Accepting Colleges and Courses
CSIR NET JRF Fellowship and Stipend
The Junior Research Fellowship (JRF) is the biggest reward of CSIR NET. It funds your PhD research for up to five years. The amounts below are from the December 2026 Information Bulletin and the CSIR HRDG fellowship page.
CSIR NET JRF and SRF Fellowship Amounts
Component | Amount | Details |
|---|---|---|
JRF stipend | ₹37,000 per month | For the first two years |
SRF (NET) stipend | ₹42,000 per month | From the 3rd year onwards, after a successful assessment and PhD registration |
Contingency grant | ₹20,000 per year | Reimbursed directly to the fellow |
House Rent Allowance (HRA) | As per host institute rules | Capped at Central Government rates; not paid to fellows staying in a hostel |
Total tenure | Up to 5 years | JRF + SRF combined |
How JRF Is Upgraded to SRF
After two years as JRF, if the fellow is registered for a PhD, the fellowship can be upgraded to SRF (NET). The upgrade is based on an assessment of the fellow’s research progress through an interview by an Expert Committee — usually the guide, the Head of the Department and an external expert not below the rank of Associate Professor. If the committee does not recommend the upgrade, or the fellow is not registered for a PhD, the fellow may continue as JRF at ₹37,000 per month for the third year, or the fellowship may be terminated as per the committee’s recommendation and CSIR’s decision.
Other National Fellowships Through CSIR NET
Candidates aiming for the National Fellowship for OBC (NFOBC), National Fellowship for SC (NFSC) and National Fellowship for Persons with Disabilities (NFPwD/NFPwBD) must also apply for Joint CSIR-UGC NET. Their results are declared by the respective nodal agencies, as per the bulletin.
Important Points
The number of fellowships in each subject is limited and may vary from cycle to cycle.
The fellowship is governed by the terms and conditions of CSIR, UGC or the research scheme, as applicable.
The award does not guarantee future employment with CSIR or UGC.
Key Takeaways
JRF: ₹37,000 per month for 2 years; SRF: ₹42,000 per month after assessment.
Contingency grant: ₹20,000 per year.
HRA as per host institute rules (not for hostel residents).
JRF + SRF tenure: up to 5 years in total.
Pro Tip: Join a host institute quickly after receiving your award letter — a CSIR JRF award is valid for two years and is not extendable.
Source: Joint CSIR-UGC NET December 2026 Information Bulletin (Sections 1.8–1.9), NTA / CSIR; CSIR HRDG JRF-NET fellowship page
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the JRF stipend after CSIR NET?
₹37,000 per month for the first two years.
What is the SRF amount?
₹42,000 per month from the third year, after a successful assessment and PhD registration.
Is HRA given with the CSIR JRF?
Yes, as per the host institute’s rules (capped at Central Government rates), but not to fellows living in a hostel.