I have done BE mechanical engineering. Now i want to study/research in Astrophysics. So as per CSIR/UGC, i am directly apply for the JRF.

Dear Piyush,

Yes you can pursue research in Astrophysics. There are several research institutes that allow Btech students to pursue research. In India you can apply to several institutes like Indian Institute of Astrophysics, ISRO, Indian institute of Spase science and technology and IISc.

(Please check here:

for IIA- https://www.iiap.res.in/?q=opportunities/career

for ISRO- https://www.isro.gov.in/research-and-academia-interface/research-fellowships

for IIST - https://www.iist.ac.in/admissions/phd/regular

for IISC - http://www.physics.iisc.ernet.in/~jap/jap-home.htm)

Congratulations for qualifying UGC NET JRF, that makes you eligible for funding as a JRF for 3 years and as an SRF for 2 years after that if your performance is satisfactory.

I just want to make an amend to Arunima's answer. A candidate should be below the age of 28 to apply for this scholoarship rather than being atleast 28 years of age.

So good luck for your future endevours.

Hi Piyush,

Yes, you can pursue  research in astrophysics by clearing UGC NET JRF because the fellows are eligible for a scholarship by the UGC for pursuing a research degree.

However, the basic eligibility criteria for you to sit for the NET UGC JRF is to either - (1) Have qualified your Masters or an equivalent degree with a minimum of 55% (50% for reserved categories) or (2) be in the last year of your Masters programme; students awaiting their results for the same are also eligible.

Any candidate applying for the JRF program should be at least 28 years of age.

But, I request you to kindly give me some time so I can get back to you with more details on the same. Till then, kindly go through the following information very carefully, this might give you more clarity.

Link - https://www.ugc.ac.in/pdfnews/8821047_revised-JRF.pdf

I shall get back to you with more information maximum by tomorrow morning. I request you to be a little patient. Thank you.