• For Physical Sciences: The candidate must have passed M.Sc./M.Tech degree in Physics, Applied Physics, Engineering Physics, Photonics, Applied Optics, Laser Technology, Optoelectronics, Materials Science, Nano Science/ Nanotechnology, with a minimum of 60% overall marks. The candidates who have passed 4 years/ 8-semester bachelor's degree programme ( B.S./B.Sc.) in Physics with a minimum of 60 % marks in aggregate or its equivalent grade are also eligible for admission to PhD programme. All the candidates must have qualified Joint Entrance Screening Test (JEST-2024/2025/2026), GATE (i.e., GATE-2024/GATE 2025/GATE 2026) and/or CSIR-UGC NET (held during 2024 -2026: JRF, not lectureship).
• For Life Sciences: The candidate must have passed M.Sc. degree in Life Sciences/ Biotechnology/Zoology/ Biochemistry/ Microbiology a minimum of 60% overall marks. The candidates who have passed 4 years/ 8-semester bachelor's degree programme (B.S./B.Sc.) in Biological Sciences/Life Sciences/ Biotechnology with a minimum of 75 % marks in aggregate or its equivalent grade are also eligible for admission to PhD programme. All the candidates must have qualified CSIR-UGC NET held during 2024/2025/2026: JRF, not lectureship) / BET- JRF (2024/2025/2026), ICMR-JRF (held during 2024/2025/2026), GATE (i.e., GATE-2024/GATE 2025/GATE 2026). For BET qualified candidates, applicants of category-II, not eligible for DBT-JRF will not be considered.
• For Engineering Sciences:

  • The candidate must have passed M. Tech/M.E. degree (with BE/B. Tech / Four year B.Sc. in Mechanical Engineering or equivalent branches) in Mechanical / Thermal/ Production / Design/ Mechatronics Engineering / Manufacturing/ Material Science/Applied Optics, laser technology, Optoelectronics with a minimum of 60% overall marks, and must have qualified GATE.
  OR
  • The candidate must have passed M. Tech/M.E. degree (with BE/B. Tech /Four year B.Sc. in Electronics/Electrical Engineering or equivalent branches) in Electronics/Electrical Engineering, Power Electronics, RF and Microwave Engineering, Controls and Instrumentation, with a minimum of 60% overall marks, and must have qualified GATE.
  
  

Those applicants who are completing the qualifying degree in the year 2026, but with a with a valid score (JEST/GATE/CSIR NET-JRF/BET-JRF/ICMR-JRF) can also apply. If selected, the final degree mark sheet should be submitted by 31st October 2026. Continuation in the Ph.D. programme will be subject to the candidate obtaining the minimum qualifying marks; as mentioned in the eligibility criteria.
Five year integrated M.S. (of IISERs) will be treated at par with 5 year integrated M.Sc.

• The applicant must be an Indian citizen.