CSIR-JRF scholarships doubled

The Union Government has decided to double the number of scholarships to 12,000 for doctoral studies in science. The Union Cabinet, at a meeting chaired by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, approved a proposal to increase the number of Junior Research Fellowship (JRF) through the CSIR-UGC National Eligibility Test.

“The main objective is to identify students who could be enrolled for doctoral programmes in specific domains,” a government spokesman said. The total cost of providing fellowships for about 12,000 students in the Eleventh Plan is estimated at Rs.444.34 crore.

The increase in intake with good remuneration would help in attracting talented youths to take up scientific research as a career, the spokesman said. It would also help address the issues related to shortage of scientific manpower in the country, he added. Universities and scientific institutions are expected to be the biggest beneficiaries of this initiative as they would be able to attract bright minds for their scientific programmes. The decision of the Cabinet is expected to benefit students from all over the country who are keen to take-up scientific research as a career.

The CSIR-NET exam is held across the country in 25 cities and at 125 exam centres in five subject areas — life sciences, chemical sciences, earth sciences, physical sciences and mathematical sciences.The CSIR-NET has become a benchmark for selecting candidates for pursing Ph.D. programme, appointment either as a lecturer or a project research fellow or for employment in various R&D organisations.

In 1989, NET was recognised by UGC as pre-qualification for lecturership and was renamed CSIR-UGC National Eligibility Test for Junior Research Fellowship and Eligibility for Lectureship. Since 1990, NET is being conducted twice a year in June and December.

Source: http://www.hindu.com

Date: 8th Feb., 2010

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