Ensure inclusion of external expert in panel for upgradation from JRF to SRF: UGC tells universities

NEW DELHI: The University Grants Commission (UGC) has asked higher educational institutions (HEIs) to ensure the inclusion of external subject expert in the committee formed for the upgradation of Junior Research Fellowship (JRF) to Senior Research Fellowship (SRF). UGC warned that any proposal for upgradation without compliance to the guidelines will not be considered.

According to the procedure of upgradation from JRF to SRF in ‘UGC Junior Research Fellowship in Sciences, Humanities and Social Sciences’, the research fellow can apply to the department or university for upgradation after completing two years of JRF. A three-member committee including a supervisor, head of department, and an external subject expert will evaluate the fellow’s research work. UGC’s approval is not mandatory.

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“On completion of first two years of award, the fellow may apply to the department/university concerned for the up-gradation of SRF. For this a three member committee will be constituted with a Supervisor, Head of the Department and External Subject Expert to evaluate the research work. The Minutes of the constitution of committee and recommendation of the committee for upgradation may be sent to University Grants Commission. Thereafter, the fellow will be upgraded and designated as SRF. The recommendation of the committee in the prescribed proforma may be submitted to UGC designated agency. The approval from UGC for up-gradation is not mandatory,” read the clause.

“Higher Educational Institutions (HEIs) are therefore, requested to ensure the inclusion of external expert in the committee constituted for the up-gradation from JRF to SRF. Any proposal without complying with the above guidelines for up-gradation from JRF to SRF will not be considered,” said Rajnish Jain, secretary, UGC in the official notice.