ICMR JRF Syllabus 2025: It is divided into three main sections: General Aptitude, Life Sciences, and Social Sciences. The General Aptitude section focuses on reasoning ability, analytical thinking, and problem-solving. The Life Sciences section includes subjects such as biology, biochemistry, genetics, and molecular biology, while the Social Sciences section covers areas like sociology, psychology, and anthropology. Staying updated with current national and international developments, scientific advancements, and recent research is also important for well-rounded preparation.
The ICMR JRF exam is a significant opportunity for candidates interested in advanced research in biomedical and health sciences. A clear understanding of the syllabus helps in creating an effective study plan. Whether you are starting your preparation or aiming to strengthen your knowledge, focusing on core concepts, practicing regularly, and using credible study materials can enhance your performance. A strategic and well-informed approach will increase your confidence and readiness for the exam.
ICMR JRF Syllabus 2025 Overview
The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) conducts the JRF exam, a national-level test held annually. This exam opens doors for Ph.D. and research programs. Here's a brief overview of the ICMR JRF 2025.
ICMR JRF Syllabus 2025 Overview
Exam Name
ICMR JRF 2025
Conducting By
Indian Council of Medical Research
ICMR JRF Full Form
Indian Council of Medical Research Junior Research Fellowship
Exam Level
National level
ICMR JRF 2025 Programs Offered
Ph.D. / Research Programme
Exam Frequency
Annually
Mode of Application
Online
Application Fee
General – Rs. 1500/-
SC/ ST – Rs. 1200/-
PwBD/Transgender – Exempted
Age Limit
28 years as on the last date of application
Medium of Paper
English
Marking Scheme
Each question carries 1 mark.
Negative marking of 0.25 marks will be applied for each incorrect answer.
Exam Duration
2 hours duration
Official Website
https://main.icmr.nic.in/
ICMR JRF General Aptitude and General Knowledge Syllabus 2025
Part A of the ICMR JRF Syllabus 2025 consists of 50 mandatory questions designed to assess candidates’ understanding of General Science, Quantitative Reasoning, and Research Methodology, including areas like statistics and scientific measurements. To prepare effectively for this section, candidates are encouraged to practice using mock tests, review previous years' question papers, and refer to authoritative textbooks and resources. A solid grasp of general aptitude and awareness of fundamental scientific concepts will be essential. Below is an outline of the key topics included in the General Aptitude and General Knowledge section to support focused preparation.
ICMR JRF General Aptitude & General Knowledge Syllabus 2025
Common Statistics
Experiments and sampling
Probability
Description and displaying data
Linear regression and correlation
Hypothesis test and confidence intervals
General Knowledge
Synthetic material
Nuclear science
Measurements
Scientific Phenomenon
Hurricane
Tsunami
Greenhouse effect
Wind
Tornado
Volcano
Rain
Snow
Earthquake
Erosion
ICMR JRF Life Science Syllabus 2025
The Life Science section of the ICMR JRF Syllabus is optional and designed for students interested in the field. It includes 100 questions, out of which candidates must answer 75. The syllabus covers various biomedical science topics, organized unit by unit.
ICMR JRF Life Science Syllabus 2025
No.
Subjects
Sub Topics
1.
Microbiology
Microbial cell structure and function
Microbial growth and nutrition
Microbial genetics and genetic regulation
Microbial metabolism and energy production
Microbial diversity and classification
Microbial pathogenesis and host-pathogen interactions
Medical microbiology and infectious diseases
Industrial and environmental microbiology
Microbial biotechnology and applications
2.
Molecular Biology
Structure and function of nucleic acids (DNA, RNA)
DNA replication, repair, and recombination
Transcription and RNA processing
Translation and genetic code
Gene expression regulation
Recombinant DNA technology and genetic engineering
Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and DNA sequencing
Molecular markers and DNA fingerprinting
Genomics, proteomics, and functional genomics
3.
Genetics
Mendelian genetics and inheritance patterns
Chromosomal basis of inheritance
Genetic variation and evolution
Molecular basis of genetics and gene expression
Genetic mapping and linkage analysis
Population genetics and Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium
Mutations and genetic disorders
Genetic counseling and medical genetics
4.
Human Biology
Human anatomy and physiology of major organ systems
Human health and diseases
Human reproduction and developmental biology
Human growth and nutrition
Human genetics and genetic disorders
Human immunology and immune responses
Aging and age-related diseases
5.
Zoology
Animal diversity and classification
Animal physiology and adaptations
Animal behavior and ethology
Animal ecology and conservation
Comparative anatomy and morphology
Animal evolution and evolutionary biology
Endocrinology and hormones in animals
6.
Bioinformatics
Introduction to bioinformatics and computational biology
Sequence analysis and alignment algorithms
Structural bioinformatics and protein structure prediction
Genomic and proteomic databases
Phylogenetic analysis and molecular evolution
Functional annotation of genes and proteins
Systems biology and network analysis
7.
Biochemistry
Structure and function of biomolecules (proteins, nucleic acids, lipids, carbohydrates)
Immunological techniques (ELISA, Western blot, flow cytometry)
Autoimmunity and immunodeficiency
Immunotherapy and vaccine development
Transplantation immunology
15.
Veterinary Science
Animal anatomy and physiology
Veterinary microbiology and infectious diseases
Veterinary pharmacology and therapeutics
Veterinary pathology and diagnostic techniques
Veterinary public health and epidemiology
Animal breeding and genetics
Livestock management and animal husbandry
16.
Physiology
Human and animal physiological systems
Neural and endocrine control mechanisms
Cardiovascular and respiratory physiology
Digestive and excretory systems
Reproductive physiology
Homeostasis and regulation
ICMR JRF Social Science Syllabus 2025
For Biomedical Science students, the Social Science section is optional, similar to the Life Science syllabus. It consists of 100 questions, out of which 75 must be attempted. Here are the key topics from the ICMR JRF Social Science syllabus to focus on:
ICMR JRF Social Science Syllabus 2025
Subjects
Subtopics
Psychology
Study of mental processes, behavior, perception, cognition, emotions, learning, memory, motivation. Basics of experimental design, data collection, and statistical analysis in psychology. Familiarity with major psychological theories. Classification and treatment of psychological disorders.
Home Science
Family dynamics, child development, parenting, family systems. Basics of nutrition, dietary requirements, public health nutrition, nutritional disorders. Textiles, clothing, fabric properties, apparel design, textile technology.
Social Work
Fundamental principles, values, and ethics in social work practice. Social welfare programs, policies, interventions promoting social well-being. Identification, analysis, and solutions for various social problems. Approaches and methods in social work practice.
Public Health/Health Economics
Public health issues, health promotion, disease prevention, healthcare systems. Economic aspects of healthcare, health policy analysis, health financing.
Sociology
Social institutions (family, education, religion, economy, politics), social norms, socialization. Theories and processes of social change, factors influencing social change. Basics of sociological research, qualitative and quantitative research methods. Examination of contemporary social issues: social inequality, poverty, gender, caste, ethnicity, globalization.
Statistics
Fundamental statistical concepts, measures of central tendency, dispersion, probability. Statistical techniques, data interpretation, inferential statistics, hypothesis testing. Research design, sampling methods, data collection techniques.
Anthropology
Human evolution, primatology, fossil evidence, human biological variation. Cultural diversity, ethnography, kinship, marriage, religion, language, rituals. Human genetics, growth, development, forensic anthropology. Ethnographic fieldwork, data collection, analysis, interpretation.
ICMR JRF Exam Pattern 2025
The ICMR JRF 2025 exam pattern comprises two core sections: the Aptitude Section and the Subject Specific Section. The Aptitude Section features 50 questions covering scientific phenomena, general knowledge in sciences, and basic statistics. The Subject Specific Section includes Life Sciences and Social Sciences as focus areas. Here’s an overview of the ICMR JRF 2025 Exam Pattern for clarity and preparation.
ICMR JRF 2025 Exam Pattern 2025
Section
Description
Aptitude Section
This section consists of 50 questions covering scientific phenomena in everyday life, general knowledge in sciences, and common statistics. Each question is compulsory
Subject Specific Section
This section includes two areas: (B) Life Sciences and (C) Social Sciences.
Each area has 100 questions.
Candidates must attempt any 75 questions from the pre-defined area of Section B or C, depending on their choice indicated in the application form.
ICMR JRF Syllabus 2025 FAQs
What is the ICMR JRF exam?
The ICMR JRF exam is a national-level test conducted by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) annually. It provides opportunities for Ph.D. and research programs in medical and biomedical fields.
When does the ICMR JRF exam take place?
The exam is held once a year, typically in the first or second week of July on a Sunday.
What is the duration of the ICMR JRF exam?
The exam lasts for 120 minutes (2 hours).
What are the language options available for the ICMR JRF exam?
The exam is conducted in English only.
How many questions are there in the ICMR JRF exam, and how many should be attempted?
There are 150 multiple-choice questions in total. Candidates need to attempt 125 questions.
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