JRF is the initial step for those entering the research field.
Many people often find it challenging to distinguish between JRF and SRF. Let us explain it to you.
Candidates who clear the University Grants Commission National Eligibility Test (UGC NET) exam have a wide range of career prospects in fields such as research, academia, and public sector units (PSUs). Those who opt for a career in research and academia are often seen pursuing prestigious and highly esteemed paths. The Junior Research Fellowship (JRF) serves as the initial step for those entering the research field, preceding the Senior Research Fellowship (SRF).
Individuals holding a UGC NET JRF certificate have the opportunity to pursue a PhD program, based on their JRF score. Many people often find it challenging to distinguish between JRF and SRF, and wonder which one is better.
JRF is an esteemed research fellowship, granted to individuals who successfully pass the UGC NET examination and achieve high rankings. JRF is designed to encourage and facilitate research endeavours among PhD candidates, providing them with a monthly stipend to support their research work.
The age limit for JRF candidates is 35 years for men and 45 years for women. The stipend provided is Rs 37,000, and this financial support is applicable during the first two years of a PhD program. To be eligible, candidates are required to have a minimum of 55% in their Master’s degree. This fellowship is awarded by UGC CSIR.
SRF is the next stage of fellowship, following JRF. It is applicable after completing your PhD After the initial two years of MSc, a Junior Research Fellow becomes eligible for promotion to the Senior Research Fellow position. The benefits of the SRF can be availed, starting from the third year of your PhD research journey.
For SRF awarded by UGC CSIR, the age limit typically falls between 32-35 years. The stipend provided is Rs 42,000, and this fellowship extends for 3 years. Similar to JRF, candidates must have a Master’s degree and also possess a minimum of 3 years of research experience after completing their Master’s in order to be eligible for SRF.
There are significant distinctions between JRF and SRF, which are detailed below:
1. Entrance Exam: To obtain JRF, candidates must pass a standardised examination known as UGC NET or UGC-CSIR NET. SRF does not have a standardised exam, although certain institutions may offer SRF-Direct.
2. Stipend: There is a notable disparity in the monthly stipend provided for JRF and SRF. JRF offers Rs 37,000 stipend whereas SRF offers Rs 42,000.
3. Eligibility: Educational qualifications required for these fellowships differ. A minimum of a Master’s degree with 55% is necessary for JRF.
4. Tenure: The duration of the fellowship also differs; JRF typically has a tenure of 2 years, while SRF’s tenure extends to 3 years.
5. Age Limit: JRF has an age limit of up to 35 years, while SRF is typically available for candidates within the age range of 32-35 years.
