Table of Contents
Entrance Examination for DHR Biomedical Research Eligibility Test (DHR-BRET-2025)
Description (Overview)
The Biomedical Research Eligibility Test (DHR-BRET) is a national-level examination conducted to determine the eligibility of Indian nationals for the award of the Junior Research Fellowship (JRF) under the Department of Health Research (DHR).
Successful candidates who qualify for the fellowship can pursue a Ph.D. in subjects related to biomedical/health research. This is offered under two primary categories:
UGC/INI Category (Page 3): Pursuit of a doctoral degree at UGC-recognized universities/research institutions or Institutes of National Importance in India.
ICMR-ACSIR Category (Page 3): Pursuit of a doctoral degree at any of the 27 ICMR Institutes/Centres with Ph.D. registration under the ACSIR-ICMR Faculty of Medical Research.
The entire examination process, including the online application, Computer Based Test (CBT), and declaration of results, is conducted by the Examination Section, All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi.
Important Dates (Page 21)
| Description | Start Date | Close Date |
| Online Application Form | 01.11.2025 | 21.11.2025 (by 5:00 pm) |
| Status of Application Form and Correction of Rejected Images | 24.11.2025 | 26.11.2025 (by 5:00 pm) |
| Admit Card Download | 01.12.2025 | — |
| Examination Date (CBT Online Mode) | 07.12.2025 | — |
| Expected date of declaration of Result | To be announced later | — |
Application Fee (Page 7)
The application fee is payable in online mode during the Completion of Application.
| Category | Application Fee |
| General/OBC Category | Rs. 2000/- |
| SC/ST/EWS Category | Rs. 1600/- |
| PwBD Category | Exempted |
Number of Posts (Fellowships) (Page 3)
A tentative total of 250 candidates shall be selected for the Junior Research Fellowship (JRF), subject to the availability of budgetary provisions and guidelines of DHR.
Eligibility Criteria (Page 3 & 4)
Educational Qualification (Page 3): M.Sc. or equivalent post-graduate (PG) degree (M.Tech/M.Pharma).
Minimum Marks (Page 3):
55% marks in PG test for General/EWS/OBC candidates.
50% marks in PG test for SC/ST and PwBD candidates.
Result Awaited (RA) Candidates (Page 4): Candidates in their final year (IV/VI Semester or final year) of M.Sc. or equivalent PG test during the 2025 session can apply as “Result Awaited” (RA). They must submit the attestation format (Appendix E) duly certified by the Head of the Department/Institute.
Age Limit (Page 4): The maximum age limit is 35 years as on the last date of the application form (21.11.2025).
Age Relaxation (Page 4)
| Category | Age Limit Relaxation (In Years) |
| SC/ST | 05 years |
| PwBD | 05 years |
| Female Candidates | 05 years |
| OBC | 03 years |
| Note: Candidates will receive only one additional age relaxation benefit, as relaxations cannot be combined. |
Scheme and Pattern of Examination (Page 4 & 5)
Exam Structure (Page 4)
| Feature | Details |
| Mode of Examination | Computer Based Test (CBT) |
| Medium | English only |
| Duration | 180 minutes (3 hours) |
| Total Questions | 150 Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) |
| Question Pattern | Structured into three compulsory sections (A, B, and C) of 50 questions each. |
| Scoring | +1 mark for each correct response |
| Negative Marking | -0.25 mark for each incorrect response |
| Unanswered | 0 mark |
Resolution of Tie Cases (Merit List) (Page 5)
In case two or more candidates secure the same score, the tie will be resolved sequentially using the following criteria:
Higher score in the Domain-Specific component (Section-C).
Fewer negative marks accumulated in the test.
Older age of the candidate.
Syllabus & Structure of Question Paper (Page 5 & 6)
The exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions (MCQs) to be answered in 180 minutes.
Section A: Aptitude and Analytical Skills (Approx. 50 questions) (Page 5)
This component assesses general aptitude relevant to biomedical research, including:
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Reading comprehension
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Reasoning ability (verbal, non-verbal, data interpretation, deductive reasoning)
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Analytical ability (logical reasoning, data analysis)
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Quantitative ability (numerical analysis, graphical interpretation)
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Quantitative comparison
Section B: General & Interdisciplinary Knowledge (Approx. 50 questions) (Page 5)
This component tests broad-based fundamentals common across biomedical and life sciences, including:
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Molecular basis of cellular changes
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Cell structure and communication
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Basic physiology
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Genetics and genomics
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Evolution and origin of life
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Biotechnology processes and applications
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Biosafety and bioethics
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Immunology (innate and adaptive)
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Common bacterial, viral, fungal, and parasitic infections
Section C: Domain-Specific Knowledge (Category-wise) (Approx. 50 questions) (Page 6)
Candidates must choose one discipline at the time of application. Questions will be drawn from the chosen subject domain:
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Microbiology (Bacteriology, Virology, Parasitology, Entomology, Mycology)
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Biochemistry
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Biostatistics
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Veterinary Science / Medicine
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Public Health
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Nursing
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Biotechnology
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Social & Behavioural Sciences (Anthropology, Sociology, Psychology)
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Nutrition
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Pharmacology
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Biological Science (Life Science, Human Biology, Environmental Sciences, Zoology, Botany)
Important States for Examination (Page 6)
The DHR-BRET-2025 session examination is planned to be conducted in the following states/Union Territories in India:
Andhra Pradesh, Assam, Bihar, Delhi, Goa, Gujarat, Haryana, Jharkhand, Karnataka, Kerala, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Meghalaya, Odisha, Punjab, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Uttar Pradesh, and West Bengal.
Note: Candidates must indicate their choice of three states in order of preference. The allocation is based on the “Completion of Application” (first come-first allotted). Applicants are advised to complete the process early.
How to Apply for DHR-BRET 2025 (Page 7)
The application process for the DHR-BRET-2025 is strictly online. Candidates must visit the official website of AIIMS (All India Institute of Medical Sciences), New Delhi, to complete the application. The entire process is divided into several key stages:
1. Online Application Process (Online Registration)
The online registration is the first mandatory step. You must register on the official AIIMS exam portal before the deadline (November 21, 2025).
Official Website: Visit the official portal for AIIMS examinations at
aiimsexams.ac.in.Registration: Look for the link related to the “DHR Biomedical Research Eligibility Test (DHR-BRET-2025)” and click on New Registration.
Fill Details: Enter all the required personal, contact, and educational details accurately.
Generate Login Credentials: Upon successful registration, a Registration ID and Password will be generated. You must note these down for all future logins.
2. Uploading Documents
Once registered, you need to log in and upload the necessary documents in the specified format and size. Ensure that the scanned copies are clear and adhere to the guidelines.
Photograph: A recent passport-size photograph.
Signature: Your scanned signature.
Required Certificates:
Educational Certificates: PG degree certificate/mark sheets.
Category Certificates: SC/ST/OBC/EWS/PwBD certificate (if applicable).
Result Awaited (RA) Candidates: If you are a final year student, you must upload the Attestation Format (Appendix E), duly certified by the Head of your Institute/Department.
Important Tips and Tricks for Exam Preparation (Page 5, 6)
Based on the official examination scheme and tie-breaking criteria, here are key tips for your preparation strategy:
Prioritize Section C (Domain-Specific): The first tie-breaking rule is the Higher score in the Domain-Specific component (Section-C). This indicates that your core subject knowledge is the most critical factor for securing a high rank and should be given maximum priority in your study plan.
Focus on Accuracy to Avoid Negative Marks: The test has a negative marking of -0.25 for every incorrect answer. Additionally, the second tie-breaking rule is Fewer negative marks accumulated in the test. This means maintaining high accuracy is essential not just for a better score, but also for a better rank in case of a score tie. Avoid blind guessing.
Master Interdisciplinary Fundamentals (Section B): Ensure a strong understanding of the broad-based topics in Section B, such as Cell Biology, Genetics, and Biosafety, as this forms one-third of the total paper.
Apply Early for Preferred Center: The allocation of examination states is based on a “first come-first allotted” system. To maximize your chances of getting one of your preferred state choices, complete your application process as early as possible.
Important Links for DHR-BRET 2025 (Page 22)
| Description | Purpose | Official Link / Resource |
| Official Website for Application | Online Registration, Application Form filling, Fee Payment, and Status Check. | aiimsexams.ac.in |
| Direct Application Portal | Login for Registered Candidates and New Registration for DHR-BRET 2025. | AIIMS Exam Portal |
| DHR-BRET 2025 Notification | To download the full Information Brochure/Advertisement Notice No.329/2025. | AIIMS Notices Section |
| Download Admit Card | To download the Hall Ticket / Admit Card starting from 01.12.2025. | AIIMS Admit Card Link |
| Contact / Help Desk | For technical or application-related queries. | AIIMS Contact Information |