PhD Admission for January 2027, IISER Mohali (Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Earth and Environmental Sciences, HSS)

Job Description

IISER Mohali has opened PhD admission for January 2027 in five departments. It projects 154 need-based seats. You need a national fellowship or test score, such as CSIR-UGC JRF or GATE. Apply online by 11:59 PM on 6 November 2026.

At a glance

• Programme: PhD, January 2027 intake
• Where: IISER Mohali, Punjab
• Departments: Biological Sciences, Chemical Sciences, Physical Sciences, Earth and Environmental Sciences, Humanities and Social Sciences
• Seats: 154 projected, need-based
• Stipend: From your fellowship, or an institute fellowship for national-test qualifiers; no amount is stated
• Apply by: 6 November 2026, 11:59 PM

Shortlisted applicants are called to IISER Mohali for a screening test or interview. Reservation follows the CEI (Reservation in Admission) Act, 2006. Interdisciplinary applicants are welcome.

Departments in the IISER Mohali January 2027 PhD round

• Biological Sciences: GATE, CSIR-UGC (JRF or LS), ICMR-JRF, ICAR-NET, DBT-JRF (Category I or II) or DST-INSPIRE
• Chemical Sciences: 55% marks (50% for reserved categories) plus CSIR-UGC, GATE, ICMR, DBT-JRF, DBT-BINC, DST-INSPIRE or a similar fellowship
• Physical Sciences: CSIR-UGC NET (JRF or LS), GATE, JEST or DST-INSPIRE, valid as of 31 July 2026
• Earth and Environmental Sciences: GATE, CSIR-UGC, DST-INSPIRE or DBT-JRF. A few institute fellowships are offered in geochemistry and hydrogeology, microbiology and biotech, and climate and atmospheric sciences
• Humanities and Social Sciences: areas include philosophy, modern Indian history, archaeology and palaeoanthropology. GATE or UGC (JRF or LS) is needed, plus a research statement of at least 1,500 words

Why this role matters

A January start means you need not wait for the July round. IISER Mohali has strong science departments and a large intake this time. If you cleared CSIR-UGC JRF this year, this is a quick way to start your PhD.

Eligibility

• A master’s, B.Tech., B.E., MBBS, M.Tech. or equivalent with at least 55% or CPI 5.5, or a 4-year BS or B.Sc. (Honours with Research) with at least 75% or CPI 7.5
• 5% relaxation for OBC-NCL, SC, ST, PwD and third-gender candidates, as per Government of India rules
• A fellowship such as CSIR-UGC JRF, ICMR-JRF, DBT-JRF or DST-INSPIRE in the relevant subject
• A limited number of GATE, JEST, GPAT, ICAR-NET or CSIR-UGC (Category 2 and 3) candidates may get IISER Mohali or project fellowships
• Your qualification must be valid on the interview date

The page says the institute has “six major subjects” but lists five departments. Mathematics is not in this round. HSS applicants must also email their research statement to the address on the page by the last date.

Pay and duration

• Fellowship holders are paid by their awarding agency
• Institute fellowships for national-test qualifiers without their own fellowship. The page gives no amount
• A yearly contingency grant, partial support after the regular tenure, and help to attend international conferences
• Hostel subject to availability, or HRA for off-campus students as per norms

How to apply

Read the instructions page first. Then apply on the IISER Mohali online application facility. The form has five pages: personal details, qualifying exam, competitive exam, statement of purpose and research interest, and additional details. Keep a signed printout. You must submit it at admission. Department contacts are listed on the admission page.

Key dates

• Last date: Friday, 6 November 2026, 11:59 PM
• Screening test or interview: at IISER Mohali; dates to be announced

Please read the official IISER Mohali admission page before applying, and browse more PhD positions on ResearchJobs.in.