IISER Bhopal PhD Admission 2026-27: Apply by October 31
The Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER) Bhopal has extended the last date to apply for its PhD Semester-II admission for the 2026-27 academic year. The institute’s official account announced that online applications will now be accepted until October 31, 2026.
The PhD programme is for the semester beginning in January 2027. Students can apply in Natural Sciences, Engineering Sciences, and Humanities and Social Sciences. The online form is available through the IISER Bhopal PhD admission portal.
IISER Bhopal PhD admission 2026-27: important date
| Event | Date or detail |
|---|---|
| Programme | PhD, Semester-II, academic year 2026-27 |
| Semester begins | January 2027 |
| Extended last date to apply | October 31, 2026 |
| Application mode | Online through the IISER Bhopal PhD admission portal |
| Shortlisting and interview | Shortlisted candidates will be informed by email and through the institute website |
Students should not wait for the last evening. The institute will screen applications after the closing date, and each department can apply extra screening rules if it receives many forms.
Which research areas are open?
The official IISER Bhopal admission page lists the following streams and departments:
- Natural Sciences: Biological Sciences, Chemistry, Earth and Environmental Sciences, and Physics.
- Engineering Sciences: Chemical Engineering, Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, and Data Science and Engineering.
- Humanities and Social Sciences: Economic Sciences, and Humanities and Social Sciences.
Each department may have its own subject requirement, research area or shortlisting rule. Read the department notice before choosing a preference.
Who can apply?
The general rules allow candidates with a four-year Bachelor’s degree in Science, Engineering or Technology, a Master’s or equivalent degree in science, or a Master’s or equivalent degree in Arts, Commerce or an allied subject. Candidates usually also need a valid GATE score, a national eligibility test such as UGC NET or CSIR, or another accepted national-level examination.
Some routes do not require a separate national qualifying examination. These include an integrated M.Tech. degree, a B.Tech. from an IIT or BS-MS from an IISER with a CGPA or CPI above 8.0, and a four-year B.Tech./B.E. followed by a two-year M.Tech./M.E.
The normal minimum is 60% marks or 7.0 CGPA/CPI on a 10-point scale in the qualifying degree. IISER Bhopal gives a 10% marks or equivalent grade relaxation to SC, ST and PwD candidates, and a 5% relaxation to OBC-NCL and EWS candidates.
Age, fellowship and selection
The preferred upper age is 28 years. The institute lists age relaxation of three years for OBC candidates and five years for SC, ST, PwD and women applicants. The age is counted on the last date for online submission.
Selected candidates will be eligible for a JRF fellowship according to the funding agency and institute rules in force. Applying does not guarantee an interview. Departments may shortlist candidates using academic records, national test performance or a written screening test.
Shortlisted students will be called for an interview. The interview date will be sent by email and posted on the institute website. Students who are still appearing for their final qualifying examination can apply, but they must complete the degree with the required marks before joining if selected.
What to Do Next
Before the October 31 deadline:
- Choose the department and research area that match your degree.
- Read the department-specific requirement on the IISER Bhopal admission page.
- Keep your marksheets, qualifying exam score, category certificate and photograph ready.
- Enter the correct email address because interview communication will be sent there.
- Submit the form early and save the application number and confirmation page.
Frequently asked questions
What is the last date for IISER Bhopal PhD admission 2026-27?
The extended last date for online applications is October 31, 2026.
When will the IISER Bhopal PhD programme start?
The admission is for the semester beginning in January 2027.
Do all applicants need GATE or UGC NET?
Not always. The general route asks for a valid national qualifying examination, but the institute also lists routes for some integrated or specified degree holders without a separate national exam. Check the department notice.
What is the minimum marks requirement?
The general requirement is 60% marks or 7.0 CGPA/CPI on a 10-point scale, with category-based relaxation as listed by IISER Bhopal.
How will IISER Bhopal conduct selection?
Departments will shortlist applications and call selected candidates for interviews. Extra screening may be used when applications are high.
