DBT Junior Research Fellowship — Category-II (via Biotechnology Eligibility Test, BET)

About this scheme

DBT (via the Regional Centre for Biotechnology) conducts the national Biotechnology Eligibility Test (BET), run by NTA, to select candidates for the DBT-JRF programme. Category-I (top merit-listed candidates) get a guaranteed, portable PhD fellowship; Category-II candidates are merit-listed and eligible to be appointed in DBT-sponsored projects, subject to institutional selection, with fellowship equivalent to NET/GATE qualifications.

Eligibility

• Education: Bachelor's (B.E./B.Tech./MBBS) and Master's (M.Sc./M.Tech./M.V.Sc./M.Pharm.) in Biotechnology, Life Sciences, or allied disciplines (Biochemistry, Microbiology, Genetics, etc.)
• Minimum marks: 60% marks (55% for SC/ST/EWS/Differently Abled per current notification)
• Final-year candidates: Final-year/result-awaited candidates are also eligible
• Age limit: ~28 years (with relaxations as per government norms)

Benefits

• Rs. 37,000/month for the first two years (JRF)
• Enhanced to Rs. 42,000/month for the next three years (SRF)
• House Rent Allowance (HRA) as per norms
• Contingency grant of Rs. 30,000/year
• Fellowship equivalent to NET/GATE qualifications

Required documents

• Degree certificates and mark sheets (BSc, MSc or equivalent)
• Category/caste certificate (SC/ST/OBC/PwD if claiming reservation)(optional)
• Valid ID proof (Aadhaar card)
• Passport-size photographs
• NET/GATE score card (if applicable)(optional)
• BET scorecard (issued by NTA after the GAT-B/BET examination)
• Proof of enrollment in MSc final year or proof of MSc completion
• Bank account details (for fellowship disbursement)

Frequently asked