JRF Scholarship Details: Amount, Duration & Rules (UGC JRF 2026 Complete Guide)

The JRF Scholarship is one of the most prestigious government-funded research fellowships in India. Awarded through the UGC NET examination, the Junior Research Fellowship (JRF) supports postgraduate candidates who aspire to pursue advanced research and enroll in PhD programs at recognized universities.

Every year, thousands of aspirants search for reliable information on JRF scholarship amount, JRF fellowship duration, promotion rules from JRF to SRF, eligibility conditions, and continuation guidelines. Many candidates are also confused about the difference between JRF and SRF, stipend structure, and fellowship regulations.

This complete guide explains UGC JRF scholarship details 2026, including fellowship amount per month, duration, evaluation process, HRA rules, contingency grant, eligibility, and key regulations applicable to Junior Research Fellowship in Science, Humanities, and Social Sciences.

What is JRF Scholarship?

The JRF Scholarship refers to the financial assistance provided under the Junior Research Fellowship scheme by the University Grants Commission (UGC). Candidates who qualify UGC NET with JRF become eligible to receive a monthly fellowship to pursue full-time PhD research.

Objectives of the JRF Fellowship

• Promote advanced research in India
• Provide financial support during PhD studies
• Encourage academic excellence
• Strengthen research in Science, Humanities, and Social Sciences

UGC JRF is a fully government-funded research fellowship aimed at developing future academicians and researchers.

UGC JRF: Who Awards the Fellowship?

The UGC JRF is awarded through the UGC NET examination, conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA).

Once a candidate qualifies for UGC NET with JRF, the University Grants Commission provides financial support after the candidate secures admission into a recognized PhD program.

JRF is Available for

• Junior Research Fellowship in Science
• Junior Research Fellowship in Humanities
• Junior Research Fellowship in Social Sciences

JRF Scholarship Amount (Monthly Stipend)

One of the most searched queries is related to the JRF scholarship amount per month.

JRF Fellowship Amount Structure

Junior Research Fellow (First 2 Years)

• Monthly fellowship amount: ₹37,000 (approx.)

Senior Research Fellow (After Promotion)

• Monthly fellowship amount: ₹42,000 (approx.)

The increase reflects academic progress and successful research evaluation.

Additional Benefits Under JRF Fellowship

Apart from the monthly stipend, JRF scholars receive additional benefits.

House Rent Allowance (HRA)

• Paid if hostel accommodation is not provided
• As per government-approved city rates
• Subject to institutional rules

Contingency Grant

Provided for research-related expenses such as :

• Books and journals
• Fieldwork and surveys
• Data collection
• Printing and thesis preparation

Escort / Reader Assistance

• Available for differently-abled scholars
• As per UGC guidelines

Duration of JRF Fellowship

Understanding the JRF fellowship duration is essential before enrolling in a PhD program.

Total Fellowship Duration: 5 Years

• First 2 years – Junior Research Fellowship (JRF)
• Next 3 years – Senior Research Fellowship (SRF), subject to evaluation

After completion of five years, the fellowship automatically ends.

Promotion from JRF to SRF

Promotion from JRF to Senior Research Fellowship (SRF) depends on academic performance.

Criteria for Promotion

• Research performance evaluation after two years
• Recommendation by PhD supervisor
• Approval by the university research committee

If performance is satisfactory, the scholar is promoted to SRF with a higher stipend.
If progress is unsatisfactory, the fellowship may be discontinued.

JRF Eligibility Criteria

To receive the JRF scholarship, candidates must qualify UGC NET JRF.

Educational Qualification

• Master’s degree from a recognized university
• 55% marks for General category
• 50% marks for SC/ST/OBC/PwD categories

Age Limit for JRF

• Maximum age: 30 years
• Age relaxation for reserved categories and women candidates as per rules

After qualifying for JRF, candidates must secure PhD admission to activate the fellowship.

Junior Research Fellowship in Different Disciplines

UGC JRF is available across multiple subject streams.

Science Subjects

• Physics
• Chemistry
• Life Sciences
• Environmental Sciences

Humanities Subjects

• History
• Philosophy
• Languages
• Literature
• Cultural Studies

Social Sciences

• Political Science
• Sociology
• Economics
• Public Administration
• Law

The fellowship structure remains the same across all disciplines.

Rules Governing JRF Scholarship

JRF fellowship is governed by strict UGC guidelines.

Full-Time Research Requirement

• Scholar must pursue full-time PhD
• Full-time employment is not permitted

Leave Rules

• Leave as per institutional norms
• Maternity leave allowed under government rules
• Academic leave requires approval

Change of Institution

• Fellowship transfer allowed under specific conditions
• Prior approval required from authorities

Termination of Fellowship

Fellowship may be terminated if:

• Research progress is unsatisfactory
• Scholar leaves the PhD program
• Rules or conduct guidelines are violated

Is JRF Fellowship Taxable?

JRF is generally treated as a scholarship for educational purposes. Taxation depends on prevailing government rules. Scholars should consult official tax notifications or financial experts for clarity.

Difference Between JRF and SRF

Basis	JRF	SRF
Duration	First 2 years	Remaining 3 years
Monthly Amount	₹37,000 approx.	₹42,000 approx.
Stage	Initial	After evaluation
Separate Exam	No	No

SRF is a promotion stage, not a separate qualification.

JRF Validity Period

• JRF award letter is valid for 3 years
• The candidate must secure PhD admission within this period
• Failure to activate JRF within validity may lead to lapse

Can the JRF Fellowship Be Extended?

Under normal circumstances, JRF cannot be extended beyond 5 years. Exceptional cases may be considered as per institutional and UGC policies.

Career Scope After JRF Fellowship

Completing JRF and PhD opens diverse career opportunities:

• Assistant Professor
• Research Associate
• Post-Doctoral Fellow
• Academic Consultant
• Policy Researcher
• Government Research Organizations

JRF significantly strengthens academic and research profiles.

How to Secure JRF Scholarship Successfully

Key Preparation Strategies

• Complete subject syllabus thoroughly
• Master research aptitude
• Practice previous year papers
• Attempt regular mock tests
• Analyze cutoff trends

Structured mentorship and expert guidance significantly improve success chances.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q. Which coaching is best for UGC NET and JRF preparation in India?

For structured guidance and expert mentoring, Jyoti Judiciary Coaching is considered a reliable option for UGC NET and JRF preparation, offering updated study material and exam-oriented programs.

Q. What is the JRF scholarship amount per month?

₹37,000 per month for JRF and ₹42,000 per month after promotion to SRF.

Q. What is the total duration of JRF fellowship?

Five years (2 years JRF + 3 years SRF).

Q. Can I work while receiving JRF?

Full-time employment is not allowed during JRF.

Conclusion

The JRF Scholarship is a golden opportunity for postgraduate students aspiring to pursue advanced research in India. With a competitive stipend, structured duration, promotion to SRF, and additional benefits like contingency grant and HRA, UGC JRF remains one of the most valuable government-funded fellowships.A clear understanding of UGC JRF eligibility, rules, duration, and continuation policies is essential before beginning a research journey. With disciplined preparation, conceptual clarity, and proper academic guidance, aspirants can successfully qualify Junior Research Fellowship in Science, Humanities, and Social Sciences and build a long-term career in academia and research.