Biomedical Research Eligibility Test (BRET),
The DHR-ICMR JRF Exam, also known as the Biomedical Research Eligibility Test (BRET), is a national-level examination conducted by the Department of Health Research (DHR) in collaboration with the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR). The exam is designed to select candidates for the DHR-ICMR Junior Research Fellowship (JRF) program, which supports postgraduate students aspiring to pursue doctoral research in the fields of biomedical and health sciences.
Key Details of DHR-ICMR JRF (BRET) Exam 2025:
- Conducted By: Department of Health Research (DHR) in collaboration with Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR)
- Mode of Examination: Computer-Based Test (CBT)
- Number of Tests: Once a year
- Time Duration: 2 hours
- Maximum Marks: 150
- Nature of Questions: MCQs
- Number of Questions: 150
- Number of Seats: 500
Fellowship Details:
- JRF Fellowship Amount: Rs. 37,000 per month
- SRF Fellowship Amount: Rs. 42,000 per month for the 3rd and subsequent years
- Annual Contingency Grant: Rs. 20,000 per year
- Fellowship Duration: Five years
Exam Pattern:
- Section-A (Aptitude Section):
- 50 questions related to aptitude and reasoning.
- Section-B (Cross-Disciplinary Knowledge):
- 50 questions on general fundamental knowledge applicable across disciplines.
- Section-C (Subject-Specific Knowledge):
- 50 questions related to the applied/analytical aspects of biological processes, based on the candidate’s chosen subject from a list of 11 specific disciplines.
- Candidates must choose one subject for this section from the following options:
- Life Sciences, Zoology, Botany, Biomedical Sciences, Microbiology, Biochemistry, Genetics, Biotechnology, Biophysics, Bioinformatics, Forensic Sciences, Environmental Sciences, Food & Nutrition, Molecular Biology, Biological Sciences, Ecology, Immunology, Neurosciences, Veterinary Sciences, Nursing, Biostatistics, Pharmacology, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Public Health, Social Work.
- Candidates must choose one subject for this section from the following options:
- 50 questions related to the applied/analytical aspects of biological processes, based on the candidate’s chosen subject from a list of 11 specific disciplines.
- Negative Marking:
- 25% deduction for each incorrect answer.
Eligibility Criteria:
- Educational Qualification:
- M.Sc. or equivalent PG degree (e.g., M.Tech, M. Pharma) in any of the following areas:
- Life Sciences, Zoology, Botany, Biomedical Sciences, Microbiology, Biochemistry, Genetics, Biotechnology, Biophysics, Bioinformatics, Forensic Sciences, Environmental Sciences, Food and Nutrition, Molecular Biology, Biological Sciences, Ecology, Immunology, Neurosciences, Veterinary Sciences, Nursing, Biostatistics, Pharmacology, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Public Health, Social Work.
- M.Sc. or equivalent PG degree (e.g., M.Tech, M. Pharma) in any of the following areas:
- Marks Requirement:
- General/EWS/OBC candidates: Minimum 55% marks.
- SC/ST/PwBD candidates: Minimum 50% marks.
Age Limit:
- For JRF:
- General/EWS: 28 years (relaxable as per norms)
- SC/ST/PwBD/Female candidates: Relaxation up to 5 years (i.e., 33 years).
- OBC: Relaxation up to 3 years (i.e., 31 years).
Result Validity:
- The result is valid for two years, and it qualifies candidates for placement in ICMR-funded projects.
Fellowship Details:
- Category I: Candidates who qualify for the fellowship can avail the DHR-ICMR Junior Research Fellowship (JRF).
- Category II: Candidates who do not qualify for JRF but are selected can work on ICMR-funded research projects, with the possibility of pursuing Ph.D. under institutional norms.
The DHR-ICMR JRF exam is a gateway for candidates to access opportunities in biomedical research with ICMR funding, providing both financial support and a platform to contribute to healthcare advancements.