What are the career benefits of qualifying for the JRF?