Presidency University Junior Research Fellow Recruitment 2026 - Apply Online

Presidency University, Kolkata invites applications for Junior Research Fellow (JRF) positions across various departments for the year 2026. Presidency University is a prestigious state university in West Bengal known for its academic excellence and research output. Junior Research Fellows work under designated research supervisors on approved research projects, typically funded by UGC, DST, CSIR, ICSSR or other government agencies. This position offers an opportunity to pursue doctoral research while receiving a monthly stipend. The recruitment is open to candidates from across India who meet the eligibility criteria. Selected candidates will be engaged for the duration of the specific research project, usually 2-3 years, with possibilities for extension based on project requirements and performance.

Important Dates

Typical / Indicative

Note: Exact vacancies depend on ongoing research projects and funding availability.

Educational Qualification

• Essential: Master's degree in relevant discipline (Science, Social Sciences, Humanities, Commerce, Management) with minimum 55% marks (50% for SC/ST/OBC/PWD candidates)
• Desirable: NET/GATE qualification or equivalent national level examination
• Preferred: Candidates with research experience, publications, or M.Phil degree will be given preference
• Field of specialization should match the research project requirements

Age Limit

Typical / Indicative

Age Relaxation

Age calculated as on the last date of application submission

Nationality

• Indian citizens only
• Candidates must possess valid Indian citizenship documents

1. Visit the official Presidency University website at www.presidencyuniversity.ac.in
2. Navigate to the 'Recruitment' or 'Careers' section under the relevant department page
3. Download the official notification and read all instructions carefully
4. Click on 'Apply Online' link for Junior Research Fellow recruitment
5. Register yourself by providing basic details (email ID and mobile number) to generate login credentials
6. Login using the generated credentials and fill the online application form with personal, educational and professional details
7. Upload scanned copies of required documents: photograph (50KB), signature (20KB), educational certificates (PDF, up to 500KB each)
8. Pay the application fee through online mode (Net Banking/Debit Card/Credit Card/UPI)
9. Review all entered information carefully before final submission
10. Submit the application form and take a printout of the confirmation page for future reference
11. Note down the application/registration number for tracking purposes

Application Fees

Typical / Indicative

Payment mode: Online only (Net Banking, Debit/Credit Card, UPI)

No fee refund under any circumstances

1. Screening of Applications: All received applications are screened based on educational qualifications, marks obtained, NET/GATE scores, and research experience. Only eligible candidates meeting the minimum criteria are shortlisted.

1. Written Test/Presentation (if applicable): Shortlisted candidates may be required to appear for a written test covering subject knowledge, research methodology, and analytical skills. Some departments may ask for a presentation on proposed research area.

1. Personal Interview: Shortlisted candidates are called for a personal interview before a Selection Committee comprising the Principal Investigator, subject experts, and university representatives. Candidates are assessed on subject knowledge, research aptitude, understanding of the project, and communication skills.

1. Document Verification: Candidates provisionally selected must appear for document verification with original certificates including educational qualifications, age proof, caste certificate, and other relevant documents.

1. Medical Fitness: Selected candidates must submit a medical fitness certificate from a registered medical practitioner certifying fitness for the research position.

1. Final Selection: Final merit list is prepared based on interview performance and document verification. Selected candidates receive appointment letters specifying joining date, stipend, and project duration.

Selection Test Pattern (if conducted)

Written Test

Negative Marking: 0.25 marks deducted for each wrong answer in objective questions

Interview/Viva-Voce

Note: The exact pattern may vary based on the department and project requirements. Some positions may have direct interview without written test.

Research Methodology

• Research design and methods (qualitative, quantitative, mixed methods)
• Data collection techniques and tools
• Sampling methods and sample size determination
• Statistical analysis and interpretation
• Research ethics and plagiarism
• Hypothesis formulation and testing
• Literature review and citation methods
• Report writing and presentation skills

Subject-Specific Topics (Science Disciplines)

• Core concepts of the relevant specialization (Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Mathematics, Computer Science)
• Recent developments and innovations in the field
• Interdisciplinary applications
• Laboratory techniques and instrumentation
• Data analysis and computational methods

Subject-Specific Topics (Social Sciences & Humanities)

• Theoretical frameworks and paradigms
• Classical and contemporary literature in the field
• Research traditions and methodological debates
• Current issues and policy implications
• Fieldwork methods and ethnography
• Archival research techniques

Banking & Commerce (for Banking Department)

• Banking operations and management
• Financial markets and instruments
• Monetary policy and central banking
• Risk management and Basel norms
• Digital banking and fintech innovations
• Corporate finance and accounting principles
• Indian banking system and regulatory framework

General Awareness

• Current affairs (national and international)
• Science and technology developments
• Academic institutions and research funding bodies in India
• UGC, CSIR, DST, ICSSR schemes and fellowships
• Intellectual property rights
• Government initiatives in research and innovation

Typical / Indicative

Additional Benefits:

• Contingency grant: ₹10,000 - ₹20,000 per annum for research expenses (books, stationery, travel)
• Library and laboratory facilities
• Medical facilities as per university rules
• Leave entitlement: 30 days per year
• No deductions for PF/EPF (fellowship is tax-exempt under certain limits)

Note: Fellowship amount follows UGC/funding agency norms. Senior Research Fellows receive higher stipend after completion of initial tenure.

Junior Research Fellows can progress to Senior Research Fellow (SRF) position after completion of two years or upon qualifying assessment, with increased stipend of ₹35,000 per month. After completing PhD, candidates can pursue postdoctoral research, apply for faculty positions in universities and colleges, join national research laboratories (CSIR, DRDO, ISRO), or pursue careers in industry R&D. Many JRFs transition to Assistant Professor positions in universities or research scientist roles in government and private sector organizations.

Since the selection process primarily involves interview and document verification, separate admit cards may not be issued. Shortlisted candidates receive email and SMS notifications containing the interview schedule, venue details, and list of documents to carry. Candidates should download the interview call letter from the university portal using their registration credentials approximately 7-10 days before the scheduled interview date. The call letter must be carried along with a valid photo ID proof on the interview day.

The final selection result is typically declared within 2-3 weeks after completion of interviews and document verification. Results are published on the official Presidency University website under the respective department or recruitment section. Selected candidates receive individual communication via email and registered post containing the appointment letter, joining instructions, and project details. Waitlisted candidates may be informed about their status for future vacancies in similar projects.

Typical / Indicative: Cutoff marks for written test (if conducted) generally range between 50-60% for General category, 45-50% for OBC, and 40-45% for SC/ST categories. Interview cutoff is usually around 50-55 marks out of 100 for final selection in General category. Cutoffs vary significantly based on the number of applicants, project requirements, and the specific department. Candidates with NET/GATE qualification or M.Phil degrees typically have better chances of clearing the cutoff and final selection.

Interview/Test Centres:

Eastern Region: Kolkata (Presidency University Main Campus), Kalyani, Siliguri

Northern Region: Delhi, Lucknow, Patna, Chandigarh

Western Region: Mumbai, Pune, Ahmedabad, Bhopal

Southern Region: Chennai, Bangalore, Hyderabad, Thiruvananthapuram

Central Region: Nagpur, Raipur, Ranchi

Northeastern Region: Guwahati, Shillong, Imphal

Note: Primary selection process is conducted at Presidency University, Kolkata campus. Online interviews may be arranged for outstation candidates in exceptional circumstances.