ICMR JRF 2024 Notification | DHR-ICMR 2024 – Biomedical Research Eligibility Test (BRET) | Applications & Registrations Open

ICMR JRF 2024 Notification | DHR-ICMR 2024 – Biomedical Research Eligibility Test (BRET) | Applications & Registrations Open

ICMR JRF 2024 Notification | DHR-ICMR 2024 – Biomedical Research Eligibility Test (BRET) | Applications & Registrations Open. Interested and eligible applicants can check out all of the details on the same below:

PUBLIC NOTICE

11.07.2024

EXTENSION OF LAST DATE FOR SUBMISSION OF ONLINE APPLICATIONS FOR DHR-ICMR NON-MEDICAL FELLOWSHIP FOR PH.D 2024 – BIOMEDICAL RESEARCH ELIGIBILITY TEST (BRET)

Submission of online applications for DHR-ICMR NON-MEDICAL FELLOWSHIP FOR PH.D 2024 – Biomedical Research Eligibility Test (BRET) Exams is in progress at https://exams.nta.ac.in/ from 19.06.2024 onwards. It has been decided to extend the last date for submission of online application form for DHR-ICMR NON-MEDICAL FELLOWSHIP FOR PH.D 2024 – Biomedical Research Eligibility Test (BRET), enabling the aspiring candidate(s) to apply for the said exam.

The schedule is as follows:

Activity	Existing Last Date/s	Revised Last Date/s
Online submission of application form through website https://exams.nta.ac.in/	09.07.2024 (up to 11:50 PM)	30.07.2024 (upto 11:50 pm)
Last date for Payment of Exam Fee	09.07.2024 (up to 11:50 PM)	30.07.2024 (upto 11:50 pm)
Correction Window	10.07.2024 to 11.07.2024	31.07.2024 to 01.08.2024

 

It may be noted that the date of exam will be announced later on the website.

Candidates are advised to take note of the above and act accordingly.

Candidates are also advised to regularly check the NTA website(s) https://nta.ac.in/, https://exams.nta.ac.in/ for any further updates.

For any queries or clarifications, candidates can call NTA Help Desk at 011-40759000 or 011-69227700 or write to NTA at [email protected].

1. Candidates can apply for DHR-ICMR 2024 – Biomedical Research Eligibility Test (BRET) through “Online” mode only.

2. Candidates must carefully read the Instructions (including how to fill up Application Form online) given in the Information Brochure available on the NTA Website. Candidates not complying with the Instructions shall be summarily disqualified.

3. Submission of Online Application Form may be done by accessing NTA websitehttps://exams.nta.ac.in/. Application Form in any other mode will not be accepted.

4. Only one application is to be submitted by a candidate.

5. Candidates must ensure that E-mail Address and Mobile Number provided in the Online Application Form are their own as all information/ communication will be sent by NTA through e-mail on the registered e-mail address or SMS on registered Mobile Number only.

6. Instructions for filling Online Application Form:

• Download Information Brochure and read the same carefully regarding eligibility and procedure / documentation required for filling the Online Application Form.
• Follow the steps given below to Apply Online:
  • Step-1: Register for Online Form submission using unique Email ID and Mobile No.
  • Step-2: Fill in the Online Application Form and note down the system generated Application No. Upload legible scanned images of: (i) a recent photograph (in jpg file, size 10Kb – 200Kb) either in colour or black & white with 80% face (without mask) visible including ears against white background; (ii) candidate’s signature (in jpg file size: 4kb – 30kb) (iii) Duly verified Result Appearing/Awaited Form (in PDF format file size: 50KB to 500KB), (iv) Category Certificate, if applicable (SC/ ST/ OBC/ EWS etc.) (in PDF format file size: 50KB to 300KB) & (v) PwD Certificate, if applicable (in PDF format file size: 50KB to 300KB).
  • Step-3: Pay prescribed fee through Net Banking / Debit Card / Credit Card and UPI, keep proof of fee paid for future reference.
• Download, save and print copies of Confirmation Page after successful remittance of fee and keep copies safely for future reference.
• All the 3 Steps can be done together or at separate sittings.

7. After the submission of Online Application Form (i.e., successful completion of all the Steps), Confirmation Page of the Application Form, should be downloaded and a printout of the same may be retained for future reference. The Confirmation Page of the online Application Form will be generated only after successful payment by the Candidate.

In case the Confirmation Page is not generated after payment of the prescribed Fee, the candidate should approach the concerned Bank / Payment Gateway integrator (at the helpline number and email given in the Information Brochure), for ensuring the successful payment.

In spite of the above, if successful transaction is not reflected on the Portal, it means transaction is not complete and candidate may pay second time and ensure OK status. However, any duplicate payment received from the candidate by NTA in course of said transactions will be refunded (in the same payment mode through which the duplicate payment is received), after fee reconciliation by NTA.

Information such as his/ her name, contact details / address, category, PwD status, educational qualification details, date of birth, choice of exam cities, etc. provided by the candidate in the online Application Form will be treated as final. Any request for change in such particulars after the closure of correction period will not be considered by NTA.

NTA does not edit/modify/alter any information entered by the candidate under any circumstances. Any request for change in information will not be entertained. Therefore, candidates are advised to exercise utmost caution for filling up correct details in the Application Form. Request for corrections made by any candidates through Post/Fax/WhatsApp/Email/by hand will not be entertained by NTA.

Candidates must ensure that their email address and mobile number registered on their online Application Form are their own, as relevant/ important information/ communication will be sent by NTA through e-mail on the registered e-mail address and/or through SMS on registered mobile number only. NTA shall not be responsible for any noncommunication/ mis-communication with a candidate in the email address or mobile number given by him/ her other than his/ her own.

NTA disclaims any liability that may arise to a candidate(s) due to incorrect information provided by him/her in his/her online Application Form.

Candidates are advised to visit the NTA Website and check their e-mails regularly for latest updates.

Role of NTA is confined to registration of candidates and conduct of exam. Further, finalization of answer keys after inviting challenges, processing and declaration of results and preparation of the list of qualified candidates is being done by NTA in collaboration with ICMR. NTA has no role to play in the award of fellowships or other downstream processes.

Notes: i. The final submission of Online Application Form will remain incomplete if Step-3 is not complete. Such forms will stand rejected and no correspondence on this account will be entertained.

ii. No request for refund of fee once remitted by the candidate will be entertained by NTA under any circumstances.

iii. The entire application process for DHR-ICMR 2024 – Biomedical Research Eligibility Test (BRET) is online, including uploading of scanned images, payment of fees, and printing of Confirmation Page, Admit Card, etc.

iv. Usage of Data and Information: NTA / Government of India can use the data provided by the End Users (test taker in this case) for internal purpose(s) including training, research and development, analysis and other permissible purpose(s). However, this information is not for use by any third party or private agency for any other use.

Candidates are advised to carry only the following with them into the examination venue:

i. Admit card along with Self Declaration (Undertaking) downloaded from the NTA Website (A clear printout on A4 size paper) duly filled in
ii. A simple transparent Ball Point Pen
iii. Additional photograph (same as uploaded on the Online Application Form) to be pasted on the attendance sheet in examination Room/ Hall.
iv. Any one of the authorized photo IDs (must be original, valid, and non-expired) – PAN card/ Driving License/ Voter ID/ Passport/ Aadhaar Card (With photograph) / E-Aadhaar with photograph/ Bank Passbook with Photograph
v. PwBD certificate issued by the authorized medical officer, if claiming the relaxation under PwBD category
vi. Personal transparent water bottle
vii. Sugar tablets/fruits (like banana/apple/orange) in case the candidate is diabetic.

Notes:

1. In case it is found at any time in future that the Candidate has used / uploaded the photograph and signature of someone else in his/ her Application Form / Admit Card or he/she has tampered his/her Admit Card / result, these acts of the candidate shall be treated as Unfair Means (UFM) Practices on his/her part and he/she shall be proceeded with action as contemplated under the provisions of the Information Brochure relating to Unfair Means Practices.
2. Candidates are NOT allowed to carry Instruments, Geometry or Pencil box, Handbag, Purse, any kind of Paper/ Stationery/ Textual material (printed or written material), Eatables (loose or packed), Mobile Phone/ Earphone/ Microphone/ Pager, Calculator, DocuPen, Slide Rules, Log Tables, Camera, Tape Recorder, Electronic Watches with facilities of calculator, any metallic item or electronic gadgets/ devices in the Examination Hall/Room. Smoking, chewing gutka, spitting etc. in the Examination Room/Hall is strictly prohibited.
3. Possession by a candidate of any of the above-mentioned items will be treated as an act of Unfair Means and may lead to cancellation of his/her candidature in the Examination & may also involve debarring the candidate for future Examination(s) conducted by NTA.

ICMR JRF 2024 Notification | DHR-ICMR 2024 – Biomedical Research Eligibility Test (BRET) | Applications & Registrations Open

CHAPTER – 1: INTRODUCTION ABOUT NTA AND DHR-ICMR

1.1. About National Testing Agency (NTA)

The Ministry of Education (MoE), Government of India (GOI) has established the National Testing Agency (NTA) as an independent, autonomous, and self-sustained premier testing organization under the Societies Registration Act (1860) for conducting efficient, transparent and international standard tests in order to assess the competency of candidates for admissions to premier higher education institutions.
The National Testing Agency (NTA) has been entrusted by the DHR-ICMR, with the task of conducting of Biomedical Research Eligibility Test (BRET) which is a test to determine determining the eligibility of Indian National candidates for the award of junior research fellowship (JRF) through DHR-ICMR.

1.2. About DHR-ICMR

The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), New Delhi an apex body in India for the formulation, coordination and promotion of biomedical research under Department of Health Research (DHR), Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoH&FW), is one of the oldest medical research organizations in the world which has completed more than 100 years of its existence. The Governing Council of the ICMR is presided over by the Hon’ble Union Minister of Health & Family Welfare.

The ICMR conducts biomedical research through its (i) 27 permanent mission-oriented institutes (Intramural Research) located in different parts of India, which address themselves to research on specific health topics like tuberculosis, leprosy, cholera, diarrhoeal diseases, viral diseases including AIDS, malaria, kala-azar, vector control, nutrition, food & drug toxicology, reproduction, immuno-haematology, oncology, medical statistics, etc. including (ii) Regional Medical Research Centres (RMRC) addressing themselves to regional health problems, as well as aim to strengthen or generate research capabilities in different geographic areas of the country.

Overview about the Program

The Biomedical Research Eligibility Test (BRET) will be held on 31.07.2024 (Tentative Date) for determining the eligibility of Indian National candidates for the award of junior research fellowship (JRF) through DHR-ICMR. The award of fellowship to the successfully qualified & eligible candidates will depend on their finding placement in a medical college/hospital/university/national laboratory/institution of national importance/ICMR institutes/centres as per the two categories given below:

A. To pursue doctoral degree from UGC-recognized universities/research institutions/ institute of national importance in India.

B. To pursue the doctoral degree from 27 ICMR institutes/centers, where in they will be registered for Ph.D. under the newly established AcSIR-ICMR Faculty of Medical Research.

1. A total of 500 fellowships would be awarded to work in the field of biomedical sciences/health research.
2. The merit list comprising the candidates qualifying test will be made on the basis of their performance in the test and will be declared as per the criteria given above.
3. The candidates selected under this programme of DHR-ICMR 2024 – Biomedical Research Eligibility Test (BRET) would be permitted to enrol themselves for the Ph.D. programme in subject related to biomedical/health research only.
4. SC/ST/OBC/PwBD (Persons with Bench-mark Disabilities) and Economically Weaker Sections (EWS) applicants in General category will be given reservation as per Govt. policy guidelines.

ICMR JRF 2024 Notification | DHR-ICMR 2024 – Biomedical Research Eligibility Test (BRET) | Applications & Registrations Open

CHAPTER – 2: ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA

2.1 Educational Qualifications

• M.Sc. or equivalent post-graduate (PG) degree (M. Tech/M. Pharma), in 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, with minimum 55% marks in PG test for General/EWS/OBC candidates and 50% for the SC/ST and PwBD candidates.
• A candidate who is appearing/has appeared in the final year (IV/VI Semester whichever is applicable, and final year where semester system is not there) of M.Sc. or equivalent post graduate test during the session (2023-24) can also apply for the test as RA (Result Awaited).
• Such candidates will have to submit the attestation format (given in annexure-I duly certified by the Head of the Department/Institute over his/her signature and official seal/stamp (with address and name) where he/she is appearing in the final year PG test.
• However, such candidates shall be admitted to the Test provisionally and shall be considered eligible for JRF only after they submit the proof of having passed the Master’s Degree test with requisite percentage.

2.2 Age Limit
The age limit for admission to the eligibility test is 30 years as on last date of the application form i.e. 09.07.2024. (Upper age limit relaxation up to five years in case of candidates belonging to SC/ST, PwBD and female candidates, three years in the case of OBC category).

2.3 Declaration
In the event of any ineligibility being detected by DHC-ICMR / NTA at any stage, their candidature will be cancelled and they shall be liable for legal action. NTA does not verify the information provided by the candidates during online registration and hence candidature will be purely provisional subject to the fulfillment of eligibility criteria.

ICMR JRF 2024 Notification | DHR-ICMR 2024 – Biomedical Research Eligibility Test (BRET) | Applications & Registrations Open

CHAPTER – 3: Details of Examinations

3.1 Mode of Examinations
The Examinations will be conducted in Computer Based Test (CBT) mode.

3.2 Scheme of Test
The Test will consist of three parts. All the parts will consist of objective type, multiple choice questions. There will be no break between papers. The subject-wise scheme of examination is as per details below:

• The test will consist of one paper of two hours duration.
• The question paper will be divided into three sections A, B and C as per the syllabus at Annexure-IX.
• All questions in each section are compulsory carrying one mark each.
• Negative marking @0.25 will be made for each of the wrong answer.
• Questions not attempted will be marked zero.

3.3 Pattern of Question Papers

Section-A (Aptitude Section) comprising of 50 questions from the following areas:

1. Reading Comprehension: Evaluate comprehension and interpretation skills across diverse fields.
2. Reasoning Ability: Assess deductive reasoning, data interpretation, verbal and non-verbal reasoning.
3. Analytical Ability: Analyze information systematically and logically, interpret data, and apply logical reasoning.
4. Quantitative Ability: Evaluate logical reasoning, numerical analysis, and graphical interpretation.
5. Quantitative comparison: Problem-solving through quantitative comparison and analytical reasoning.

Section-B will be having 50 questions pertaining to cross-disciplinary areas and not from any specific domain but related to fundamental knowledge which is common to the topics listed below:

1. Molecular basis of changes occurring in living cells.
2. Cell structure and function including cell communication, signaling, growth, reproduction and differentiation.
3. Basic understanding of physiological processes.
4. Genetic inheritance and genomics.
5. Origin of life and evolution.
6. Biotechnological processes, techniques and applications.
7. Biosafety.
8. Bioethics.
9. Natural and acquired immune responses.
10. Common bacterial, viral, fungal and parasitic infections.

ICMR JRF 2024 Notification | DHR-ICMR 2024 – Biomedical Research Eligibility Test (BRET) | Applications & Registrations Open

Section-C would comprise of 50 questions relevant to applied/analytical part of the biological processes from the eleven (11) specific disciplines/subjects as listed below, candidate will have to opt for only for one subject for this section:

1. Microbiology (Bacteriology, Virology, Parasitology, Entomology, Mycology)
2. Biochemistry
3. Biostatistics
4. Veterinary Science/Medicine
5. Public Health
6. Nursing
7. Biotechnology
8. Social Behavioral Sciences (Anthropology, Sociology, Psychology)
9. Nutrition
10. Pharmacology
11. Biological Sciences (Life Sciences, Human Biology, Environmental Sciences, Zoology, Botany)

3.4 Medium of Examination
The Paper will be in English only.

3.5 Marking Scheme of Examinations
Please refer to point no. 3.2.

3.6 Subjects of the Test

The Test will be held in the subjects mentioned below:

Subject Code Subjects of the Test
A Microbiology
B Biochemistry
C Biostatistics
D Veterinary Science/Medicine
E Public Health
F Nursing
G Biotechnology
H Social Behavioral Sciences
I Nutrition
J Pharmacology
K Biological Sciences

3.7 Syllabus of the Test
Please refer to Annexure-IX

ICMR JRF 2024 Notification | DHR-ICMR 2024 – Biomedical Research Eligibility Test (BRET) | Applications & Registrations Open

CHAPTER – 5: Registration and Application Process

5.1. Ready Reckoner:

Before beginning the process of filling the Online Application Form, read Information Brochure carefully, keep ready required documents and follow the following instructions:

• Copy of Board / University Certificate for Candidate’s Name, Mother’s Name, Father’s Name and Date of Birth
• Type of Identification – Bank A/c passbook with photograph/ Passport Number/ Ration Card/ Aadhaar Card Number/Voter ID Card Number/ Other Govt ID
• Qualifying Degree Certificate or last semester marks sheet
• Your Mailing Address as well as Permanent Address with Pin Code
• Four cities for Centres of your choice
• Category Certificate, if applicable
• Result Awaited Certificate, if applicable
• Economically Weaker Section (EWS) Certificate, if applicable
• Person with Disability (PwD) Certificate, if applicable
• e-mail address and Mobile Number of candidate
• Scanned images in PDF format only

Candidate’s Photograph: File size must be between 20 kb to 100 kb.
Candidate’s Signature in running hand: File size must be between 10 kb to 50 kb.

5.2. Instructions for filling Online Application Form

5.2.1. Candidates must apply “Online” only for DHR-ICMR 2024 – Biomedical Research Eligibility Test (BRET) by accessing the website: https://exams.nta.ac.in/ (The Application other than online mode would not be accepted in any case).

5.2.2. If a candidate submits more than one Application Form for the same course, all his/her Application Forms shall summarily be rejected.

5.2.3. Replica of Application Form is given at Annexure-X.

5.2.4. Information Brochure and Replica of Application Form given therein may be downloaded and read carefully by the candidate to be sure about his/her eligibility and acquaint with requirements for submission of Online Application Form.

5.2.5. Whether they fulfil the eligibility conditions for the Exam as prescribed.

5.2.6. In order to avoid correction in the particulars at a later stage, the candidate should exercise utmost caution while filling up the details in the Application Form.

ICMR JRF 2024 Notification | DHR-ICMR 2024 – Biomedical Research Eligibility Test (BRET) | Applications & Registrations Open

5.2.7. Following Steps may be followed to Apply Online:

Step-1: Register for Online Form submission using your own Email ID and Mobile No. and note down system generated Application Number.

Step-2: Complete the Online Application Form and note down the system generated Application Number. Upload scanned images of (i) Candidate’s Photograph (in JPG file size: 20 kb – 100 kb), (ii) Candidate’s Signature (in JPG file size: 40kb – 50kb), (iii) Duly verified Result Awaited Attestation Form (in PDF file size: 50kb – 500kb), (iv) Category Certificate, if applicable (SC/ ST/ OBC/ EWS etc.) (in PDF file size: 50kb – 300kb) & (v) PwD Certificate, if applicable (in PDF file size:50kb – 300kb).

Step-3: Pay prescribed fee through Net Banking / Debit Card / Credit Card / UPI and keep proof of fee paid for future reference.

All the 3 Steps can be completed at one go or each step completed at a time,saved, and the next completed later.

After the submission of Online Application Form (i.e. successful completion of Step-3), Confirmation Page of the Application Form, should be downloaded and a printout of the same may be retained for future reference. The Confirmation Page of the online Application Form could be generated only after successful payment by the Candidate.

In case the Confirmation Page is not generated after payment of Prescribed Fee, then the candidate should approach the concerned Bank/Payment Gateway Integrator, for ensuring the successful payment.

In spite of above, if successful transaction is not reflected on the Portal, it means transaction is not complete and candidate may pay second time and ensure OK status.

However, any duplicate payment received from the candidate by NTA in course of said transactions will be refunded (in the same payment mode through which the duplicate payment is received), after fee reconciliation by NTA.
However, any duplicate payment received from the candidate by NTA in course of said transactions will be refunded (in the same payment mode through which the duplicate payment is received), after fee reconciliation by NTA.

CHAPTER – 6: Admit Card, Instructions and Prohibited Materials

6.1. Admit Card for the Examinations

6.1.1. The Admit Card will be issued provisionally to the candidates, subject to their satisfying the eligibility conditions.

6.1.2. The candidate has to download the Admit Card from the NTA website and appear for the Examination at the given Centre on Date, timing and Examination as indicated in their Admit Card.

6.1.3. No candidate will be allowed to appear at the Examination Centre, on Date and timing other than that allotted to them in their Admit Card.

6.1.4. In case candidates are unable to download Admit Cards from the website, they may approach the Help Line 011-40759000 / 011-69227700 between 09:30 am and 5:30 pm or write to NTA at [email protected].

6.1.5. The candidates are advised to read the instructions on the Admit Card carefully and follow them during the conduct of the Examination.

6.1.6. In case of any discrepancy in the particulars of the candidate or his/her photograph and signatures shown in the Admit Card and Confirmation Page, the candidate may immediately approach the Helpline between 09:30 am and 5:30 pm. In such cases, candidates would appear in the Examination with the already downloaded Admit Card. However, NTA will take necessary action to make correction in the record later.

ICMR JRF 2024 Notification | DHR-ICMR 2024 – Biomedical Research Eligibility Test (BRET) | Applications & Registrations Open

Notes:

a. Candidate may please note that Admit Cards will not be sent by post.
b. Under no circumstance, a duplicate Admit Card will be issued at the Exam centre.
c. Candidate must not mutilate the Admit Card or change any entry made therein.
d. Candidates are advised to preserve their Admit Cards in good condition for future reference.
e. No Admit Card shall be issued to the candidates whose Applications are found to be incomplete for any reasons (including indistinct/ doubtful photographs/unsigned Applications) or who do not fulfill the eligibility criteria for the examination.
f. Issue of Admit Cards, however, shall not necessarily mean acceptance of eligibility which shall be further scrutinized at subsequent stages of admission process.

APPLY ONLINE HERE

Editor’s Note: ICMR JRF 2024 Notification | DHR-ICMR 2024 – Biomedical Research Eligibility Test (BRET) | Applications & Registrations Open. Please ensure you are subscribed to the Biotecnika Times Newsletter and our YouTube channel to be notified of the latest industry news. Follow us on social media like Twitter, Telegram, Facebook and Instagram.