Archive · 21 Jul 2026
Tharoor questions low JRF rate for UGC-NET qualifiers
Every year, thousands of students take the UGC-NET exam hoping to get a Junior Research Fellowship (JRF) to fund their PhD.
However, only a small number of those who qualify actually receive the fellowship.
Congress MP Shashi Tharoor recently raised this issue in the Lok Sabha, asking for a breakdown of the numbers over the last five years.
The government's response did not provide the detailed information he requested.
Thousands of students take the UGC-NET exam annually for a Junior Research Fellowship (JRF).
Only a small fraction of qualifiers receive the JRF.
In June 2023, 5,269 out of 7,51,907 candidates qualified for JRF.
In December 2023, 5,108 out of 7,35,614 candidates qualified for JRF.
Congress MP Shashi Tharoor raised the issue in the Lok Sabha, seeking transparency.
- Who
- Shashi Tharoor, Congress MP
- What
- Questioned the low rate of Junior Research Fellowships (JRF) for UGC-NET qualifiers
- When
- During the ongoing Monsoon Session
- Where
- Lok Sabha
- Why
- To seek transparency and accountability in the fellowship allocation process
Critics of Government Policy
Government's Stance
Transparency in Fellowship Allocation
Critics of Government Policy
Critics argue for greater transparency in the allocation of Junior Research Fellowships (JRF) to ensure fairness and accountability.
Government's Stance
The government has not provided a detailed breakdown of the fellowship allocation process, maintaining that the current system is adequate.
- Total Candidates (June 2023)
- 7,51,907
- JRF Qualifiers (June 2023)
- 5,269
- Total Candidates (December 2023)
- 7,35,614
- JRF Qualifiers (December 2023)
- 5,108
- MP Raising the Issue
- Shashi Tharoor
- Ministry Addressed
- Ministry of Education
