ICMR JRF 2024: Application (Out Soon), Dates, Eligibility, Pattern, Syllabus

The Indian Council of Medical Research Junior Research Fellowship, known as ICMR JRF, is an esteemed competitive examination that opens avenues for scholars in the fields of Biomedical and Social Sciences research. It serves as a crucial platform for those aspiring to pursue postdoctoral studies in renowned medical institutions across India. The ICMR JRF 2024 is anticipated to witness a surge in participation, reflecting the growing interest and recognition of the fellowship within the academic community.

Annually, a substantial number of students, driven by a passion for research and a commitment to advancing medical knowledge, vie for a limited number of coveted fellowships. The examination encompasses a comprehensive spectrum of subjects, ranging from biochemistry to social sciences, challenging candidates to demonstrate their proficiency in diverse domains.

The craze surrounding the ICMR JRF is evident in the extensive preparations undertaken by aspirants, as they navigate the rigorous syllabus and compete for a prestigious spot in the realm of medical and health research. The ICMR JRF not only signifies a pursuit of academic excellence but also represents a commitment to contributing meaningfully to the scientific community.

What is ICMR JRF?

ICMR JRF, or Indian Council of Medical Research Junior Research Fellowship, is a prestigious program aimed at supporting candidates pursuing postdoctoral courses. Administered by the Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, the ICMR JRF exam serves as a gateway for individuals aspiring to undertake Ph.D. and research programs. Successful candidates are granted fellowships by the Indian Council of Medical Research, enabling them to pursue advanced studies in either Biomedical Sciences (120 fellowships) or Social Sciences (30 fellowships). 

The examination, conducted annually in a computer-based mode, plays a pivotal role in facilitating academic and research pursuits in the field of medical and health sciences. Aspiring candidates can find detailed information about the ICMR JRF grants and the entrance test on the official websites of ICMR and the Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh.

ICMR JRF 2024 Highlights

In a nutshell, the ICMR JRF examination, conducted by PGIMER Chandigarh, stands out as a prestigious annual event at the postdoctoral level. With a duration of 2 hours, an online mode of testing, and objective questions featuring a negative marking scheme, the exam is a crucial milestone for aspiring researchers.

ICMR JRF Exam Date 2024

The exam conducting authority has announced the ICMR JRF Exam Date along with the official notification. Candidates gearing up for the exam must know the important dates related to the ICMR JRF exam to formulate an effective preparation strategy and outperform other aspirants. Refer to the table below to know the complete exam schedule.

ICMR JRF 2024 Application form

Candidates should be aware that the ICMR JRF application form must be completed exclusively through the online mode; submissions via offline means will not be considered. Those who have completed their post-graduation and meet the specified eligibility criteria set by ICMR are eligible to register and fill out the ICMR JRF 2024 application form. 

Additionally, candidates in the process of completing their final examinations for MA/MSc courses are also permitted to submit the application form. 

Application Mode: The ICMR JRF application form must be completed exclusively through the online mode.

• Applications submitted offline will not be accepted under any circumstances.
• Candidates who have completed their post-graduation and meet the specified eligibility criteria set by ICMR are eligible to apply.
• Those in the process of completing their final examinations for MA/MSc courses are also allowed to submit the application form.
• For OBC category applicants, a minimum of 50 per cent marks in post-graduate courses is required.
• Eligible candidates need to register on the official ICMR website to initiate the application process.
• The application form for ICMR JRF 2024 should be filled out with accurate and complete information.
• Applicants are required to provide their details, including name, address, contact information, and other relevant information.
• Details about the candidate’s educational qualifications, including post-graduation, must be accurately entered.
• Scanned copies of necessary documents, certificates, and photographs need to be uploaded as per the specified guidelines.
• Candidates may be required to pay the application fee online as part of the application process.
• Applicants must ensure timely submission of the completed application form before the specified deadline to be considered for the ICMR JRF 2024 examination.

ICMR JRF 2024 Application fee

The ICMR JRF 2024 application process involves a nominal fee structure, with different fees applicable for various categories. General/OBC/EWS candidates are required to pay Rs 1,500, SC/ST candidates Rs 1,200, and there is no application fee for PwD applicants, ensuring inclusivity in the examination process.

How to Fill ICMR JRF 2024 Application Form

Filling out the ICMR JRF 2024 application form is a straightforward process. Follow these steps to ensure a smooth application experience:

1. Online Registration: Visit the official ICMR website and register by providing the required personal details.
2. Login Credentials: After successful registration, note down the login credentials provided, including the user ID and password.
3. Application Form Access: Log in using the provided credentials to access the ICMR JRF 2024 application form.
4. Fill in Details: Complete the application form with accurate personal information, educational background, and other requisite details.
5. Document Upload: Upload scanned copies of necessary documents, including certificates and photographs, adhering to the specified guidelines.
6. Fee Payment: Pay the applicable application fee online through the provided payment gateway. Ensure timely payment to avoid any discrepancies.
7. Review: Before submission, review the entered information to ensure accuracy and completeness.
8. Final Submission: Once satisfied, submit the application form within the specified deadline.
9. Acknowledgement: Receive a confirmation or acknowledgement of successful submission along with a unique application ID.
10. Print Confirmation: Print or save the confirmation for future reference. This document may be required during later stages of the selection process.
11. Adhere to Deadline: Ensure timely submission to meet the deadline and be considered for the ICMR JRF 2024 examination.

Documents Needed to Fill ICMR JRF 2024 Application Form

To complete the ICMR JRF 2024 application form, candidates are required to provide various documents. The essential documents include:

• Educational Mark Sheets: Mark sheets of qualifying exams, such as MSc or MA, from a recognized institute.
• Date of Birth Proof: Birth Certificate or Class X Certificate with Date of Birth information.
• NET/Equivalent Certificate (if applicable): Certificate for candidates who have qualified for NET or any equivalent examination.
• Employment Certificate (if applicable): For employed candidates, a certificate from the employer stating that they are permitted to pursue the course.
• Bank Account Details: Candidates might be required to provide bank account details for the electronic transfer of the fellowship amount.
• Valid GATE/NET Score (if applicable): Scorecard for candidates who have qualified in GATE/NET or any equivalent national-level examination.
• Disability Certificate (if applicable): Persons with Disabilities (PwD) candidates must submit a disability certificate issued by a competent medical authority.

ICMR JRF 2024 Eligibility Criteria

Prospective candidates intending to apply for ICMR JRF 2024 should carefully review the eligibility criteria before completing the application process. Failure to meet the eligibility requirements may result in the discontinuation of the fellowship. 

Educational Qualification:

• Candidates must hold a Post Graduate Degree in Basic Science or a Post Graduate Degree in a Professional Course.

Age Limit:

• The maximum age limit for attempting the test is 28 years. However, there is a relaxation of up to 5 years for candidates belonging to SC/ST and physically handicapped (PH) categories.
• Female candidates also benefit from a relaxation of the upper age limit by up to 5 years.
• OBC candidates have a relaxation of three years in the upper age limit.

Educational Qualification Details:

• Candidates should possess an MA or MSc degree from a recognized university.

Percentage Criteria (ICMR JRF 2024):

• SC/ST candidates must have a minimum of 50% marks in their qualifying exam.
• General/OBC/EWS candidates are required to have a minimum of 55% marks in their qualifying exam.

ICMR JRF 2024 Exam Pattern

Familiarizing oneself with the exam pattern is crucial for candidates considering ICMR JRF 2024. This understanding proves beneficial during exam preparation. The examination spans a total duration of 2 hours, featuring a common Section A comprising 50 questions, each carrying one mark. The subjects covered in Section A include:

ICMR JRF 2024 Syllabus

The ICMR JRF Syllabus is thoughtfully designed to assess candidates’ proficiency in diverse scientific and social science disciplines. Encompassing topics such as General Aptitude, General Knowledge, Statistics, Life Sciences, and Social Sciences, the syllabus ensures a comprehensive evaluation of candidates aspiring for research fellowships in various fields.

ICMR JRF 2024 Preparation 

Preparing for the ICMR JRF (Indian Council of Medical Research Junior Research Fellowship) requires a strategic and comprehensive approach, given the diverse topics covered in the examination. Here are some tips to help you with your ICMR JRF preparation:

• Understand the Syllabus: Familiarize yourself with the ICMR JRF syllabus, covering subjects such as biochemistry, molecular biology, immunology, general aptitude, and social sciences.
• Study Material: Utilize standard textbooks recommended for ICMR JRF preparation, such as those mentioned earlier. Refer to class notes, research papers, and authoritative publications in the field.
• Create a Study Plan: Develop a structured study plan that allocates sufficient time to each subject. Prioritize topics based on their weightage in the exam.
• Practice Regularly: Solve previous years’ question papers and sample papers to understand the exam pattern. Practice time management to enhance your efficiency during the exam.
• Stay Updated: Keep abreast of current developments in the field of biomedical and social sciences.Read research articles and publications to stay informed about recent advancements.
• Join Coaching Classes (Optional): Consider joining coaching classes for additional guidance and expert assistance. Online platforms also offer ICMR JRF coaching.
• Mock Tests: Take regular mock tests to assess your preparation level and identify areas for improvement. Analyze your performance to understand strengths and weaknesses.
• Revise Regularly: Create a revision schedule to reinforce your understanding of key concepts. Focus on weaker areas during revision.

• General Aptitude Preparation: Dedicate time to improve your general aptitude skills, including quantitative and logical reasoning.
• Healthy Lifestyle: Maintain a healthy lifestyle with adequate sleep, regular breaks, and a balanced diet to enhance concentration.

ICMR JRF 2024 Best Books

Preparing for the ICMR JRF exam demands access to top-notch resources. Dive into a carefully selected list of the best books tailored to the varied subjects of biomedical and social sciences, essential for excelling in the Junior Research Fellowship examination.

ICMR JRF 2024 Exam Center

The ICMR JRF 2024 Exam Centers play a pivotal role in facilitating the nationwide administration of this prestigious examination. Spanning across diverse cities, these centers are strategically chosen to ensure accessibility for aspiring candidates from various regions. The meticulously selected centers underscore the commitment of the Indian Council of Medical Research to fostering academic excellence and research pursuits on a national scale.

ICMR JRF Fellowship

The ICMR extends 150 fellowships to high-scoring candidates in the examination. These fellowships are categorized into Biomedical Sciences and Social Sciences, with 120 fellowships dedicated to the former and 30 to the latter. Candidates can refer to the list of specific areas in each subject mentioned below.

ICMR JRF Fellowship Amount

The ICMR extends financial support to deserving candidates for their research endeavours through fellowships. Successful candidates qualifying for the ICMR JRF are entitled to receive fellowship funding equivalent to that provided to PhD students. The council has established the fellowship amount at ₹31,000 per year, and this support is sustained for 2 years.

ICMR JRF 2024 Admit Card 

The ICMR JRF Admit Card for 2024 was released online in July by the Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education & Research (PGIMER), Chandigarh. Successfully registered candidates could download the hall ticket from the official websites of PGIMER or ICMR by using their login ID and password generated during registration.

This crucial document, issued within the stipulated timeline, includes vital information such as the candidate’s name, exam date and timing, center details, and essential guidelines. As an indispensable document throughout the admission process, candidates were advised to meticulously review the details and promptly contact the exam conducting authority in case of any discrepancies. The ICMR JRF 2024 exam took place on July 8.

How to Download ICMR JRF 2024 Admit Card?

While the specific details for ICMR JRF 2024 may vary, here is a general guide on how to download an admit card for an exam:

1. Visit Official Website: Go to the official website of the exam conducting body, which could be PGIMER or ICMR.
2. Login Credentials: Look for the admit card download link on the website. You might find it in the examination or candidate login section. Enter your login credentials, typically the user ID and password created during the registration process.
3. Admit Card Section: Once logged in, navigate to the section where admit cards or hall tickets are available.
4. Download Admit Card: Locate the link for the ICMR JRF 2024 Admit Card and click on it. Ensure all the details on the admit card are accurate and up-to-date.
5. Print or Save: After reviewing the details, download and save the admit card as a PDF file. It is advisable to take a printout of the admit card. If a printout is not possible, ensure you have a digital copy accessible during the exam.
6. Check Details: Verify all the details mentioned on the admit card, including your name, exam date and time, exam center details, and any other instructions.
7. Contact Exam Authority (if needed): In case of any discrepancies or issues with the admit card, promptly get in touch with the exam conducting authority for assistance.
8. Carry Admit Card to Exam Center: On the day of the exam, carry a printed copy or a digital version of the admit card to the examination center. It is a mandatory document for verification.

ICMR JRF 2024 Answer Key

Candidates who have appeared for the ICMR JRF 2024 examination will have access to the official Answer Key on the ICMR website. This key is typically made available three days after the successful completion of the entrance exam. 

The Answer Key serves as a valuable resource for candidates to assess their expected scores about the cutoff marks. Initially, the ICMR JRF Answer Key released by the exam body is provisional, allowing candidates the opportunity to challenge any discrepancies they may identify in the provided answers. This process aids in ensuring transparency and accuracy in the evaluation of candidates’ responses.

How to Download ICMR JRF Answer Key?

• Visit Official Website: Go to the official website of ICMR or the designated platform where the answer key is published.
• Navigate to Answer Key Section: Look for a section on the website related to “Answer Key” or “Examination Results.”
• Find ICMR JRF Answer Key Link: Search for the specific link related to the ICMR JRF Answer Key.
• Select Exam Paper Set (if applicable): If the answer key is available for different paper sets, choose the one that corresponds to the question paper you attempted.
• Download the Answer Key: Click on the link to download the ICMR JRF Answer Key. It is usually available in a PDF format.
• Check and Verify: Once downloaded, open the PDF file and check the answers against your responses in the exam.
• Challenge (if needed): If you find any discrepancies or have concerns about specific answers, check the instructions for challenging the provisional answer key. This information is often provided on the official website.
• Follow Official Instructions: Follow any additional instructions or guidelines provided on the website regarding the answer key.

ICMR JRF 2024 Result

ICMR JRF 2024 Results are slated to be declared on the official website. Successful candidates will find their names listed in the merit list. Following the result announcement, candidates will proceed to the crucial stage of document verification. During this process, individuals are mandated to present both original and photocopies of personal and academic documents for thorough examination and verification. This step ensures the authenticity and accuracy of the candidates’ information before the finalization of results and subsequent proceedings in the admission process.

How to Check ICMR JRF 2024 Result?

While the specific steps for checking ICMR JRF 2024 results may vary, here is a general guide on how to check results for an exam:

• Visit the Official Website: Go to the official website where ICMR JRF 2024 results will be declared.
• Navigate to Results Section: Look for a dedicated section on the website related to results or examinations.
• Click on Result Link: Find the link specifically for ICMR JRF 2024 results and click on it.
• Enter Details (if required): Some websites may ask for login credentials such as roll number, registration number, or date of birth. Enter the required details.
• Download or View Result: Once the details are entered correctly, the result will be displayed on the screen. Download the result or take a printout for future reference.
• Check Merit List (if applicable): In some cases, the result page may also include a merit list. Check if your name is mentioned in the list.
• Follow Official Instructions: Carefully read any instructions provided on the result page regarding further steps or document verification.
• Contact Helpline (if needed): If there are any issues or queries related to the result, contact the helpline or exam conducting authority as specified.

ICMR JRF 2024 Merit List 

The ICMR JRF 2024 results will be presented in the form of a merit list, accessible on the official website of ICMR. The merit list will be bifurcated into two categories: one encompassing the details of candidates who have successfully qualified in the social sciences, and the other listing those who have qualified in life sciences. 

This dual classification facilitates a comprehensive evaluation of candidates based on their respective disciplines. Successful candidates featured in the merit list will be eligible to pursue a PhD in Biomedical or Health Research at any recognized medical university or college across the country. The merit list serves as a crucial reference point for candidates to ascertain their standing and progression in their academic pursuits.

ICMR JRF 2024 Cut-Off

The candidates appearing for the ICMR JRF competitive exam must secure the minimum qualifying marks to ensure the continuation of their candidature. Failure to achieve the specified passing marks may result in the cancellation of their candidacy. Candidates must be aware of and strive to meet the minimum qualifying marks to progress in the selection process. For the exact minimum qualifying marks, candidates are advised to refer to the official notification or information provided by the ICMR.

ICMR JRF 2024 Selection Process

The ICMR JRF 2024 selection process commences with the release of the online application form, available until June on the ICMR and PGIMER websites. Candidates initiate the process by registering and submitting the application. Subsequently, admit cards are issued to eligible candidates, accessible online. 

Following the examination, results are declared, leading to the preparation of two distinct merit lists for life sciences and social sciences qualifiers. Successful candidates are granted six months to enrol in a PhD course at a UGC/MCI-recognized institution. Notably, while the research fellowship is awarded based on the ICMR JRF examination, the subsequent PhD course is distinct and holds no direct connection to the fellowship.

ICMR JRF 2024 Contact Information

Location: V. Ramalingaswami Bhawan, P.O. Box No. 4911, Ansari Nagar, New Delhi – 110029, India
Fax: 91-11-26588662
Email: icmrhqds@sansad.nic.in
Website: main.icmr.nic.in

Phone:
General Inquiries: 91-11-26588895 / 91-11-26588980
Administrative Support: 91-11-26589794 / 91-11-26589336
Additional Contact: 91-11-26588707

Conclusion

The ICMR JRF serves as a beacon for scholars, fostering excellence in biomedical and social sciences research. The enthusiastic participation underscores its significance, with aspirants diligently preparing to contribute meaningfully to scientific knowledge. As the exam advances, the collective pursuit of knowledge propels the field forward, shaping the future of medical research in India. 

Beyond the competitive nature lies a commitment to innovation and discovery. The journey undertaken by candidates is not merely an academic pursuit but a testament to their dedication to advancing healthcare and societal well-being. The ICMR JRF, with its rigorous evaluation, stands as a gateway to a future where research illuminates the path to progress.

ICMR JRF 2024 FAQs