National Mission on Natural Farming 2026

The University Grants Commission (UGC) offers a Junior Research Fellowship (JRF) for those aspiring to conduct Ph.D. Read More... research in engineering and technology. Read less

Details

Are you passionate about research in engineering and technology? The University Grants Commission (UGC), under the Department of Higher Education, presents a fantastic opportunity for aspiring scholars through its Junior Research Fellowship (JRF) scheme.

What Is This Scheme?

This fellowship is designed for individuals who want to pursue doctoral research (Ph.D.) in fields like engineering and technology. Since the UGC and CSIR don't currently conduct a National Eligibility Test (NET) for these specific areas, this scheme allows candidates with M.Pharma, M.E., or M.Tech degrees to get selected through direct interviews. The UGC aims to support 50 such research slots every year.

Who Can Benefit From This Scheme?

This fellowship is for students who have completed their Master's degree in engineering, technology, or pharmacy with at least 55 percent marks. It’s a gateway for them to dive into advanced research and contribute to the growth of their chosen fields.

Why This Scheme Is Important

The primary goal is to foster high-level research in crucial areas of engineering and technology, including agricultural engineering. By providing financial support and a structured research environment, the UGC encourages innovation and the development of new knowledge, ultimately benefiting the nation.

Objective

The University Grants Commission (UGC) offers a Junior Research Fellowship (JRF) for those aspiring to conduct Ph.D. research in engineering and technology.

Benefits

• Farmers practicing Natural Farming reported similar yields to those following conventional farming. In several cases, higher yields per harvest were also reported.• As Natural Farming does not use any synthetic chemicals, health risks and hazards are eliminated. The food has higher nutrition density and therefore offers better health benefits.• Natural Farming ensures better soil biology, improved agrobiodiversity and a more judicious usage of water with much smaller carbon and nitrogen footprints.• Natural Farming aims to make farming viable and aspirational by increasing net incomes of farmers on account of cost reduction, reduced risks, similar yields, incomes from intercropping.• By working with diverse crops that help each other and cover the soil to prevent unnecessary water loss through evaporation, Natural Farming optimizes the amount of ‘crop per drop’.

Sources and references

Guidelines

Who Can Apply?

You need a Master's degree in engineering, technology, or pharmacy with at least 55 percent marks.
A GATE score is not mandatory to apply for this research fellowship.
You must hold an M.E./M.Tech degree.
The age limit is 40 years as of July 1st of the award year. This limit is extended by five years for women and candidates from SC/ST categories.
A reservation of 22.5 percent of fellowships is set aside for SC/ST candidates who meet the required qualifications. If suitable SC/ST candidates are not found, these slots will be offered to general candidates.

How to Apply

The University Grants Commission (UGC) selects candidates for this fellowship through direct interviews. While the JSON input doesn't specify a direct application portal for this specific interview-based selection, typically, candidates need to:

Keep an eye on official UGC notifications and university/department websites for announcements regarding interviews or calls for applications.
Prepare a brief abstract (not exceeding 500 words) of your proposed research work, including your methods.
Ensure you have all the required documents ready for the interview stage.

Note: As this scheme involves selection via direct interviews, a formal online application link might not be available at all times. Please refer to official UGC announcements for the latest procedures.

Documents You'll Need

A filled Application Form.
Aadhaar Card/Number.
Proof of Date of Birth (e.g., Birth Certificate or Class 10th Marksheet).
Proof of your current address.
Copies of all your educational qualification mark sheets and certificates (including diplomas).
A certificate from the Head of your Department or Institution.
A brief abstract (up to 500 words) outlining your proposed research work and methodology.
If currently employed, proof of your employment status.
A Declaration form.
A Basic Data Sheet.
Caste certificate (if you belong to SC/ST category).
Minority community certificate (if applicable).
Disability certificate (if applicable).
Bank account details.
A valid government-issued ID proof.

FAQ’s

What is the main aim of this Junior Research Fellowship?

The main goal is to offer scholars a chance to do advanced research and studies in engineering, technology, and agricultural engineering, which leads to a Ph.D. degree. Please note that subjects like geology and geo-physics are not covered under this scheme.

How long can I receive the fellowship benefits?

The fellowship benefits are provided for the entire duration of your research leading up to the Ph.D. degree, up to a maximum of five years.

What is the monthly fellowship amount for the initial period?

For the first two years, the fellowship amount is Rs. 14,000 per month. After that, it increases to Rs. 15,000 per month for the remaining period.

How much contingency grant is provided annually?

You will receive Rs. 12,000 per year as a contingency grant for the first two years, which then increases to Rs. 25,000 per year for the subsequent years.

What financial support does the host institution receive?

The host institution gets Rs. 3,000 per year per student as departmental assistance to help provide necessary infrastructure for the researcher.

Is there any special financial aid for candidates with disabilities?

Yes, physically handicapped and blind candidates are eligible for Escorts/Reader Assistance amounting to Rs. 2,000 per month.

Does the scheme offer any specific medical support?

No separate or fixed medical allowance is provided. However, fellows can utilize the existing medical facilities available within their institution or university.

How many days of leave can a researcher take each year?

Researchers are allowed a maximum of 30 days of leave annually, in addition to public holidays.

Can I take leave during summer or winter vacations?

No, you are not entitled to take leave for standard vacations like summer, winter, or Pooja holidays.

What are the provisions for maternity leave for women fellows?

Women candidates are eligible for 135 days of maternity leave at their full fellowship rate, usable once during the award tenure.

Does the time taken for leave without fellowship count towards the total tenure?

Yes, any period of leave taken without fellowship will be counted as part of your total fellowship tenure.

What is the maximum duration of the JRF and SRF combined?

The total fellowship period for both Junior Research Fellowship (JRF) and Senior Research Fellowship (SRF) is five years. This period is non-extendable.

Do I need to have a GATE score to be considered for this Ph.D. fellowship?

No, a GATE score is not a mandatory requirement to be eligible for this research fellowship to pursue your Ph.D.

What is the age limit for applying to this fellowship?

The age limit is 40 years as of July 1st of the award year. This limit is extended by five years for women and candidates belonging to SC/ST categories.

Are there any reserved seats for SC/ST candidates?

Yes, 22.5 percent of the fellowships are reserved for SC/ST candidates who meet the eligibility criteria. If there aren't enough eligible SC/ST candidates, these slots may be offered to general candidates.

Is there an application fee for this scheme?

No, the entire application and selection process for this scheme is free of charge.

Can I complete the application form later if I don't finish it in one go?

Yes, you can save your application as a draft and return to complete it later, as long as you submit it before the deadline.