Photo: U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), Wikimedia Commons (Public domain)
If you want a PhD in agricultural sciences, the ICAR Senior Research Fellowship (ICAR-SRF) is for you. It is a scheme of the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR). A selected student gets ₹31,000 a month as JRF for the first 2 years and ₹35,000 a month as SRF in the third year. The fellowship is for a total of 3 years. 300 students get this fellowship every year. It is given for PhD in subjects like agriculture, veterinary science, fisheries, dairy and horticulture. For agriculture students in Haryana, this is the most prestigious agriculture fellowship. The fellowship is one of the most sought-after awards for agriculture graduates in India.
How much money is given
The ICAR SRF pays as follows.
- JRF: ₹31,000 a month — for the first 2 years.
- SRF: ₹35,000 a month — for the third year.
- HRA — a housing allowance is also given.
- Contingency: ₹10,000 a year — for research expenses.
- Total duration: 3 years — 2 years as JRF and 1 year as SRF.
- Number: 300 fellowships are given every year.
Selection is on the merit of the AICE-JRF/SRF (PhD) exam. In 2026, 2,330 PhD seats across 72 subjects were filled through this exam, of which 300 carried the fellowship.
Who can apply
This fellowship is for those doing a PhD in agriculture and allied subjects.
- The applicant must hold a Master’s degree in agriculture or an allied subject with 60% marks. For SC, ST and PwD students, 50% marks are enough.
- The applicant must secure a fellowship rank in the AICE-JRF/SRF (PhD) exam.
- The applicant must take admission to a PhD at an institute of the ICAR-Agricultural University system.
- The fellowship is only for a full-time PhD.
- The applicant should have an interest in agricultural research and a good academic record.
How to apply
The AICE-JRF/SRF (PhD) exam is conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA) every year. Applications are made online on the exams.nta.nic.in/icar portal. The 2026 exam was held on 4 July 2026 and applications closed on 10 June 2026. Watch the NTA ICAR portal for the 2027 cycle notification. After the exam, counselling is held on merit, and students with a fellowship rank get direct admission and the fellowship. Never pay anyone for applying.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: How much money is given under ICAR SRF? A: ₹31,000 a month as JRF for the first 2 years and ₹35,000 a month as SRF in the third year, plus HRA and a ₹10,000 yearly contingency. Q2: For how many years is the fellowship given? A: For a total of 3 years. Q3: How is the selection done? A: On the merit of the AICE-JRF/SRF (PhD) exam; 300 fellowships are given every year. Q4: Who can apply? A: Students with a Master’s in agriculture or allied subjects with 60% marks (50% for SC, ST and PwD).
Useful links
- NTA ICAR exam portal: https://exams.nta.nic.in/icar
- ICAR official website: https://icar.gov.in/
- ICAR SRF on MyScheme: https://www.myscheme.gov.in/schemes/icar-srf-pgs
- Also see the National Fellowship for SC Students: https://www.viksitharyana.com/english/central-government-national-fellowship-sc-students-haryana/
- Next Action: see all 726 Central Government schemes — https://www.viksitharyana.com/english/kendra-sarkar-ki-yojnayen-2/
