Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) Junior Research Fellowship (JRF) Exam

The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) Junior Research Fellowship (JRF) Exam is a highly competitive test in India for individuals seeking to pursue research careers in the field of medical sciences. Here's a breakdown of the syllabus and pattern:

Exam Pattern:
⚫ One paper of 2 hours duration.

Three sections:

Section A: Aptitude (compulsory for all, 50 questions, 1 mark each):
⚫ Scientific phenomena in everyday life.
⚫ General knowledge in sciences.
⚫ Common statistics.

Section B: Life Sciences (100 questions, 1 mark each, choose any 75):
⚫ Covers a wide range of subjects like microbiology, genetics, biochemistry, physiology, bioinformatics, molecular biology, zoology, botany, etc.

Section C: Social Sciences (100 questions, 1 mark each, choose any 75):
⚫ Covers subjects like psychology, sociology, home sciences, statistics, anthropology, social work, and health economics.
⚫ Negative marking: 0.25 marks for each wrong answer in Section B and C.

Syllabus:

Section A: Aptitude:
⚫ Scientific phenomena in everyday life: Basic understanding of scientific principles and their applications in daily life.
⚫ General knowledge in sciences: Current scientific advancements, important discoveries, and prominent scientists.
⚫ Common statistics: Data interpretation, basic statistical concepts, graphs, and charts.

Section B: Life Sciences:
⚫ Basic and fundamental concepts: Cell structure and function, biomolecules, metabolism, genetics, evolution, etc.
⚫ Specialized areas: Microbiology, immunology, pharmacology, biochemistry, biotechnology, bioinformatics, environmental sciences, and more.
⚫ Subject-specific topics: Depending on your chosen area of specialization (microbiology, physiology, etc.).

Section C: Social Sciences:
⚫ Core concepts: Research methods, social theory, human behavior, social structures, and institutions.
⚫ Applied areas: Public health, health policy, psychology, sociology, anthropology, demography, economics, etc.
⚫ India-specific topics: Social issues and challenges relevant to India's healthcare system.

Resources:
⚫ ICMR official website: https://www.icmr.gov.in/
⚫ ICMR JRF FAQs: https://main.icmr.nic.in/content/junior-research-fellowships-jrf
⚫ Previous year question papers: Available on various online platforms.
⚫ Preparation materials and study guides: Several books and online resources are available specifically for ICMR JRF preparation.

Remember, the syllabus is vast and requires dedicated preparation. Start early, focus on your chosen area of expertise, and practice solving previous year papers to familiarize yourself with the exam format.