Revised Emoluments and Guidelines for Research Personnel: Exploring Changes After the Fellowship Hike 2023
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1. What after Fellowship Hike 2023
The Government of India’s Ministry of Science & Technology’s Department of Science & Technology has issued an official notice regarding the fellowship hike memorandum. The notice covers important points such as the Emoluments for JRF/SRF/RA, criteria for upgradation from JRF to SRF, HRA, DA, medical benefits, and selection processes. For a full understanding of these details, it is recommended to read the article in its entirety.
Table of Contents
2. Emoluments for Junior Research Fellow (JRF) and Senior Research Fellow (SRF) after Fellowship Hike 2023
The revised emoluments for Junior Research Fellow (JRF) and Senior Research Fellow (SRF) are as follows:
- Junior Research Fellow (JRF): Rs. 37,000/- per month
- Qualification
- Post Graduate Degree in Basic Science OR Graduate/Post Graduate Degree in a Professional Course selected through any of the following processes:
- Scholars selected through National Eligibility Tests such as CSIR-UGC NET and GATE.
- Selection process through national-level examinations conducted by Central Government Departments and Institutions.
- Post Graduate Degree in Basic Science OR Graduate/Post Graduate Degree in a Professional Course selected through any of the following processes:
- Senior Research Fellow (SRF): Rs. 42,000/- per month
- Qualification required for JRF with two years of research experience.
3. Criteria for Upgradation from JRF to SRF after Fellowship Hike 2023
To upgrade from JRF to SRF, the following conditions must be met:
- After completion of two years, an external assessment by the institution where the student is enrolled for Ph.D. is mandatory.
- Successful assessment leads to the award of Senior Research Fellow (SRF).
- Annual Satisfactory Assessment is necessary to continue the fellowship during the SRF period.
4. Emoluments for Research Associates after Fellowship Hike 2023
Research Associates are fixed at a consolidated amount based on qualification and experience. The following emoluments apply:
- Research Associate – I: Rs. 58,000/- per month
- Research Associate – II: Rs. 61,000/- per month
- Research Associate – III: Rs. 67,000/- per month
The Institute/Organization determines the appropriate pay level based on experience, considering the Essential Qualification (EQ) as Ph.D./MD/MS/MDS or equivalent degree. Alternatively, candidates with 3 years of research, teaching, and design and development experience after MVSc/M.Pharm/ME/M.Tech, along with at least one research paper in a Science Citation Indexed (SCI) journal, are eligible.
5. Service Conditions after Fellowship Hike 2023
The service conditions for research personnel are as follows:
i. DA (Dearness Allowance) after Fellowship Hike 2023
JRFs, SRFs, and Research Associates are not entitled to DA.
ii. House Rent Allowance (HRA) after Fellowship Hike 2023
Hostel accommodation is provided wherever available. Research fellows residing in hostels are not eligible for HRA. In cases where hostel accommodation is not possible, HRA may be allowed to all categories (JRF, SRF, and RA) based on Central Government norms applicable to the city/location. The percentage required for calculating HRA depends on the fellowship amount.
iii. Medical Benefits after Fellowship Hike 2023
Research fellows and research associates (JRF/SRF/RA) are entitled to medical allowance as applicable in the implementing institute.
iv. Leave and Other Entitlements after Fellowship Hike 2023
- JRF/SRF: Eligible for Casual leave.
- Research Associates: Entitled to leave as per the rules of the host institution.
- Participation in scientific events/workshops in India or abroad is considered “on duty” with prior approval.
- Travel entitlement for JRF/SRF/RA for participation in scientific events/workshops in India is 2nd AC by rail.
- Maternity leave is available to female candidates in all categories, following the instructions issued by the Government of India.
v. Bonus & Leave Travel Concession after Fellowship Hike 2023
JRFs, SRFs, and Research Associates are not entitled to these allowances.
vi. Retirement Benefits after Fellowship Hike 2023
JRFs, SRFs, and Research Associates are not entitled to retirement benefits.
6. Publication and Patent Obligations after Fellowship Hike 2023
JRF/SRF/RA’s research work should be published in standard refereed journals, acknowledging the assistance provided by the funding agency of the Government of India.
7. Selection Process for Fellowships after Fellowship Hike 2023
The selection for fellowship awards will generally be through common competitive examinations. However, for subjects without existing examinations, Government Departments and authorized agencies may conduct examinations to screen candidates for fellowships. This provision does not apply retrospectively, and already enrolled candidates are exempted.
8. Implementation Date of Fellowship Hike 2023
The revised emoluments will be effective from 01.01.2023.
The revision of emoluments and guidelines on service conditions for research personnel engaged in R&D programs of Central Government Departments/Agencies is aimed at recognizing and supporting their valuable contributions to research and development in India.
FAQs
1. Are Junior Research Fellows (JRFs) and Senior Research Fellows (SRFs) eligible for Dearness Allowance (DA) after Fellowship Hike 2023?
No, JRFs and SRFs are not entitled to Dearness Allowance (DA).
2. What is the criteria for upgrading from JRF to SRF after Fellowship Hike 2023?
To upgrade from JRF to SRF, an external assessment by the institution where the student is enrolled for Ph.D. is mandatory after two years. The fellow may be awarded SRF upon successful assessment.
3. What are the emoluments for Research Associates after Fellowship Hike 2023?
The emoluments for Research Associates vary based on qualification and experience. Research Associate – I receives Rs. 58,000/-, Research Associate – II receives Rs. 61,000/-, and Research Associate – III receives Rs. 67,000/- per month.
4. Do research fellows receive House Rent Allowance (HRA) ?
Research fellows residing in hostels are not eligible for House Rent Allowance (HRA). However, if hostel accommodation is not available, HRA may be provided based on Central Government norms.
5. Are JRFs, SRFs, and Research Associates entitled to Retirement Benefits?
No, JRFs, SRFs, and Research Associates are not entitled to Retirement Benefits.
Download the official notification here