JRF Salary after DST Hike in Stipend, Check Here

If you’re currently enrolled in a Ph.D. program and hold a JRF fellowship, here’s some exciting news for you. The Department of Science and Technology (DST) India has recently announced a significant update that brings positive tidings for Ph.D. research scholars. It’s crucial for both existing and prospective Ph.D. students and research scholars to familiarize themselves with the details of this stipend increase following the DST’s upward revision. Let’s delve into the particulars of this news to gain a comprehensive understanding of the JRF stipend hike.

What is JRF?

JRF, an acronym for Junior Research Fellowship, represents a prestigious research grant bestowed upon individuals who excel in the UGC NET (University Grants Commission National Eligibility Test) examination and secure high ranks. Conferred by the University Grants Commission (UGC) in India, JRF is a program designed to foster and encourage research endeavors within the realm of Ph.D. candidates and research scholars.

Unlike NET certifications, which hold lifelong validity, a JRF certificate remains effective for a duration of 3 years. Within this timeframe, recipients are required to enroll in a Ph.D. Degree Course at a recognized university in India, specializing in their chosen field. Subsequently, upon fulfilling this criterion, UGC or CSIR extends a fully-funded Ph.D. scholarship opportunity

What is JRF Stipend?

The JRF stipend encompasses the monthly financial assistance provided to Junior Research Fellows (JRFs) across India. This stipend serves to bolster their research endeavors and alleviate their living expenses throughout the duration of their Ph.D. studies or research undertakings. The precise value of the JRF stipend is contingent upon the funding organization or institution responsible for the fellowship. Typically, only a mere 6% of UGC NET Qualified Candidates are awarded the coveted JRF status each year.

Previously, the stipend for JRFs stood at Rs 31,000 for the initial two years and Rs 35,000 thereafter. However, the recent announcement by DST has heralded an augmentation in the JRF stipend, as conveyed through their tweet

DST Hike in JRF Stipend

A Ph.D. degree takes up a lot of time and money. To help Ph.D. candidates or research fellows, there are plenty of Research Fellowship Schemes funded by both government agencies and private institutions. A JRF or Junior Research Fellowship is given by University Grants Commission to candidates who clear the UGC NET exam and stand among the top rankings.

On 22nd June, the official handle of DST India took to twiiter to announce the revised stipend for Ph.D. students and scholars. DST India has been inquired in this regard since the last year, August 2022. Finally, with a tweet, they announced the increased stipend giving much-need good news to the Ph.D. students and research fellows. They announced that Govt have finally approved enhanced emoluments for JRF/SRF/RAs engaged in research & development.

JRF Salary after DST hike in stipend

DST has stated that monthly stipend is increased for JRF, SRF, and RAs engaged in research activities. DST has revised the monthly stipend for JRF, SRF, and RAs in all three levels. The Hike in stipend will be counted from 1 January 2023. Thus, Ph.D. students and research scholars will get an increased stipend from the first month of this year and JRF candidate will get the Hike. Now, let’s take a detailed look at how much the salary of JRF and other fellowships after the DST hike in stipend.

Benefits of Hiked Stipend

One thing to note here is this increased monthly Stipend is only for some fields and subjects. This is only for candidates working in research and development projects in the country’s science and technology institutions, including those of the Department of Science and Technology (DST), Department of Biotechnology (DBT), Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), and Science and Engineering Research Board (SERB). Thus, People with UGC JRF and humanities subjects will not benefit from these increased monthly stipends.

UGC NET JRF Fellowship Per Month

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