DHR-ICMR BRET 2024 Notification [Previously ICMR-JRF] | Exam Pattern & Subjects Changed

More Info/Apply: https://icmr24.onlineregistrationform.org/ICMR/

About DHR-ICMR 

The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), New Delhi an apex body in India for the formulation, coordination and promotion of biomedical research under Department of Health Research (DHR), Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoH&FW), is one of the oldest medical research organizations in the world which has completed more than 100 years of its existence. The Governing Council of the ICMR is presided over by the Hon'ble Union Minister of Health & Family Welfare. 

The ICMR conducts biomedical research through its (i) 27 permanent missionoriented institutes (Intramural Research) located in different parts of India, which address themselves to research on specific health topics like tuberculosis, leprosy, cholera, diarrhoeal diseases, viral diseases including AIDS, malaria, kala-azar, vector control, nutrition, food & drug toxicology, reproduction, immuno-haematology, oncology, medical statistics, etc. including (ii) Regional Medical Research Centres (RMRC) addressing themselves to regional health problems, as well as aim to strengthen or generate research capabilities in different geographic areas of the country. 

Extramural research is promoted through grants-in-aid given as a project mode to scientists from non-ICMR institutes by (i) setting up Centres for Advanced Research in different research areas in selected departments of Medical Colleges, Universities and other non-ICMR Research Institutes; (ii) Task force projects which emphasize on a time-bound, goal-oriented approach with clearly defined targets, specific time frames, standardized and uniform protocols and often a multi-centric structure and (iii) open-ended research on the basis of applications for grants-in-aid received from scientists from non-ICMR Research Institutes located in different parts of the country. 

Strengthening of research capabilities and a definite research strategy are recognized as a vital tools for successful research operations and the ICMR has strive to adopt new strategies from time to time. Human resource development in biomedical research is encouraged through various schemes such as 

(i) Research Fellowships (i.e. Research Junior & Senior Fellowships and Research Associateship); 

(ii) Short-term Visiting Fellowships which allow scientists to learn advanced research techniques from other well-established research Institutes in India; 

(iii) Short Term Studentship (STS) (for undergraduate pursuing medical/dental students to encourage them to familiarize themselves with research methodologies and techniques); 

(iv) Financial assistance to MD/MS/DM/MCh/DNB/DrNB/MDS thesis in priority areas of Biomedical Research, (100 slots/year) Financial assistance of Rs. 50,000/- is provided to candidates who are in the 2nd year of MD/MS/DM/MCh/DNB/DrNB/MDS course; 

(v) MD-Ph.D. Programme 25 slots/year: To identify young medical graduates with brilliant academic records for pursuing postgraduate qualifications; 

(vi) Post Doctoral Fellowship (PDF) Programme (50/year): To identify and support young Ph.D. for the conduct of research using ICMR Institutes working for priority areas of Health Research and 

(vii) ICMR “Nurturing Clinical Scientists (NCS) Scheme has been instituted to foster high quality research opportunities for fresh MBBS/BDS candidates within two years of completing their degree who are eligible to apply (Interns/PG students are NOT eligible) in the cutting edge areas Fundamental Basic/Clinical Research in communicable and non communicable diseases, and reproductive health including nutrition etc. at MCI/DCI recognized medical colleges/ICMR network of Institutes/Centers. 

(viii) Various Training Programmes and Workshops conducted by various Institutes including ICMR Institutes and Headquarters. 

Two broad lines of biomedical research endeavours are focused predominantly in ICMR: 

(i) Leveraging the advanced tools of modern biology and health research to unravel basic mechanisms and identify risk factors which. This research is aimed at facilitating the research in descriptive, discovery, development, and delivery of innovative diagnostic and therapeutic solutions. 

(ii) Application of available knowledge, under the prevailing inter and transdisciplinary efforts in the field of biomedical health research, epidemiology & social and behavioural sciences, bridging socio-economic and cultural environment through comprehensive health systems research. 

About Department of Health Research (DHR) 

The President notified the creation of the Department of Health Research under the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare through an amendment to the Government of India (Allocation of Business) Rules, 1961 on the 17th September 2007. The Department of Health Research was formally launched on 5th October 2007 by the Minister for Science & Technology and Earth Sciences in a function presided over by the Minister for Health & Family Welfare, in the presence, inter-alia, of the Minister of State for Health & Family Welfare. 

Department of Health Research (DHR) was created as a separate Department within the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare by an amendment to the Government of India (Allocation of Business) Rules, 1961 on 17th Sept, 2007. The Department became functional from November 2008 with the appointment of first Secretary of the Department. The aim of the DHR is to bring modern health technologies to the people through research and innovations related to diagnosis, treatment methods and vaccines for prevention; to translate them into products and processes and, in synergy with concerned organizations, introduce these innovations into public health system.

Overview about the Program 

The Biomedical Research Eligibility Test (BRET) will be held on 31.07.2024 (Tentative Date) for determining the eligibility of Indian National candidates for the award of junior research fellowship (JRF) through DHR-ICMR. The award of fellowship to the successfully qualified & eligible candidates will depend on their finding placement in a medical college/hospital/university/national laboratory/institution of national importance/ICMR institutes/centres as per the two categories given below: 

A. To pursue doctoral degree from UGC-recognized universities/research institutions/ institute of national importance in India. 

B. To pursue the doctoral degree from 27 ICMR institutes/centers, where in they will be registered for Ph.D. under the newly established AcSIR-ICMR Faculty of Medical Research. 

1. A total of 500 fellowships would be awarded to work in the field of biomedical sciences/health research. 

2. The merit list comprising the candidates qualifying test will be made on the basis of their performance in the test and will be declared as per the criteria given above. 

3. The candidates selected under this programme of DHR-ICMR 2024 - Biomedical Research Eligibility Test (BRET) would be permitted to enrol themselves for the Ph.D. programme in subject related to biomedical/health research only. 

4. SC/ST/OBC/PwBD (Persons with Bench-mark Disabilities) and Economically Weaker Sections (EWS) applicants in General category will be given reservation as per Govt. policy guidelines. 

Educational Qualifications 

 M.Sc. or equivalent post-graduate (PG) degree (M. Tech/M. Pharma), in life sciences, zoology, botany, biomedical sciences, microbiology, biochemistry, genetics, biotechnology, biophysics, bioinformatics, forensic sciences, environmental sciences, food and nutrition, molecular biology, biological sciences, ecology, immunology, neurosciences, veterinary sciences, nursing, biostatistics, pharmacology, pharmaceutical sciences, public health, social work, with minimum 55% marks in PG test for General/EWS/OBC candidates and 50% for the SC/ST and PwBD candidates. 

 A candidate who is appearing/has appeared in the final year (IV/VI Semester whichever is applicable, and final year where semester system is not there) of M.Sc. or equivalent post graduate test during the session (2023-24) can also apply for the test as RA (Result Awaited). 

 Such candidates will have to submit the attestation format (given in annexure-I duly certified by the Head of the Department/Institute over his/her signature and official seal/stamp (with address and name) where he/she is appearing in the final year PG test. 

 However, such candidates shall be admitted to the Test provisionally and shall be considered eligible for JRF only after they submit the proof of having passed the Master's Degree test with requisite percentage. 

Age Limit The age limit for admission to the eligibility test is 30 years as on last date of the application form i.e. 09.07.2024. (Upper age limit relaxation up to five years in case of candidates belonging to SC/ST, PwBD and female candidates, three years in the case of OBC category).

Mode of Examinations 

The Examinations will be conducted in Computer Based Test (CBT) mode. 

Scheme of Test 

The Test will consist of three parts. All the parts will consist of objective type, multiple choice questions. There will be no break between papers. 

The subject-wise scheme of examination is as per details below: 

• The test will consist of one paper of two hours duration. 

• The question paper will be divided into three sections A, B and C as per the syllabus at Annexure-IX. 

• All questions in each section are compulsory carrying one mark each. 

• Negative marking @ 0.25 will be made for each of the wrong answer. 

• Questions not attempted will be marked zero. 

Pattern of Question Papers 

Section-A (Aptitude Section) comprising of 50 questions from the following areas: 

1. Reading Comprehension: Evaluate comprehension and interpretation skills across diverse fields. 

2. Reasoning Ability: Assess deductive reasoning, data interpretation, verbal and nonverbal reasoning. 

3. Analytical Ability: Analyze information systematically and logically, interpret data, and apply logical reasoning. 

4. Quantitative Ability: Evaluate logical reasoning, numerical analysis, and graphical interpretation. 

5. Quantitative comparison: Problem-solving through quantitative comparison and analytical reasoning 

Section-B will be having 50 questions pertaining to cross-disciplinary areas and not from any specific domain but related to fundamental knowledge which is common to the topics listed below: 

1. Molecular basis of changes occurring in living cells. 

2. Cell structure and function including cell communication, signaling, growth, reproduction and differentiation. 

3. Basic understanding of physiological processes. 

4. Genetic inheritance and genomics 

5. Origin of life and evolution 

6. Biotechnological processes, techniques and applications 

7. Biosafety 8. Bioethics 

9. Natural and acquired immune responses 

10. Common bacterial, viral, fungal and parasitic infections 

Section-C would comprise of 50 questions relevant to applied/analytical part of the biological processes from the eleven (11) specific disciplines/subjects as listed below, candidate will have to opt for only for one subject for this section: 

1. Microbiology (Bacteriology, Virology, Parasitology, Entomology, Mycology) 

2. Biochemistry 3. Biostatistics 

4. Veterinary Science/Medicine 

5. Public Health 

6. Nursing 7. Biotechnology 

8. Social Behavioral Sciences (Anthropology, Sociology, Psychology) 

9. Nutrition 

10. Pharmacology 

11. Biological Sciences (Life Sciences, Human Biology, Environmental Sciences, Zoology, Botany) 

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