DBT JRF program was initiated in 2004 to provide fellowships for biotech students pursuing research in universities and / or research institutions in the country. Students are selected through online Biotechnology Eligibility Test (BET). 275 fellowships can be awarded every year. 

Department is providing fellowships to biotechnology students for pursuing doctoral research in universities and / or research institutions in the country. The programme is being coordinated by BCIL, New Delhi. Students are selected through online Biotechnology Eligibility Test (BET) conducted at national level in more than 40 cities in country. The programme has provision to select top 275 candidates as JRFs each year in Category-I who are eligible to avail fellowship under DBT-JRF at any university/institute in India once they are registered for PhD. In Category- II: Next 100 students in merit list are selected and these students are eligible to join any DBT sponsored project after following selection process of host institute. They can avail fellowship equivalent to NET qualification from the extramural R&D project funds. 

Currently around 1000 students are availing fellowship under DBT-JRF for PhD program in universities or institutes