ICAR JRF

The Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) Junior Research Fellowship (JRF) is a prestigious program aimed at providing financial support to postgraduate students pursuing research in various agricultural and veterinary sciences. Below is a comprehensive overview of the ICAR JRF, including eligibility criteria, application process, and exam details.

Overview of ICAR JRF

Purpose

The ICAR JRF program is designed to support students in their research endeavors, facilitating advanced studies in agriculture, horticulture, veterinary science, and related fields. The fellowship provides financial assistance to help cover tuition fees and living expenses during the course of study.

Conducting Body

The examination for the ICAR JRF is conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA). The fellowship is awarded based on merit determined through a competitive examination.

Eligibility Criteria

1. Educational Qualifications

• Candidates must have completed a Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field with a minimum percentage:
• General/OBC/EWS: 60% marks or an Overall Grade Point Average (OGPA) of 6.5/10.
• SC/ST/PwD: 50% marks or an OGPA of 5.5/10.
• Candidates appearing for their final year examinations are also eligible to apply.

2. Age Limit

• The minimum age for applicants is 19 years as of the examination date.
• For the Senior Research Fellowship (SRF) category, candidates must not exceed 30 years on the examination day. There are relaxations for reserved categories:
• SC/ST/PwD: Upper age limit relaxed by 5 years.
• OBC: Upper age limit relaxed by 3 years.

3. Nationality

• Only Indian citizens are eligible to apply for the ICAR JRF program.

Application Process

1. Registration

Candidates must register online through the NTA’s official website during the application window specified for the ICAR JRF exam.

2. Examination Fee

An application fee is required, which varies based on the candidate’s category (General/OBC/SC/ST).

3. Exam Pattern

• The ICAR JRF exam consists of multiple-choice questions (MCQs).
• The duration of the exam is typically 2 hours, with a total of 120 questions.
• Scoring: Correct answers earn positive marks, while incorrect answers incur negative marking.

Important Dates

Candidates should keep track of important dates related to the application process, including registration deadlines and examination dates. These dates are announced annually by the NTA.

Career Opportunities Post-JRF

Upon successful completion of their research under the ICAR JRF fellowship, candidates can pursue various career paths:

• Academic positions in universities and colleges.
• Research roles in agricultural and veterinary science institutions.
• Positions in government agencies focused on agriculture and animal husbandry.

Are there any specific subjects required for ICAR JRF

To apply for the ICAR Junior Research Fellowship (JRF), candidates need to meet specific educational qualifications and possess a relevant background in agricultural or veterinary sciences. Here’s an overview of the required subjects and eligibility criteria for the ICAR JRF exam:

Required Subjects for ICAR JRF

1. Educational Background:

• Candidates must have completed a Master’s degree in a relevant field from a recognized university. The specific subjects required depend on the area of specialization they intend to pursue.

Relevant Fields:
Candidates can apply for ICAR JRF in various disciplines, including but not limited to:

• Agronomy
• Horticulture
• Animal Sciences
• Veterinary Science
• Dairy Science
• Fisheries Science
• Plant Biotechnology
• Entomology
• Plant Pathology

Minimum Percentage Criteria:

• For General/OBC/EWS candidates: A minimum of 60% marks or an Overall Grade Point Average (OGPA) of 6.5/10.
• For SC/ST/PwD candidates: A minimum of 50% marks or an OGPA of 5.5/10.

Exam Structure and Subjects

The ICAR JRF exam typically consists of multiple-choice questions (MCQs) covering general knowledge and specialized subjects. The exam is divided into sections that assess candidates’ understanding of their chosen field.

• Section A: General knowledge related to agriculture, animal husbandry, and allied sciences.
• Section B: Core subjects relevant to the candidate’s field of study.
• Section C: Specialized subjects based on the candidate’s selected area for research.

Conclusion

Candidates interested in applying for the ICAR JRF should ensure they have a strong foundation in their chosen discipline, meeting both the educational qualifications and percentage criteria. It is essential to review the specific subjects related to their intended area of research to prepare adequately for the examination. For detailed information on eligibility and application procedures, candidates should refer to the official ICAR or NTA websites.