ICMR JRF 2026 Preparation Strategy: Tips, Topics & Mock Tests Guide

ICMR JRF Life Sciences overlaps heavily with CSIR NET syllabus but leans toward biomedical applications (immunology, microbiology, human physiology, molecular biology). Divide prep into phases:

• Section A (Aptitude – 50 questions): Daily 1-1.5 hrs. Cover scientific phenomena, stats basics (mean, median, probability, hypothesis testing), logical reasoning, GK in sciences. Books: Quantitative Aptitude by RS Aggarwal, Analytical Reasoning by MK Pandey, basic stats from NCERT.
• Section B (Life Sciences – 75 attempted): Core subjects: Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Cell Biology, Genetics, Immunology, Microbiology, Human Physiology, Biotechnology, Pharmacology.
• Months 1-2: Build foundation – read standard textbooks, make concept notes.
• Months 3-4: Deep dive + short notes for facts/formulas (enzymes, pathways, diseases).
• Months 5-6: Intensive MCQ practice (150-200/day) + revision.

Daily Schedule (8-10 hrs): 3 hrs theory, 2-3 hrs MCQs, 1-2 hrs revision, 1 hr Section A. Prioritize weak areas weekly.

From PYQ analysis (2020-2025), 60-70% questions come from these high-yield areas:

• Molecular Biology & Biochemistry: DNA/RNA structure, replication, transcription, translation, enzymes, metabolism pathways (glycolysis, TCA, ETC), biomolecules, protein folding.
• Cell Biology: Cell organelles, cell cycle (mitosis/meiosis), signaling pathways, apoptosis, cancer biology basics.
• Genetics: Mendelian & non-Mendelian inheritance, genetic disorders, population genetics, mutations, gene mapping.
• Immunology: Innate/adaptive immunity, antibodies, MHC, vaccines, hypersensitivity, autoimmune diseases, cytokines.
• Microbiology & Pathology: Bacteria/virus structure, pathogenesis, antibiotics resistance, virology (COVID, HIV), microbial techniques.
• Human Physiology: Nervous, cardiovascular, respiratory, endocrine, reproductive systems; homeostasis, hormones.
• Biotechnology & Techniques: PCR, cloning, CRISPR, ELISA, blotting, bioinformatics basics.
• Others (frequent): Pharmacology (drug mechanisms), ecology/evolution basics, biophysics (rare but high-scoring).

Tip: Focus on application-based questions (e.g., disease mechanisms, techniques in research). Revise deficiencies, symptoms, and key experiments.

PYQs (2018-2025) are gold – download from icmr.nic.in archives, ifasonline, or easybiologyclass.

• Solve subject-wise first to spot patterns (e.g., immunology 12-15 Qs, molecular bio 10-12 Qs).
• Attempt full papers timed (2-3 hrs) after 3 months prep.
• Analyze errors: Conceptual vs silly – maintain "Mistake Diary" for weekly revision.
• Target: 80-90% accuracy in PYQs before mocks. Many toppers gain 20-30 marks from repeats/variations.

Practice 8-10 years' papers; note recurring themes like immune disorders, metabolic pathways.

Mocks build stamina, time management, and accuracy (negative marking is killer – attempt only 80-90% sure ones).

• Frequency: 1 mock/week initially → 2-3/week in last 3 months.
• Sources: Biotecnika, IFAS, Shomu's Biology mocks, Amazon ICMR JRF mock books, or platforms like Testbook/PW.
• Post-Mock: 2-3x time analyzing – weak topics, time traps (Section A quick, Life Sci deep).
• Approach: Attempt Section A first (fast scoring), then Life Sci in 2 rounds – sure → doubtful.
• Score Goals: Early: 70-85 → Mid: 95-110 → Final: 115+ consistently for top ranks.

Take 30-50 full mocks; simulate exam conditions (no breaks, quiet room).

6-Month Plan (Ideal – Start Now):

• Month 1-2: Cover syllabus + Section A basics. Read Lehninger (Biochem), Alberts (Cell/Mol Bio), Kuby (Immunology).
• Month 3: Complete high-yield topics + start PYQs subject-wise.
• Month 4: Intensive revision + daily 150 MCQs. Make mind maps for pathways/diseases.
• Month 5: Full mocks + error correction. Revise notes 3x.
• Month 6: 3 mocks/week, quick revisions, focus on weak units. Stay calm!

3-Month Crash Plan (Intense): Prioritize high-weightage (Mol Bio, Immunology, Genetics, Physiology) + PYQs + 2 mocks/week. Cover Section A in 2 weeks. Revise daily.

Track progress weekly; stay healthy – 7 hrs sleep, exercise. Check icmr.nic.in for 2026 notification (likely May-June application, July exam).