Are CSIR–UGC NET-qualified Junior Research Fellows going away from science?

Data pertaining to CSIR-supported Junior Research Fellows (JRFs) indicate that around 41% of the students qualifying CSIR–UGC NET, conducted from December 2008 to June 2010, did not avail of the fellowships offered. The present study reveals that not availing the CSIR-JRF is attributed primarily to awardees' preference to go abroad for higher studies; or to take up jobs in academic and R&D institutes; or to avail of fellowships offered by other funding agencies. Furthermore, a sizeable percentage of NET-qualified students availed of the fellowship by clearing NET again. Only a small percentage of NET-qualified students opt for a career in non-scientific institutes. Therefore, the concerns that NET-qualified students are going away from science are unfounded.