JRF Exam 2023: Upcoming NET JRF Exam, Eligibility
By BYJU'S Exam Prep
Updated on: September 13th, 2023

JRF Exam 2023: The JRF Exams are conducted by different organizations to select eligible candidates for the post of Junior Research Fellowship Programs in different fields. Hence, these are competitive exams that test the eligibility of candidates for a scholarship to pursue research in their chosen field. The JRF Exam 2023 is a letter awarded by the University Grants Commission (UGC) to the candidates qualifying for the National Eligibility Test and securing equal/higher marks than the cutoff that has been released in the particular subject.
The JRF letter or scholarship is awarded for a period of 2 years, during which the candidates are expected to carry out research work and produce a thesis. We have developed this article to provide information for all the JRF Exams conducted in India.
Table of content
JRF Exam 2023
The JRF Exams are the exams that are conducted to choose the most eligible candidates for the Junior Research fellowship award. Here are the JRF Exams that are conducted in India.
- CSIR NET: This exam is conducted by the National Testing Agency on behalf of the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) twice a year for the selection of candidates for Junior Research Fellowship and Assistant Professors in various scientific fields. CSIR NET is a prestigious exam for Science students who wish to enter the world of higher academics.
- DBT JRF: BET & GAT-B: This exam is conducted by the Department of Biotechnology, under the ministry of science & technology, Government of India once a year to select the candidates for the post of Junior Research Fellowship (JRF).
- ICMR JRF: The ICMR JRF examination is conducted by the PGIMER, Chandigarh to select the candidates for Medical Research Junior Research Fellowship.
- CSIR JRF GATE: This exam is a national-level exam that is conducted for the selection of the most eligible candidate who is looking to pursue a career in research work through CSIR.
- ICAR JRF: This exam is conducted by National Testing Agency (NTA) to provide students with a Master’s Degree Programme in accredited Agricultural Universities.
- UGC NET: The UGC NET exam is conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA) to select the best candidates for the post of ‘Assistant Professor’ and ‘Junior Research Fellowship and Assistant Professor in Indian universities and colleges.
JRF Exam: Important Highlights
The candidates interested in applying for the JRF Exams must be aware of the basic knowledge about the particular JRF Exam that they are applying for. The table below provides all the important highlights for the JRF Exams 2023.
Exam Names | Exam Conducting Body | Full- Form |
Level of Exam |
Mode of Exam | Frequency Of Exam | Posts/Courses Offered |
CSIR NET | National Testing Agency (NTA) | Council of Scientific and Industrial Research | National Level | Online | Twice (June & December) | Lectureships & Junior Research Fellowships |
DBT JRF (BET & GAT-B) | Department of Biotechnology, under the ministry of science & technology, Government of India. |
Department of Biotechnology Junior Research Fellowship |
National Level | Online | Annually | Junior Research Fellowship (JRF) |
ICMR JRF | PGIMER, Chandigarh | Indian Council of Medical Research Junior Research Fellowship | National Level | Online | Annually | PhD and Research programs |
CSIR JRF GATE | One of the administering institutes | Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering | National Level | Online | Annually | Pursue a career in research work through CSIR |
ICAR JRF | National Testing Agency (NTA) | Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) | National Level | Online | Annually | Master Degree Programme in accredited Agricultural Universities |
UGC NET | National Testing Agency (NTA) | University Grants Commission | National Level | Online | Annually | ‘Assistant Professor’ and ‘Junior Research Fellowship and Assistant Professor in Indian universities and colleges. |
JRF Exam Eligibility Criteria
The students looking forward to applying for the JRF exam must ensure their eligibility for the exam. The candidates can only register themselves successfully when they completely fulfill the eligibility criteria for the exam in terms of both qualifications and age limit. The candidates can check the table below to acknowledge their eligibility for any JRF Exam 2023.
Exam Name | Qualification Criteria | Age Limit |
CSIR NET |
|
|
DBT JRF: BET & GAT-B |
|
OBC – 3 Years SC/ ST – 5 Years PwD – 5 Years |
ICMR JRF |
|
|
CSIR JRF GATE |
|
|
ICAR JRF |
|
The candidate applying for ICAR JRF must be of at least 19 years. There is no age relaxation for any category regarding age criteria for ICAR JRF. |
UGC NET | Master’s Degree or equivalent with a minimum of 55% marks (50% for SC/ST/PwD/Transgender candidates) | 31 years for JRF No age limit for AP |
JRF Exam Pattern
Aspirants must be aware of the exam pattern for the JRF Exam before appearing for the exam as it also helps them with the pre-planning of time management. The exam pattern for the different JRF exams varies with the subjects included in one examination. The table below contains the links with detailed information on the exam patterns for the JRF Exams 2023.
Exam Name |
Exam Patterns |
CSIR NET | Click Here |
DBT JRF: BET & GAT-B | Click Here |
ICMR JRF | Click Here |
CSIR JRF GATE | Click Here |
ICAR JRF | Click Here |
UGC NET | Click Here |
JRF Exams 2023: Syllabus
The candidates preparing for the JRF Exams must thoroughly ensure the complete syllabus for their subjects to prepare well for the examination. The table below contains the links for the syllabus of all the JRF Exams mentioned. The students can click on the links and get all the details regarding the JRF Exam 2023.
Exam Name | Syllabus |
CSIR NET | Click Here |
DBT JRF: BET & GAT-B | Click Here |
ICMR JRF | Click Here |
CSIR JRF GATE | Click Here |
ICAR JRF | Click Here |
UGC NET | Click Here |
Application Process for JRF Exams 2023
Candidates looking forward to applying for the different JRF Exams must be aware of the application processes to register themselves successfully for the exams. The examination process for all the different kinds of Junior Research Fellowship Exams involves almost the standard procedures, the candidate can follow the steps given below to apply:
Step 1: The candidates must first visit the official website of the exam conducting body.
Step 2: Click on the application link given on the home screen.
Step 3: Fill in the required details correctly.
Step 4: Attach the required document asked in the application.
Step 5: Click on the ‘submit’ option at the end and pay the required examination fee based on your categories.
JRF Exam Books
Selecting the best study material for preparing for the JRF Exam is essential. Books are one of the most original forms of study material candidates need to prepare for the JRF Exams 2023. The candidates must choose the books considering the edition, author, and contents. The table provided below contains the links for the best-referenced books for the JRF Exam mentioned:
Exam Name | Best Referenced Books |
CSIR NET | Click Here |
ICMR JRF | Click Here |
DBT JRF: BET & GAT-B | Click Here |
CSIR JRF GATE | Click Here |
ICAR JRF | Click Here |
UGC NET | Click Here |
Preparation Tips for JRF Exam
JRF Exams are conducted on the National level; hence it requires a lot of hard work and dedication to qualify for these exams. We have compiled some of the most strategic preparation tips for effectively preparing for the upcoming Junior Research Fellowship exams.
- Preparation of the Study Plan
The first and foremost thing to do in preparation for any JRF Exam is to make a study plan. The study plan must contain all the topics and units of your chosen subjects, along with the time duration. The candidates must not search for shortcuts. Instead, a detailed and profound preparation will help them prepare for the examination effectively.
- Preparing Study Notes
The candidates must understand all the concepts and prepare the study notes for the topics they have learned in their own words. Preparing handmade study notes along with diagrams and mind maps will help the candidates to revise the concepts in a summarised version. This will save a lot of time and help in the effective preparation for the examination.
- Mock Test/Quizzes
It is essential to test the knowledge you have gained in your preparation journey. Some of the best ways to do this are to attempt mock tests and quizzes of the subjects they are preparing for. Testing your knowledge will give you an idea of your preparation level. This will also help you identify the parts you must work on to make your preparations more effective.
- Time Management
The factor of time management is a huge factor while preparing for any JRF Exam. The candidates must formulate a time strategy to follow in the examination. They must have a clear idea as to how much time they must devote to each section of the exam to solve all the questions in the given time.
- Revision is Key
The things you have learned will be useless if you can’t remember them. Revision helps to eliminate the factor of forgetting the learned concepts. The candidates must revise the learned concepts on a daily basis.
- Keep Yourself Motivated
Motivation is very important while you are preparing for any examination. The candidates must always remember that ‘Harwork Never Disappoints’ and that consistency is the most important aspect of preparation for any JRF Exam.