IISER Pune is accepting applications for the Humanities and Social Sciences PhD programme starting in January 2027. The department page was updated on October 22, 2026. The online form will close at 5 PM on October 23, so eligible students have very little time left to apply.
This is a department-specific opening. IISER Pune has listed only two faculty members for this round. Applicants should first check whether their research idea fits one of the listed areas before paying the non-refundable application fee.
IISER Pune Humanities PhD admission 2027: Important dates
| Event | Date or deadline | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Applications open | October 5, 2026 | Online applications only |
| Last date to apply | October 23, 2026, by 5 PM | Incomplete applications will be rejected |
| Tentative interview window | November 10 to 15, 2026 | Shortlisted students will receive an email |
| PhD session begins | January 2027 | Final-year students must complete the degree by January 1, 2027 |
Which research areas are open?
Only the following faculty members are accepting students in this admission round:
| Faculty member | Research areas listed by IISER Pune |
|---|---|
| Chaitra Redkar | Modern Indian Political Thought, Political Theory and Gender Discourse in India |
| Pushkar Sohoni | History of Architecture, History of Art, Archaeology, Material Culture and Epigraphy |
IISER Pune says the research areas are not limited to one academic background. Students may work across disciplines, but their proposed topic should match the interests of one of the two faculty members. A general interest in humanities is not enough if the department cannot connect the topic to the listed supervisors.
Who can apply for the IISER Pune HSS PhD?
Applicants need at least 60% aggregate marks or a CGPA of 6 on a 10-point scale in a relevant master's degree. The relaxation for SC, ST and PwD candidates is 55% marks or an equivalent CGPA.
The accepted master's degree can be in subjects from the sciences, humanities or social sciences. IISER Pune names Anthropology, Sociology, Political Science, History, Archaeology and Philosophy as examples, along with allied and interdisciplinary areas. Students with a four-year bachelor's degree in Architecture, Engineering, Technology or Medicine can also apply.
Final-year students are allowed to submit the form. If selected, they must complete the qualifying degree and meet the marks condition by January 1, 2027. Applying in the final year does not remove this condition.
Which entrance tests are accepted?
Applicants must meet one of the following national-level test conditions:
- NET with a valid CSIR-JRF, UGC-JRF or equivalent qualification.
- CSIR-UGC NET-LS or NET-PhD Eligibility, or an equivalent result from an examination held in 2025 or 2026.
- NBHM or GATE with a valid score.
The score or rank must remain valid until at least January 1, 2027. Students from an Institute of National Importance who have a BS-MS or master's degree in a relevant subject and a CGPA of 8 or above can apply without a national-level test score. The department still checks the academic background and research fit.
How will IISER Pune shortlist and select students?
The department will first review the application, marks, test condition and research fit. A two-page research plan is also used for shortlisting. The plan should explain the question the student wants to study and why it fits the selected faculty member's work.
Students shortlisted for an interview will receive a separate email. The selection includes an in-person interview planned at the IISER Pune campus between November 10 and 15, 2026. The final decision will be based on the interview. IISER Pune may use additional shortlisting conditions if it receives many applications, so meeting the basic marks and test rules does not guarantee an interview or admission.
Application fee and online form
IISER Pune's central PhD admissions page says that a standard non-refundable application fee applies to programme applications. The Humanities and Social Sciences page does not print the amount. Students should check the amount shown inside the official application portal before making payment.
Only online applications are accepted. The application page asks students to register or log in before submitting the form. Keep your marksheets, degree details, national-test result, category certificate where applicable and two-page research plan ready. Complete every required field before the portal closes; incomplete forms will not be considered.
What to do next
- Read the IISER Pune Humanities and Social Sciences admission page and compare your idea with the two listed faculty members.
- Check your marks, degree length and national-test result against the eligibility rules.
- Write a focused research plan of no more than two pages. Explain the question, subject area and possible method in simple terms.
- Keep marksheets, certificates and the test score or fellowship proof ready before opening the form.
- Register on the IISER Pune application portal, complete every field, check the fee shown there and submit by 5 PM on October 23, 2026.
- Save the final submission details and check your registered email for the interview message.
IISER Pune Humanities PhD admission FAQs
What is the last date to apply?
The last date is October 23, 2026, by 5 PM. The department accepts online applications only.
Can students from another discipline apply?
Yes. IISER Pune says the research areas are not restricted to one disciplinary background. The proposed work must still fit the two faculty areas listed for this round.
Is a national-level test compulsory?
Usually, applicants must meet one of the listed NET, CSIR-UGC NET-LS, NET-PhD Eligibility, NBHM or GATE conditions. BS-MS or master's students from an Institute of National Importance with a relevant subject and CGPA 8 or above are exempt from this test condition.
Can a final-year student apply?
Yes. The student must complete the qualifying degree and meet the required marks by January 1, 2027 if selected.
How long should the research plan be?
The department asks for a two-page research plan for shortlisting. Keep it focused on one clear question and its fit with the selected faculty member.
Does meeting the eligibility rule guarantee an interview?
No. IISER Pune may apply additional shortlisting criteria. Only shortlisted students will receive the interview email.
