Know all about ICHR Junior Research Fellowship (JRF)
| Read on to know how the ICHR Junior Research Fellowship supports full-time PhD scholars in history with financial aid and academic mentorship. Includes application tips and FAQs. |
We all love historic information or any kind of research about the past but in India where history is not just a subject but a part of cultural identity, the study of the past holds importance. Research fellowships can be both financially and academically beneficial to those who are committed to understanding and contributing to historical knowledge.
One such fellowship is the ICHR Junior Research Fellowship (JRF) offered by the Indian Council of Historical Research (ICHR) under the Ministry of Education, Government of India.
If you’re a PhD aspirant or currently pursuing doctoral research in history, here’s everything you need to know about the ICHR JRF in detail.
- What is the ICHR Junior Research Fellowship (JRF)?
- Objectives of the ICHR Junior Research Fellowship (JRF)
- Eligibility Criteria, Benefits & Financial Support
- How to Apply for the ICHR Junior Research Fellowship (JRF)
- Selection Process: Two-Stage Evaluation
- Importance of the ICHR Junior Research Fellowship (JRF)
- ICHR JRF – Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the ICHR Junior Research Fellowship (JRF)?
The ICHR Junior Research Fellowship (JRF) is an academic funding initiative designed to nurture the next generation of historians and researchers in India. Offered by the Indian Council of Historical Research, it focuses on encouraging original historical research by providing monthly financial support to selected PhD scholars. Whether you are interested in Ancient, Medieval, or Modern Indian History, or any related field such as archaeology or cultural studies, this fellowship makes sure that scholars are financially supported to carry out their work full-time, free from financial stress or employment-related distractions.
Objectives of the ICHR Junior Research Fellowship (JRF)
The ICHR Junior Research Fellowship aims to support young scholars by encouraging them to take up serious and detailed research, especially in lesser-studied areas of Indian history.
It offers financial help and a proper academic setup so that students can focus fully on their PhD without looking for other jobs. Along with this, scholars get guidance from experts and become part of the larger academic community, helping them grow in knowledge and build useful connections.
The fellowship also helps add fresh ideas and facts to India’s historical understanding. In short, it helps build a strong group of history researchers who can contribute meaningfully to the field.
Eligibility Criteria, Benefits & Financial Support
Eligibility Criteria
To apply for the ICHR JRF, candidates must meet the following requirements:
PhD Registration:
Must be registered for a PhD in History or allied subjects at a recognized Indian university.
Reserved Categories:
Candidates belonging to SC/ST/PwD categories are eligible for reservation benefits, including fee waivers and seat reservations, as per the Government of India rules.
Academic Credentials:
A strong academic background and a clearly defined research proposal are essential. UGC-NET qualification is beneficial, though not mandatory.
Benefits and Financial Support
The ICHR Junior Research Fellowship provides substantial financial assistance to help researchers concentrate fully on their work:
Monthly Fellowship:
₹17,600 per month for a period of up to two years. This stipend is meant to support daily living and research engagement.
Annual Contingency Grant:
₹16,500 per annum, which can be used for research-related expenses such as purchasing books, traveling to archives or libraries, photocopying, and data collection.
How to Apply for the ICHR Junior Research Fellowship (JRF)
The application process for the ICHR JRF is both digital and offline
Online Application Process:
- Visit the ICHR Official Website:
Go to ichr.ac.in and look for the JRF application notification. - Complete the Online Form:
Fill in your personal details, academic background, PhD registration information, and upload your research proposal or synopsis. - Generate Application Form:
Once submitted online, an auto-generated application form is created.
Offline Submission:
- Print and Sign:
Print the completed form and sign it. - Submit Hard Copy:
Send the hard copy, along with all required documents, to the following address:
Member Secretary
Indian Council of Historical Research
No. 35, Ferozeshah Road, New Delhi – 110001 - Application Fee:
₹500 via Demand Draft or Banker’s Cheque drawn in favor of ICHR, New Delhi.
(Note: SC/ST/PwD applicants are exempted from this fee.)
Documents Required
To ensure your application is complete, prepare the following documents:
- Educational certificates (Class 10, 12, UG, PG)
- PhD registration certificate from your university
- Detailed research proposal or synopsis
- Any published research work (optional but recommended)
- Caste/Disability certificate for SC/ST/PwD candidates
- UGC-NET certificate (if applicable)
- Checklist and signature from your research supervisor
- Signed copy of the online application form
Selection Process: Two-Stage Evaluation
Stage I – Online Written Test
- Exam Type: Objective Multiple-Choice Questions
- Number of Questions: 100
- Subjects Covered: Specialization-based (Ancient, Medieval, or Modern Indian History)
- Marks: 100 (1 mark per question)
- There should not be any negative marking.
- This test assesses your understanding of historical concepts and your preparation in your chosen specialization.
Stage II – Presentation & Interview
- Candidates who clear Stage I are called for an in-person presentation and interview.
- Duration of Presentation: 8–10 minutes
- Interview Panel: Comprises senior historians and experts.
- Marks Allocation: 60 marks
The final merit list is prepared based on your total score out of 160 marks (100 from Stage I + 60 from Stage II). Typically, up to 80 fellowships are awarded each cycle, adhering to the reservation policy.
Importance of the ICHR Junior Research Fellowship (JRF)
The ICHR Junior Research Fellowship (JRF) is very important for the academic and professional journey of a history researcher. It gives financial support every month along with a grant for research expenses, so scholars can focus fully on their studies without needing another job. It also encourages research in less-explored areas, helping scholars bring new ideas and knowledge to the field of Indian history. Winning this fellowship adds value to a researcher’s academic profile and can lead to better career opportunities like teaching, publishing, or further studies. Moreover, it helps scholars connect with other historians, build a strong academic network, and receive guidance from experts.
ICHR JRF – Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Who is eligible to apply?
Ans. Applicants must be registered PhD scholars in history or allied disciplines at a recognized Indian university.
Q2: Is there any reservation or relaxation?
Ans. Yes—reservation benefits and fee waivers apply to SC/ST/PwD candidates as per government rules.
Q3: Can I take up a job while receiving the fellowship?
Ans. No—the fellowship requires full-time research engagement. You cannot hold any other full-time or part-time employment.
Q4: Is there any negative marking in the exam?
Ans. No—the written test does not have negative marking.
Q5: Do interview travel costs get reimbursed?
Ans. Yes—second-class bus or train fare is reimbursed for SC/ST candidates attending the interview.
Conclusion
The ICHR Junior Research Fellowship (JRF) is more than just financial help—it’s a great opportunity for students who are passionate about studying India’s history. It offers the right mix of money, guidance, and academic support to help scholars focus on their research. Whether you are studying ancient writings, British rule, or modern changes in Indian society, this fellowship can help you grow in your academic journey. It supports young researchers in understanding and sharing India’s rich past. If you truly want to explore Indian history deeply, the ICHR JRF is a fellowship you should definitely consider.
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