Biomedical Research Eligibility Test (BRET): NTA Invites Online Application for PHD 2024

Biomedical Research Eligibility Test (BRET)–  National Testing Agency (NTA) will conduct the DHR-ICMR NON-MEDICAL FELLOWSHIP FOR PH.D -2024 – Biomedical Research Eligibility Test (BRET),The test will conducted  to determining the eligibility of Indian National candidates for the award of junior research fellowship (JRF) through DHR-ICMR. Candidate can only submit one application form.

DHR ICMR located in New Delhi is 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.

A total of 500 fellowship would be awarded. And 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:

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

 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.

BRET Schedule

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.

Application Fee

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.

· Appearing 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

Not more than 30 years as on last date of the application form i.e. 09.07.2024

Relaxation of 5 years for SC/ST candidates and 3 Years for OBC candidates

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

This section 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 Page 10 of 72 Section-C would comprise of 50

Section-C

This section comprises  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)

Marking Scheme

• 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.