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ICMR JRF Syllabus 2025, Subject-Wise Detailed Syllabus

authorImageDr. Kar27 May, 2025
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ICMR JRF Syllabus 2025

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)
  • Enzyme kinetics and mechanisms
  • Metabolism and metabolic pathways
  • Biochemical signaling and cell communication
  • Biochemical techniques (electrophoresis, chromatography, spectroscopy)
  • Biochemical genetics and inborn errors of metabolism
8. Biotechnology
  • Basics of biotechnology and its applications
  • Recombinant DNA technology and gene cloning
  • Genetic engineering and transgenic organisms
  • Bioprocess engineering and fermentation technology
  • Enzyme technology and industrial applications
  • Agricultural biotechnology and genetically modified crops
  • Bioremediation and environmental biotechnology
9. Pharmacology
  • Principles of pharmacology and drug action
  • Pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics
  • Drug metabolism and elimination
  • Drug receptors and signaling pathways
  • Mechanisms of drug interactions and adverse effects
  • Rational drug design and drug discovery
  • Clinical trials and drug development
10. Nursing
  • Fundamentals of nursing practice
  • Health assessment and nursing diagnosis
  • Medical-surgical nursing
  • Pediatric nursing
  • Obstetric and gynecological nursing
  • Psychiatric nursing
  • Community health nursing
11. Botany
  • Plant anatomy and morphology
  • Plant physiology and growth
  • Plant taxonomy and systematics
  • Plant ecology and adaptation
  • Plant genetics and breeding
  • Plant biotechnology and genetic engineering
  • Plant pathology and diseases
12. Biophysics
  • Physical principles in biological systems
  • Biophysical techniques (spectroscopy, microscopy, X-ray crystallography)
  • Membrane biophysics and cell physiology
  • Protein structure and function
  • Molecular interactions and binding kinetics
  • Biophysical modeling and simulations
13. Environmental Sciences
  • Environmental pollution and its types
  • Ecosystem ecology and energy flow
  • Biodiversity conservation and habitat management
  • Environmental impact assessment
  • Climate change and global environmental issues
  • Waste management and pollution control
  • Environmental laws and policies
14. Immunology
  • Immune system components and functions
  • Innate and adaptive immunity
  • Antigen-antibody interactions
  • 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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