IISER Berhampur has opened applications for its PhD programmes starting in January 2027. The online form for Semester-II of the 2026-27 academic year opened on September 30, 2026. The last date to fill and submit the form is October 24, 2026.
The institute is accepting applications in Biological Sciences, Chemical Sciences, Computer Science, Earth and Environmental Sciences, Mathematical Sciences and Physical Sciences. Students should read the faculty research areas before applying so that their proposed work has a clear match.
IISER Berhampur PhD admission 2027: Important dates
| Event | Date | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Online application opens | September 30, 2026 | Online applications begin |
| Last date to submit the form | October 24, 2026 | Forms must be filled online |
| Shortlisted applicants announced | November 5, 2026 | Shortlisted students are informed for the interview process |
| Interview call letters | First week of November 2026 | Call letters are issued before the interview |
| Test or interview | Last week of November 2026 | Tentative schedule; the final date will be shared by email and on the website |
Which PhD departments are open?
The January 2027 PhD notice lists six departments: Biological Sciences, Chemical Sciences, Computer Science, Earth and Environmental Sciences, Mathematical Sciences and Physical Sciences. Relevant interdisciplinary research is also allowed when it is closely connected to the main discipline.
IISER Berhampur asks applicants to study the research areas and faculty profiles before choosing a department. A student may be eligible on paper but still need a suitable research match for shortlisting.
Who can apply?
Applicants need an M.Sc., MCA or M.Tech. degree in a relevant discipline with at least 60% marks or a CGPA/CPI of 7.0 on a 10-point scale. The institute considers the overall marks or CGPA, not only the marks in the major subject.
SC, ST and PwD candidates get a 5% marks or equivalent grade relaxation. If a grade sheet uses a scale other than 10, IISER Berhampur will convert it to a 10-point scale using the formula given in the notice.
Students who are appearing for, or are about to appear for, their final qualifying examination can also apply. Their final selection is conditional on completing the degree with the required marks. A provisional degree certificate is mandatory at the time of admission.
Which national-level tests are accepted?
A national-level qualification is mandatory unless an exemption applies. The notice lists NET, GATE, UGC-JRF, CSIR-JRF, DBT JRF Category A, ICMR JRF Category I, NET-LS, INSPIRE-PhD, JGEEBILS, JEST or another recognised score. The certificate or fellowship must be valid at the time of admission.
The notice gives these exemptions from the national-test condition:
- B.Tech., B.E. or B.S. degree holders from a CFTI with a CGPA/CPI of at least 8.0 on a 10-point scale at the time of application.
- Exceptionally brilliant candidates with an MBBS degree.
- Students with a CGPA of 8.0 or above in an IISER BS-MS dual degree.
How will the selection happen?
The interview will be conducted in offline mode. IISER Berhampur will first shortlist applicants and then call the shortlisted students for an interview. The interview date will be sent by email and published on the institute website.
Meeting the marks and test rules does not guarantee a call. The notice clearly says that eligibility alone does not entitle a candidate to be called for the test or interview. All communication with applicants will be by email, so keep the registered inbox active.
Regular PhD students may receive financial assistance under IISER Berhampur or an external funding agency, as applicable. The notice does not promise the same amount to every student, so check the funding terms before making a decision.
What to do next
- Pick a department only after reading the faculty research areas and checking the match with your topic.
- Confirm your degree, overall marks or CGPA and category relaxation from the official notice.
- Keep your national-test certificate or fellowship proof ready. If you are using an exemption, keep the degree and CGPA proof ready.
- Final-year students should arrange a provisional degree certificate for admission if they are selected.
- Fill and submit the online form by October 24, 2026. Check every field before the final submission.
- Save the form details and check your registered email for the shortlist and offline interview message.
IISER Berhampur PhD admission FAQs
What is the last date to apply?
The last date to fill and submit the online form is October 24, 2026.
Which departments are accepting applications?
Applications are invited in Biological Sciences, Chemical Sciences, Computer Science, Earth and Environmental Sciences, Mathematical Sciences and Physical Sciences.
Is a national-level test compulsory?
Yes, a listed national-level score or fellowship is mandatory unless you qualify for one of the CFTI, MBBS or IISER BS-MS exemptions.
Can a final-year student apply?
Yes. The final selection will remain conditional until the qualifying degree is completed with the required marks. A provisional degree certificate is required at admission.
Will the interview be online?
No. The notice says the interview will be conducted offline. Shortlisted students will receive the date by email.
Does eligibility guarantee an interview?
No. IISER Berhampur may shortlist candidates, and meeting the minimum rules alone does not guarantee a test or interview call.
