Research Associate and JRF, i.e., Junior Research Fellowship positions, revolves around the research segment. However, there are a lot of differences between both positions. If you are also the one who gets confused between both posts, then you have landed on the right page. Today, we are going to discuss the Difference Between Research Associate and JRF in detail. The differences will include details like eligibility, salary, responsibilities, and others.
Without further delay, scroll down the page and check more information about the Difference Between Research Associate and JRF.
Difference Between Research Associate and JRF
One similarity which makes the readers confused between the Research Associate and JRF positions is that both posts have a high ratio of research involved. However, both of the position shows different stages in the academic career. JRF is one of the positions which can be obtained at an early stage of the academic. Whereas the research associate position requires a lot of studies.
This is one of the biggest differences in the field of academics. There are other differences which make Research Associate and JRF posts opposite from each other. So, let’s start taking a look at the Difference Between Research Associate and JRF. By the end of the article, we are sure that most of your doubts will be cleared.
Junior Research Fellowship
The full form of JRF is Junior Research Fellowship. It is considered one of the most prestigious Research fellowships. This fellowship is only provided to aspirants who have successfully cleared UGC NET i.e., University Grants Commission National Eligibility Test. They must have also scored top ranks to get the fellowship. Applicants who are interested in making a career in Research and Academic or Higher Education need to pursue a PhD degree.
However, it is known that getting a PhD degree requires a lot of time and money. Therefore, the officials offered the Junior Research Fellowship program to candidates to support and promote activities belonging to the research category among Ph.D. students and research scholars.
The authority provides a monthly stipend to the candidates which helps them in some amount. According to the announcement made by the UGC, candidates will get a stipend of Rs. 37,000 for the initial two years. After that, they will get Rs. 42,000 for the remaining time.
Research Associate
Research Associate is considered a profession. Candidates with the position of Research Associate work in the research field of the respective organization. The organization can be anything such as a research institute, college or university or even a private company.
The role of a Research Associate typically requires work in research projects, data analysis and contributing with their knowledge in the research field towards the development of the organization in which they are working and even for the country if they are involved in the government sector.
Difference Between Research Associate and JRF
Many readers get confused between the Research Associate and Junior Research fellowship. Both of them are different posts which are advertised in any funded research project. Research Associate is usually a more qualified position as it requires at least a doctoral degree from the candidates.
On the other hand, the JRF position is a junior position with less autonomy than the Research Associate post. Research Associate requires a lot more responsibility than the JRF. The government wanted to promote the research area and upskill the candidate’s post-doctoral degree with enough skills in the respective area.
Considering various aspects, UGC has decided to open future opportunities for candidates in the field of research. The same is prevalent in applied subjects such as science subjects. JRF candidates are usually hired for projects in the field of research. These projects are usually funded by institutions (private/ government), industrial firms and others.
Difference Between Research Associate and JRF
- Level: JRF is a fellowship programme which is provided to PhD students to offer financial assistance. Whereas a research associate is a profession where people work at a certain organization and develop the company with their skills. The level of Research Associate is higher than JRF.
- Age Limit: Many organizations set a limit to the age of the candidate. The average maximum age required for candidates is 30 years old for JRF. However, Research Associate positions are higher level and candidates will good experience are preferred. So, the maximum age limit for a Research Associate is 35 years old on average.
- Salary: As you already know that Research Associate is considered a higher position than a Junior Research Fellowship. So, the difference will also be seen in the per month salary. So, applicants applying for the Research Associate will get around Rs. 58,000-63,000 per month. Whereas candidates for Junior Research Fellowship will get a monthly income average of Rs. 37,000-42,000/-
- Responsibilities: It is one of the main factors which must be read by the readers. So, people with Research Associate positions usually work the tasks such as conducting research, analysing data, writing reports, publishing findings and more. Whereas, people with JRF do not usually take responsibility for tasks but assist the higher position ones with research tasks, collecting data, learning research methods, etc.
- Stage of the Career: People who apply for the Research Associate position already hold some experience in the research. So, they are used to work which is given to them in the mentioned position. However, JRF is the early stage of the career as people studying PhD are given a chance to apply.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Difference Between Research Associate and JRF in the recruitment process?
Candidates who apply for the post of Research Associate position visually need to appear for the interview where field and other related questions are asked and confidence is examined. Applicants who apply for the JRF post need to qualify the UGC NET examination.
What are the position types of Research Associate and JRF?
Once candidates get the position of Research Associate then they are permanently settled for the position or on a fixed term (excluding respective company’s policies). Whereas, applicants applying for the JRF position work for a limited period or temporary basis i.e., between 3 to 5 years.
