PhD Admissions for January 2027 in Nanoscience, Energy and Chemical Biology, INST Mohali (Degree from IISER Mohali)
Job Description
The Institute of Nano Science and Technology (INST) in Mohali invites applications for PhD admission in nanoscience and energy materials for the January 2027 session, across its Energy and Environment, Quantum Materials and Devices, and Chemical Biology units. The PhD degree is awarded by IISER Mohali.
At a glance
- Programme: PhD, January 2027 session (No. 9(3)/2026-INST, dated 11 September 2026)
- Where: INST, Knowledge City, Sector 81, Mohali, Punjab
- Seats: 83 in total: GEN 38, OBC 20, SC/ST 17, EWS 8
- Funding: Both self-funded and a limited number of institute-supported positions
- Application fee: ₹590 (General/OBC/EWS); ₹295 (SC/ST/PH)
- Apply by: Hard copy must reach INST by 7 October 2026
Selected students enrol in the PhD programme of IISER Mohali. Students with backgrounds in the physical, chemical, biological, pharmaceutical and agricultural sciences, and related fields, can apply.
Energy and nanoscience research themes at INST
- Energy and Environment Unit: electrocatalysis, hydrogen generation, CO2 reduction and conversion, supercapacitors, metal-ion and metal-air batteries, photocatalytic and piezocatalytic hydrogen, and electrochemical ammonia and urea synthesis
- Quantum Materials and Devices Unit: spintronics, 2D materials, thermoelectrics, piezo- and pyroelectric energy harvesting, perovskites and green hydrogen
- Chemical Biology Unit: nano drug delivery, peptide hydrogels, cancer and brain nanotherapeutics, and synthetic biology
- Director’s research group: photosensitisation of catalysts by quantum dots and ultrafast spectroscopy (apply through one of the three units)
The notice lists each faculty member’s themes and the student backgrounds they accept, unit by unit. Several faculty recruit in more than one unit. Read the tables before choosing where to apply.
Why this role matters
Energy materials, from electrocatalysts for green hydrogen to next-generation batteries, is one of the fastest-growing research areas in India. A January start at a DST nanoscience institute with an IISER degree is a practical option for students who qualified GATE or NET after the July intake closed.
Eligibility
- M.Sc., M.Pharm. or M.Tech. in basic or applied sciences, engineering or related areas; final-year students may apply if the degree is granted by joining
- At least one national qualification: GATE, CSIR/UGC-NET (JRF, PhD-admission-only or LS), JEST, JGEEBILS (TIFR/NCBS), ICMR-JRF, DBT-JRF or GPAT, or project funding as per INST rules
- DST INSPIRE fellows may apply; their selection is provisional until the fellowship is activated
- Age limit as per CSIR-UGC and DST guidelines
A separate application with full documents is needed for each unit, though one fee covers several units. Shortlisted candidates are told the interview date and mode by email, and lists are posted on the INST website.
Pay and duration
- Institute-supported positions are limited; the others are self-funded (for example through your own national fellowship)
- Application fee: ₹590 for General, OBC and EWS candidates; ₹295 for SC, ST and PH candidates, paid online to INST’s account given in the notice
How to apply
Download the application form from the INST admission page, attach a recent photograph and self-attested copies of your certificates, and send it to The Director, Institute of Nano Science and Technology, Knowledge City, Sector 81, Mohali 140306, Punjab, in an envelope marked “Application for the Ph. D. Program – January 2027”. It must reach INST by registered or speed post, courier or hand on or before 7 October 2026. You must also submit an online research synopsis through the Google Form linked in the notice. Queries: apply@inst.ac.in.
Key dates
- Notice dated 11 September 2026
- Hard copy must reach INST by 7 October 2026
- Interview: date and mode sent by email to shortlisted candidates
Please read the official INST admission notice No. 9(3)/2026-INST (PDF) before applying, and browse more PhD positions on ResearchJobs.in.
Hiring institution: Institute of Nano Science and Technology (INST), Mohali
Official advertisement: inst.ac.in
How to prepare for this application
- Post early: the deadline is when the envelope reaches Mohali, not when you send it, so use speed post or courier this week.
- Match a supervisor: pick two or three faculty whose themes fit your Master's work and name them in your synopsis.
- Write a focused synopsis: one clear problem, why it matters for energy or health, and the methods you would use.
- Revise fundamentals: electrochemistry (Nernst equation, Tafel slope, impedance), band theory and basic nanomaterial characterisation (XRD, SEM, TEM, XPS).
- Check faculty profiles: use our Find a supervisor directory. See more PhD positions.
About INST Mohali
The Institute of Nano Science and Technology (INST) in Mohali, Punjab, is an autonomous institute supported by the Department of Science and Technology, Government of India, working on nanoscience and nanotechnology for energy, the environment, health and agriculture. Its PhD students are enrolled with IISER Mohali, which awards the degree.
