ICMR’s Junior Research Fellowship is a government scholarship for Indian students pursuing research in life sciences or social sciences. Conducted by the Indian Council of Medical Research in partnership with PGIMER, the fellowship supports candidates preparing for a research career through a national-level entrance test held in cities such as Chandigarh, Chennai, Delhi, Kolkata, Mumbai, Hyderabad, and Guwahati. The examination assesses aptitude and subject knowledge to identify promising researchers early in their academic journey.

Candidates must hold a postgraduate degree in any life science or social science discipline to apply. There is no specified age limit, but applicants typically fall within the early stages of their research careers. The scheme is open to all Indian nationals without income or percentage-based restrictions. Reserved category relaxations, if any, are announced on the official page.

Apply online through the official portal listed on the ICMR website. Register with basic details, upload academic certificates and a recent photograph, and pay the application fee if applicable. After submission, download the admit card and appear for the written test at the designated centre. Final selection is based on exam performance and interview.