CCRAS Recruitment 2026 has officially been announced under Advertisement No. 05/2026/Ph.D. — the Central Council for Research in Ayurvedic Sciences (CCRAS), under the Ministry of Ayush, Government of India, is inviting online applications from NET-qualified Non-AYUSH (Non-Medical) postgraduates for 20 PhD Fellowship / JRF posts in Ayurveda and Yoga & Naturopathy. If you hold an M.Sc. degree in Life Sciences, Chemical Sciences, Physical Sciences, Social Sciences, or Biostatistics with a valid NET certificate and are under 28 years of age, this is one of the best-funded government research fellowships of 2026. This guide is for postgraduate science candidates across India who want to know the stipend, eligibility, how to apply, and the last date to apply.
CCRAS Recruitment 2026 offers 20 PhD Fellowship / JRF positions for NET-qualified Non-AYUSH postgraduates to research Ayurveda and Yoga & Naturopathy. The monthly stipend is Rs.37,000 for JRF (rising to Rs.42,000 as SRF), and the last date to apply online at phd.ccras.org.in is 08 December 2026.
- Organisation: Central Council for Research in Ayurvedic Sciences (CCRAS), Ministry of Ayush, Govt. of India
- Advertisement No.: 05/2026/Ph.D.
- Total Fellowships: 20 (16 CCRAS Ayurveda + 04 CCRYN Yoga & Naturopathy)
- Post Name: Junior Research Fellow (JRF) / PhD Fellowship
- JRF Stipend: Rs.37,000/month + HRA
- SRF Stipend (after 2 yrs): Rs.42,000/month + HRA
- Annual Contingency: Rs.20,000 to the University/Institution
- One-time Research Grant: Up to Rs.1,00,000 within 3 months of joining
- Fellowship Tenure: 5 years total (2 yrs JRF + 2–3 yrs SRF)
- Age Limit: 28 years (relaxation for SC/ST/OBC/PH/Women)
- Application Mode: Online only at phd.ccras.org.in
- Last Date to Apply: 08 December 2026
- Official Website: www.ccras.nic.in
- What is CCRAS and This Fellowship?
- Who Should Apply for CCRAS JRF 2026?
- CCRAS JRF Stipend and Fellowship Amount 2026
- Eligibility Criteria and Age Limit
- How to Apply Online for CCRAS Recruitment 2026
- JRF vs SRF: What Changes After 2 Years?
- Advantages and Disadvantages of CCRAS Fellowship
- Important Terms Related to CCRAS JRF Recruitment
- Important Dates and Timeline
- Important Links
- Conclusion
- Key Takeaways
- Frequently Asked Questions
What is CCRAS and the PhD Fellowship / JRF Recruitment 2026?
CCRAS stands for the Central Council for Research in Ayurvedic Sciences, an autonomous organisation functioning under the Ministry of Ayush, Government of India. Its mandate is to promote and coordinate scientific research in Ayurveda across India. The CCRAS PhD Fellowship / JRF Recruitment 2026 invites Non-AYUSH (Non-Medical) NET-qualified postgraduates to undertake research on AYUSH-related projects and pursue PhD programmes at a university or institution of their choice — fully funded for up to 5 years.
Under Advertisement No. 05/2026/Ph.D., CCRAS on behalf of itself and the Central Council for Research in Yoga & Naturopathy (CCRYN) is offering 20 fellowships — 16 in Ayurveda under CCRAS and 4 in Yoga & Naturopathy under CCRYN. This is a prestigious government-funded PhD fellowship that pays monthly stipends well above UGC JRF rates, includes house rent allowance, and provides a contingency research grant. The research project shall be in fields such as Microbiology, Physiology, Molecular Biology, Genetics, Bioinformatics, Biotechnology, Pharmacology, Medicinal Chemistry, Biophysics, Psychology, Biostatistics, and related disciplines — all aligned with AYUSH research goals.
| Research Council | Stream | No. of Fellowships | Official Website |
|---|---|---|---|
| CCRAS | Ayurveda | 16 | www.ccras.nic.in |
| CCRYN | Yoga & Naturopathy | 04 | www.ccryn.gov.in |
| Total | 20 (Tentative) |
Note: The number of fellowships is tentative and subject to change as per the official notification.
Who Should Apply for CCRAS JRF Fellowship 2026?
This fellowship is designed for a specific and highly motivated profile of science postgraduates. Here are the 8 candidate profiles for whom CCRAS Recruitment 2026 is the ideal opportunity:
- 🎓 M.Sc. Life Sciences graduates (Microbiology, Botany, Zoology, Biotechnology, Genetics) who have cleared CSIR-UGC NET/JRF and want a government-funded PhD in Ayurveda research
- 🧪 M.Sc. Chemistry postgraduates (Biochemistry, Organic Chemistry, Medicinal Chemistry, Natural Product Chemistry) with a valid NET certificate seeking research in Ayurvedic pharmacology
- 📊 Biostatistics and Social Sciences postgraduates with CSIR/ICMR NET who want to conduct demographic or mental health research aligned with AYUSH
- 💊 M.Sc. Pharmacology or M.Pharm graduates with NET who want to explore Ayurvedic drug formulation and natural product chemistry
- 🔬 M.Sc. Physics or Biophysics candidates who have qualified DBT-BET or ICAR AICE-SRF and are open to AYUSH-linked research projects
- 🌿 Yoga Science and Naturopathy postgraduates with NET who want to conduct research under the CCRYN stream (4 seats available)
- 👩🔬 Female candidates in science who qualify NET — they get an age relaxation of up to 5 years, making the effective age limit 33 years
- 📚 SC/ST/OBC/PwBD candidates (with lower locomotor disability) in Biomedical Sciences who want the relaxed age limit of up to 33 years and 5-year fellowship security
CCRAS JRF Stipend and Fellowship Amount 2026 — Full Breakdown
CCRAS JRF Stipend 2026 is among the most competitive government research fellowship packages available to non-Ayush science graduates. The fellowship amount increases as the fellow progresses from JRF to SRF. Below is the complete salary and fellowship structure as per the official notification:
| Fellowship Stage | Duration | Monthly Stipend | Additional Benefits |
|---|---|---|---|
| Junior Research Fellow (JRF) | First 2 years | Rs.37,000 + HRA | Annual contingency Rs.20,000 |
| Senior Research Fellow (SRF) | Next 2–3 years | Rs.42,000 + HRA | Annual contingency Rs.20,000 |
| One-time Research Grant | Within 3 months of joining | Up to Rs.1,00,000 | Subject to Council approval |
| Total Tenure | Up to 5 years |
The House Rent Allowance (HRA) is paid as admissible under DST norms based on the city of the university or institution chosen. For candidates joining in a metro city, HRA can add Rs.5,000–Rs.12,000 per month on top of the base stipend. In addition, the fellow may submit a project proposal within 3 months of joining to receive a one-time Research Contingency Grant-in-Aid up to Rs.1,00,000 — subject to approval by the concerned Research Council. The annual Rs.20,000 contingency is paid directly to the university or institution to cover research-related expenses.
| Emolument Component | JRF (Year 1–2) | SRF (Year 3–5) |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly Base Stipend | Rs.37,000 | Rs.42,000 |
| House Rent Allowance (HRA) | As per DST norms | As per DST norms |
| Annual Contingency (to University) | Rs.20,000/year | Rs.20,000/year |
| One-time Research Contingency Grant | Up to Rs.1,00,000 | N/A |
| Approx. Annual Package (JRF excl. HRA) | ~Rs.4,44,000+ | ~Rs.5,04,000+ |
CCRAS JRF 2026 Eligibility Criteria — Who Can Apply?
Candidates must meet the following eligibility requirements as prescribed in Advertisement No. 05/2026/Ph.D. before applying for CCRAS Recruitment 2026:
Essential Qualification
- Post Graduation (M.Sc. or equivalent) in Biomedical Sciences — specifically in Life Sciences, Chemical Sciences, Physical Sciences, Social Sciences, or Biostatistics
- Possession of a valid NET Certificate from one of the following eligible national-level tests: CSIR-UGC Joint Test for JRF and LS(NET); DBT-JRF in Biotechnology; Biotechnology Eligibility Test (BET); ICAR’s AICE-SRF (PGS); or ICMR JRF
- Willingness to undertake research on AYUSH-related projects and pursue a PhD at a university/institution of the candidate’s choice
Age Limit for CCRAS JRF 2026
| Category | Upper Age Limit |
|---|---|
| General / UR | 28 years as on date of advertisement in Employment News |
| SC / ST / OBC (Non-Creamy Layer) | 33 years (5-year relaxation) |
| Physically Handicapped (Lower Locomotor Disability only) | 33 years (5-year relaxation) |
| Female Applicants | 33 years (5-year relaxation) |
Application Fee
As per the official notification, no application fee is mentioned. Candidates are advised to check the official portal at phd.ccras.org.in for any updates on the fee structure before applying.
Research Areas Eligible Under CCRAS Fellowship
The research project must fall under one of these approved fields with an AYUSH link: Life Sciences (Microbiology, Physiology, Molecular Biology, Genetics, Human Biology, Bioinformatics, Biotechnology, Immunology, Pharmacology, Zoology, Environment Science, Botany, Veterinary Sciences, Pharmacy); Chemical Sciences (Biochemistry, Analytical Chemistry, Inorganic Chemistry, Physical Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, Phyto Chemistry, Medicinal Chemistry, Natural Product Chemistry); Physical Sciences (Biophysics); Social Sciences (Psychology for Mental Diseases, Sociology for Demographic Survey); Biostatistics.
How to Apply Online for CCRAS Recruitment 2026 — Step-by-Step Process
All applications must be submitted online only. Hard copies or email submissions are not accepted under any circumstances. Follow this exact process to apply for CCRAS JRF 2026 before 08 December 2026:
- Visit the official CCRAS PhD Portal at https://phd.ccras.org.in/ — the dedicated application portal for this fellowship programme
- Register on the portal with your valid email ID and mobile number. Create your login credentials for the application session
- Fill in the online application form completely — include personal details, educational qualifications, NET certificate information, and the research stream you wish to apply under (Ayurveda / Yoga & Naturopathy)
- Prepare and upload your research proposal — a well-written AYUSH-related research proposal is mandatory and is your primary evaluation document
- Upload all required documents online including: PG degree certificate / provisional degree, NET certificate with valid period, age proof, category certificate (if applicable), identity proof, and passport photograph
- If applying to both CCRAS (Ayurveda) and CCRYN (Yoga & Naturopathy), submit separate online applications for each stream
- Submit the application before 08 December 2026 — the portal will close after the deadline. Also prepare a hard copy of your registration/application along with all documents; the Council will inform shortlisted candidates about the interview date and submission requirements
- Monitor your registered email and the official website regularly — only shortlisted candidates will be invited for interview and notified by the respective Council
Prepare all your documents before the registration/application link opens — as advised in the official notification. Once the link opens, competition for slots can be high. A strong, well-cited research proposal aligned with AYUSH themes (medicinal plants, traditional formulations, herbal pharmacology, yoga therapy, integrative medicine) significantly improves your shortlisting chances. Candidates who have published even one research paper related to their proposed topic stand out considerably.
JRF vs SRF Under CCRAS Fellowship — What Changes After 2 Years?
The CCRAS fellowship has two distinct stages: Junior Research Fellow (JRF) and Senior Research Fellow (SRF). Understanding this progression helps candidates plan their research career effectively.
| Parameter | JRF Stage | SRF Stage |
|---|---|---|
| Duration | First 2 years | Next 2–3 years |
| Monthly Stipend | Rs.37,000 + HRA | Rs.42,000 + HRA |
| Annual Increment | Rs.5,000/month on promotion | Fixed at Rs.42,000 |
| Research Contingency Grant | Eligible (up to Rs.1 lakh) | Not applicable |
| Annual Contingency (to Institution) | Rs.20,000 | Rs.20,000 |
| PhD Registration | Mandatory at recognised university | Continues at same university |
| Maximum Total Tenure | 5 years combined | |
| Renewal Basis | Auto-transition after 2 years | Performance-based extension |
| Reporting Requirement | Annual progress report | Half-yearly progress report |
| Best For | Candidates enrolling fresh into PhD | Candidates mid-way through research |
Among all government-funded research fellowships for non-AYUSH science graduates, CCRAS offers one of the most generous stipend packages — Rs.37,000 JRF and Rs.42,000 SRF, both with HRA and a contingency grant — versus UGC JRF at Rs.31,000/month. The 5-year security, one-time Rs.1 lakh research grant, and freedom to choose your university make this fellowship significantly more attractive than many project-based positions. For Life Sciences NET-qualified candidates who are open to AYUSH-linked research, CCRAS JRF 2026 is one of the best fellowship investments for a long-term academic career.
Advantages and Disadvantages of CCRAS JRF Fellowship 2026
Advantages
- ✅ Higher stipend than UGC JRF: Rs.37,000/month vs Rs.31,000 under standard UGC JRF — a direct Rs.6,000/month advantage
- ✅ 5-year fellowship tenure: One of the longest government-funded fellowships, giving PhD candidates financial stability to complete research without interruption
- ✅ Freedom to choose university: Candidates can pursue PhD at any recognised university of their choice across India, unlike project-based positions tied to specific labs
- ✅ One-time Rs.1 lakh research grant: Covers initial research equipment, literature, and field expenses — a significant advantage not available in UGC fellowships
- ✅ Ministry of Ayush backing: Being funded by a Government of India Ministry gives the fellowship high credibility in academic and research circles
- ✅ No application fee: Completely free to apply — no financial barrier for eligible candidates
Disadvantages
- ⚠️ AYUSH research mandate: Candidates must align their research project with AYUSH themes — pure basic science research not connected to Ayurveda, Yoga, or Naturopathy is not eligible
- ⚠️ Strict age limit of 28 years: General category candidates have a narrow window; unlike some fellowships, there is no flexibility beyond the stated relaxation categories
- ⚠️ Online-only applications: Candidates in areas with limited internet access may face challenges with uploading research proposals and documents
Important Terms Related to CCRAS JRF Recruitment 2026
Understanding these key terms will help you navigate the CCRAS Recruitment 2026 process and complete your application correctly:
- CCRAS (Central Council for Research in Ayurvedic Sciences): An autonomous body under the Ministry of Ayush, Govt. of India, headquartered at Jawahar Lal Nehru Bharatiya Chikitsa Evam Homoeopathy Anusandhan Bhavan, New Delhi-110058
- CCRYN (Central Council for Research in Yoga & Naturopathy): Sister organisation of CCRAS under the Ministry of Ayush, offering 4 of the 20 fellowships in the Yoga & Naturopathy stream
- JRF (Junior Research Fellow): The first stage of the CCRAS PhD fellowship, lasting 2 years with a monthly stipend of Rs.37,000 + HRA + Rs.20,000 annual contingency
- SRF (Senior Research Fellow): The second stage of the fellowship (years 3–5), where the stipend increases to Rs.42,000/month + HRA after the JRF evaluation
- NET (National Eligibility Test): Mandatory qualification for this fellowship — eligible tests include CSIR-UGC NET, DBT-JRF, BET, ICAR AICE-SRF (PGS), and ICMR JRF
- CSIR-UGC JRF/NET: The Joint CSIR-UGC examination for Junior Research Fellowship and Lectureship — the most common qualifying test for this fellowship, conducted by CSIR and UGC twice yearly
- Phyto Chemistry / Natural Product Chemistry: Key research disciplines under CCRAS related to identifying and characterising bioactive compounds from Ayurvedic herbs and formulations
- Ministry of Ayush: Government of India ministry overseeing Ayurveda, Yoga, Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha, and Homoeopathy — the nodal authority that funds CCRAS fellowships
- Research Contingency Grant-in-Aid: A one-time grant of up to Rs.1,00,000 that the fellow may apply for within 3 months of joining, subject to the Council’s approval for project-specific expenses
- Employment News (Rozgar Samachar): The official Government of India weekly publication where this advertisement (No. 05/2026/Ph.D.) appeared on 10–16 October 2026 — the date of publication starts the 60-day application countdown
CCRAS Recruitment 2026 — Important Dates and Timeline
| Event | Date / Details |
|---|---|
| Advertisement Published in Employment News | 10–16 October 2026 (Vol. EN 28/47) |
| Advertisement Number | No. 05/2026/Ph.D. |
| Online Application Portal Opens | From date of publication (October 2026) |
| Last Date to Apply Online | 08 December 2026 (60 days from advertisement date) |
| Shortlist Announcement | To be notified by respective Councils (CCRAS/CCRYN) |
| Interview Date | To be communicated to shortlisted candidates by email |
| Fellowship Commencement | On joining the selected university/institution |
Important Links — CCRAS Recruitment 2026
| Link Name | URL / Details |
|---|---|
| 🔗 Apply Online (CCRAS PhD Portal) | https://phd.ccras.org.in/ |
| 📄 Official Notification PDF Download | Download via Agrijob Telegram |
| 🌐 CCRAS Official Website | www.ccras.nic.in |
| 🌐 CCRYN Official Website | www.ccryn.gov.in |
| 🏛️ Ministry of Ayush (Govt. of India) | www.ayush.gov.in |
| 📰 Employment News Official Site | www.employmentnews.gov.in |
| 🔬 CSIR-UGC NET Info (for eligibility) | csirnet.nta.ac.in |
Conclusion — Final Thoughts on CCRAS Recruitment 2026
CCRAS Recruitment 2026 represents a rare government-funded PhD fellowship opportunity for NET-qualified Non-AYUSH science graduates who want to build a research career in India’s rapidly growing traditional medicine sector. With a Rs.37,000/month JRF stipend (upgrading to Rs.42,000 as SRF), HRA, a one-time Rs.1 lakh research grant, 5-year tenure, and the freedom to pursue your PhD at any recognised university — this fellowship is one of the most financially secure pathways into academic research available in 2026. With only 20 seats across India and a last date of 08 December 2026, eligible candidates should apply now at phd.ccras.org.in and prepare a strong, AYUSH-aligned research proposal without delay.
- CCRAS is offering 20 PhD Fellowships / JRF posts under Advertisement No. 05/2026/Ph.D. via Ministry of Ayush, Government of India
- The JRF monthly stipend is Rs.37,000 + HRA, rising to Rs.42,000 + HRA on promotion to SRF after 2 years
- Candidates must have an M.Sc. in Biomedical Sciences with a valid NET certificate (CSIR-UGC, DBT, ICAR, or ICMR) and be under 28 years of age
- The fellowship tenure is up to 5 years total — one of the longest government-funded research fellowships in India
- Last date to apply online at phd.ccras.org.in is 08 December 2026 — apply early and prepare documents in advance
Frequently Asked Questions About CCRAS Recruitment 2026
What is the last date to apply for CCRAS Recruitment 2026?
The last date to apply for CCRAS Recruitment 2026 is 08 December 2026 — this is 60 days (two months) from the date of advertisement publication in Employment News (10–16 October 2026). Candidates should apply well before this deadline at phd.ccras.org.in as the portal may close exactly at midnight on the deadline date.
What is the stipend for CCRAS JRF 2026?
The CCRAS JRF 2026 stipend is Rs.37,000 per month plus House Rent Allowance (HRA) for the first 2 years of the fellowship. After 2 years, the fellow is promoted to Senior Research Fellow (SRF) and the stipend increases to Rs.42,000 per month plus HRA. Additionally, there is an annual contingency grant of Rs.20,000 to the university and a one-time research grant of up to Rs.1,00,000 on joining.
What is the eligibility for CCRAS JRF Fellowship 2026?
To be eligible for CCRAS JRF 2026, candidates must hold a postgraduate degree (M.Sc.) in Biomedical Sciences — covering Life Sciences, Chemical Sciences, Physical Sciences, Social Sciences, or Biostatistics — along with a valid NET certificate from CSIR-UGC, DBT-JRF, BET, ICAR AICE-SRF (PGS), or ICMR JRF. The upper age limit is 28 years for General category candidates as on the date of the advertisement.
How many seats are available in CCRAS Recruitment 2026?
A total of 20 fellowship seats are available under CCRAS Recruitment 2026 (Advertisement No. 05/2026/Ph.D.) — 16 seats under CCRAS for Ayurveda research and 4 seats under CCRYN for Yoga & Naturopathy research. These numbers are tentative and subject to change as per the official notification.
How to apply for CCRAS JRF Fellowship 2026?
Candidates must apply online only through the official CCRAS PhD Portal at https://phd.ccras.org.in/. Hard copies and email submissions are not accepted. Register on the portal, fill the application form, upload your research proposal and required documents, and submit before 08 December 2026. Candidates applying to both CCRAS (Ayurveda) and CCRYN (Yoga & Naturopathy) must submit separate online applications.
Is there any application fee for CCRAS Recruitment 2026?
As per the official notification (Advertisement No. 05/2026/Ph.D.), no application fee has been mentioned. The application process at phd.ccras.org.in appears to be completely free. Candidates are advised to verify this on the official portal before applying, as fee details can occasionally be updated after the initial notification.
What NET qualifications are accepted for CCRAS JRF 2026?
The following national-level qualifying tests are accepted: (1) Joint CSIR-UGC Test for JRF and LS(NET); (2) DBT-JRF in Biotechnology; (3) Biotechnology Eligibility Test (BET); (4) ICAR’s AICE-SRF (PGS); and (5) ICMR JRF. The NET certificate must be valid as on the date of the advertisement. Candidates with expired certificates are not eligible.
Can I apply for both CCRAS (Ayurveda) and CCRYN (Yoga & Naturopathy) streams?
Yes, candidates interested in applying for more than one AYUSH stream are required to apply online separately for the respective streams. This means you must complete a separate application for CCRAS (Ayurveda stream, 16 seats) and a separate application for CCRYN (Yoga & Naturopathy stream, 4 seats) on the phd.ccras.org.in portal.
What is the age relaxation for CCRAS JRF 2026?
The upper age limit of 28 years is relaxable by up to 5 years for candidates from the following categories: (1) Scheduled Castes (SC); (2) Scheduled Tribes (ST); (3) Other Backward Classes — Non-Creamy Layer (OBC-NCL); (4) Physically Handicapped with lower locomotor disability only; and (5) Female applicants of any category. The effective age limit for these categories is therefore 33 years.
Last Updated: October 2026 | This guide is reviewed and updated regularly for accuracy. Bookmark this page for the latest CCRAS Recruitment 2026 information. Always verify details from the official portal at www.ccras.nic.in before applying.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only. All data has been sourced from the official CCRAS advertisement (No. 05/2026/Ph.D.) published in Employment News dated 10–16 October 2026. Candidates are advised to read the complete official notification at ccras.nic.in before applying. Agrijob.in is not responsible for any discrepancies between this guide and the official notification.
