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Tagore National Scholarship for Cultural Research 2026

The Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) offers a limited number of Junior Research Fellowships to support Read More... talented students pursuing Master's degrees in agriculture and related fields. Read less

Details

The Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) believes in nurturing talent and promoting excellence in agricultural education. Through its Junior Research Fellowship (JRF) program for Post-Graduate Studies, ICAR aims to encourage bright students to pursue higher education and research in agriculture and allied sciences. This fellowship provides financial assistance for a Master's degree, covering both coursework and research.

What Is This Scheme?

The ICAR Junior Research Fellowship (JRF) for Post-Graduate Studies is a national-level program designed to support students who wish to obtain a Master's degree in various branches of agriculture and its related fields. The fellowship is awarded based on performance in a competitive entrance examination, aiming to identify and reward merit among aspiring agricultural scientists and professionals.

Who Can Benefit From This Scheme?

This fellowship is for students who have completed their Bachelor's degree in agriculture or allied sciences and are looking to pursue a Master's degree. It's particularly beneficial for those who want to further their education at prestigious agricultural universities across India and contribute to advancing agricultural practices and research.

Why This Scheme Is Important

The ICAR JRF plays a crucial role in strengthening the agricultural research and education system in India. By providing financial aid and recognition, it motivates students to dedicate themselves to higher studies, fostering innovation and contributing to the overall development and modernization of the agricultural sector.

Objective

The Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) offers a limited number of Junior Research Fellowships to support talented students pursuing Master's degrees in agriculture and related fields.

Benefits

Honorarium:

  1. The scholarship honorarium will be ₹50,000/- per month. However, if the scholar is from a University, College, Research Institute, or Government set-up in India, he/she would be entitled to the same pay, including grade pay, etc., which he/she would have drawn had he/she continued in his/her parent organization.

Note:Essential or mandatory contribution of the employer to Provident Fund etc. would be paid by the parent organizations had he/she continued in his/her parent organization.

Contingency Grant:
  1. In case of scholars selected as Tagore Scholars under Non-MoC institutions, will also be paid a contingency grant by the Ministry on an ‘actuals basis’ up to a maximum ceiling of ₹10,000 per month and such other allowances/benefits provided in this scheme, and to the extent, as may be specifically decided in each case by the ILSCC/NSC (within the limits applicable in the case of Tagore National Fellows), depending on the nature and the duration of the project subject to the verification of the bills by the Nodal Institutions.

Note:For scholars selected under MoC Institutions, the expenditure in this regard will be borne by the concerned MoC Institution from the grant-in-aid received by them from their administrative Division of the Ministry.

Accommodation:
  1. A Scholar who is not a bona-fide resident of the place of the Participating Institution to which he has proposed to be affiliated and who intends to take up rented accommodation in the city of the desired Institution will be required to indicate this fact at the time of applying for Scholarship.
  2. The selected Scholar will be entitled to receive a House Rent Allowance of up to 30% of the honorarium. However, with respect to Scholars from University, College, Research Institute or Government set up, HRA will be paid by the Parent Organization as per entitlement.
  3. MoC Institutions will bear the expenditure in this regard from the grant-in-aid received by them from their administrative Division of the Ministry.
  4. In respect of Non-MoC Institutions, the Ministry of Culture will reimburse the House Rent Allowance directly to Scholars on submission of rent receipts (in original) to the Participating Institutions who will verify and forward the same to the Ministry for reimbursement.
Settling Allowance:
  1. A Scholar from outstation will be given, if required, a lump sum grant of ₹1.00 lakh as settling allowance for packing/transportation, etc., of his personal belongings from the old station to the new station of his stay during the tenure of the Scholarship, if he moves station or otherwise transports books and academic effects.
  2. Allowance of an equal amount will also be given at the conclusion of the Scholarship for moving out of station. On a case-to-case basis, economy airfare from his/her place/country of residence will be provided/reimbursed upon joining and on the conclusion of the Scholarship.
  3. In this regard, Non-MoC Institutions will bear the expenditure and thereafter seek reimbursement from the Ministry after submission of certified copies of Bills along with justification.
  4. Intimation in advance is also required to be given to the Ministry by the Non-MoC Institutions. MoC Institutions will bear the expenditure in this regard from the grant-in-aid received by them from their administrative Division of the Ministry.
Support to Scholars:
  • Infrastructural support will be provided by the Nodal Institution to the Scholars to enable them to conduct their research. This may include the provision of a computer with peripherals and connectivity, working space in the institution’s premises, providing a congenial atmosphere to carry out research, etc. Other facilities, like appropriate seating arrangements, library facilities, etc., will also be made available.
  • One important advantage of this scheme will be the access of the Scholars to national institutions for study and avail original and rare research material. In respect of foreign Scholars engaged under this scheme, necessary political/security clearances from the concerned Ministries/Departments shall be obtained by the Ministry of Culture.
  • Encouragement and financial support may also be given to enable the Scholars to present papers at conferences hosted by the concerned institution or other related organizations and institutions, which will be met out/reimbursed, on an ‘actuals’ basis, with a ceiling of ₹1.00 lakh per annum, provided adequate academic interaction is arranged.
  • Sources and references

    Eligibility Criteria

    The fellowship is awarded based on merit in the All India Competitive Entrance Examination (ICAR-JRF) and concurrent admission to a Master's degree program at designated Agricultural Universities (AUs). These include State Agricultural Universities (SAUs) and specific deemed and central universities with agricultural faculties.

    1. Candidates must have completed their Bachelor’s Degree or be in the final year of their Bachelor’s Degree in the relevant field. The program structure should be 10+2+5, 10+2+4, or 10+2+3 (for basic science subjects). The specific admission requirements of each Agricultural University will be the final deciding factor.
    2. Academic Marks: General, OBC, and Under Privileged States (UPS) categories require at least 60% marks or an OGPA of 6.60/10.00 (3.25/5.00 or 2.6/4.00). For SC/ST/Physically Handicapped (PH) categories, a minimum of 55% marks or an OGPA of 5.5/10.00 (2.75/5.00 or 2.20/4.00) is needed. OGPA equivalence will be certified by the respective university registrar.
    3. For admission to M.V.Sc. programs, candidates must have completed their B.V.Sc.&A.H. degree, including the internship, before their registration date.
    4. Minimum Age: Applicants must be at least 19 years old as of the examination date. No relaxation is provided for this age limit.

    Important Notes:

    • Reservations for SC/ST/OBC and PH categories will be applied as per Government of India rules. The Agricultural University will be responsible for verifying the authenticity of these certificates.
    • The ICAR-JRF is strictly for admissions to the Agricultural Universities (AUs) mentioned in the scheme guidelines.

    How To Apply

    Applications for the ICAR Junior Research Fellowship are accepted exclusively through the online mode. You will need to visit the official website to complete and submit your application.

    1. Visit the official ICAR examination website: https://icar.nta.nic.in.
    2. Fill out the online application form accurately with all required details.
    3. Upload scanned images of your photograph, signature, and thumb impression as per the specifications.
    4. Pay the application fee online through the available payment gateways (SBI/Syndicate/HDFC Payment Gateway using Debit Card/Credit Card/Net Banking/UPI).
    5. Keep a proof of the fee payment for your records.
    6. Submit the application form before the deadline.

    Note: Application forms submitted through any other mode will not be accepted.

    Documents Required

    When filling out the online application form, you will need to provide details and potentially upload scanned images of the following:

    • Candidate's Photograph
    • Candidate's Signature
    • Thumb Impression (Left for males, Right for females)
    • Government Identity Card Details (e.g., Aadhaar Number, Election Card, Passport number, Ration Card Number, Bank Account Number, PAN Number, or other valid government IDs)
    • Three identical recent passport-size coloured photographs with name and date imprinted
    • Proof of application fee payment
    • Postal dispatch proof of application (if applicable)
    • Communication Address, Mobile Number, and Email ID
    • Bank Account Details

    Important: No certificates are required to be uploaded with the online application. These will be verified directly at the time of admission by the admitting university.

    FAQ’s

    What if I make a mistake while filling out the application form?

    Once you click 'Final Submit', you generally cannot edit your application details. However, a specific 'Correction Window' will be opened by NTA as per the schedule. During this period, you can make corrections online. No changes will be allowed after this correction window closes, so all submitted details will be considered final.

    Can I apply for more than one course at the same time?

    No, candidates are allowed to submit only one application form each.

    How can I pay the application fee?

    You can pay the application fee using the SBI/Syndicate/HDFC Payment Gateway. Accepted methods include Debit Card, Credit Card, Net Banking, and UPI. Make sure to keep the payment proof with you.

    When will I receive my admit card?

    Your admit card will be uploaded on the NTA website (https://icar.nta.nic.in) as per the schedule. You should check it carefully for all your details, including your Roll Number, Name, Subject Group, Date of Birth, Gender, Examination Centre, and Category.

    What is the purpose of the ICAR JRF for students in agriculture?

    The ICAR JRF is important as it identifies and supports talented students, encouraging them to pursue advanced education and research. This helps in developing skilled professionals and contributing to the growth and modernization of India's agricultural sector.

    Do I need to upload any certificates with my application?

    No, you do not need to upload any certificates along with the online application form. However, you will need to upload scanned images of your photograph, signature, and thumb impression. All original documents will be verified directly by the university at the time of admission.

    What should I do if I don't receive my Admit Card?

    If you don't receive your admit card, you can contact NTA using the toll-free number or email address that will be displayed on the website. The provided contact details for queries are: Toll-free Number: 0120-6895200 and Email: [email protected].

    Does the fellowship cover both studies and research?

    Yes, the ICAR Junior Research Fellowship is designed to support postgraduate students for both their academic coursework and the research work required to complete their Master's degree.

    Is the ICAR JRF applicable nationwide in India?

    Yes, the ICAR JRF is a national-level fellowship available to eligible candidates across India for pursuing Master's degrees at designated agricultural universities.

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