Research Fellowship is a term used for denoting a research position at a university or equivalent institution generally for faculty members of educational staff. Candidates appointed for the position of research fellowship are called as research fellows and these professionals might either acts an independent investigator or under the supervision of a principal investigator. As against research officer or research assistant, research fellowship positions, normally needed candidates to be doctoral degree holders in the particular subject in which they are looking for research fellowship positions. Positions in research fellowship differ from one country to another and research fellowship positions in India is as follows:

Research Fellowship in India:

In India, many educational and research institutions offer Junior Research Fellowships and Senior Research Fellowship positions and JRF positions are meant for candidates with successful UG qualification and SRF positions is for candidates with successful PG qualification. Selection of candidates to research fellowship positions in India is done based on the merit secured by candidates in the competitive examination followed by interview. Performance of candidates in interview plays a crucial role in selection, however, candidates with exceptionally good academic records at the university or collegiate level are directly appointed for research fellowship positions in India. The exam meant for selection of candidates for research fellowship positions is National Eligibility Test conducted by the University Grants Commission, which is meant for candidates with science related PG and Ph. D qualification. On the other hand, candidates with professional qualifications like engineering are selected for research fellowship positions on the basis of National Eligibility Test conducted by the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research and also through the Graduate Aptitude Test score of candidates.

Nature of research fellowship positions in India:

Candidates selected for research fellowship positions in India are awarded with projects by educational institutions and research institutions, the positions are generally temporary in nature, and the normal duration is two years with a possible extension by a period of one year. On completion of this period, candidates can go for research positions or they can also pursue their higher education as well.

Recent government job notification for research fellowship positions:

Universities and institutions working under the control of the Government of India and different state governments frequently recruit candidates for research fellowship positions and the name of the organizations that recently recruited candidates for these positions are given below:

• Junior Research Fellow – Indian Space Research Organization

• Research Fellows – Jawaharlal Nehru University

• Research Fellows – Aryabhatta Research Institute

• Research fellowship positions – Rain Forest Research Institute

• Junior Research Fellow – Indian Council of Forestry

• Senior Research Fellow - Vivekananda Parvatiya Krishi Anusandhan Sansthan

• Research Fellowship - Kerala State Council For Science, Technology and Environment

Thus, Research Fellowship positions open up wide range of employment opportunities for candidates with appropriate qualification and educational background. This position is highly suitable for candidates with interest towards research field and getting a research fellowship position is regarded with great pride in the nation. Research fellowship positions not only enables the candidates to earn well, but also enables them go for higher studies after completion of the period of fellowship.