NCCS invites applications for Ph.D Admissions August 2025

NCCS invites applications from eligible candidates for admissions to the Ph. D. program of August 2025 session. Eligible applicants, who are bonafide Indian citizens with a consistently strong academic record and a deep commitment to pursuing Ph. D. research in modern biology such as Cell & Molecular Biology, Structural Biology, Bioinformatics, Systems Biology, Neuroscience, Immunology, Infection Biology, Cancer Biology, Microbial Ecology, etc. are encouraged to apply. Applicants having postgraduate degree / completing their post-graduate degrees by the end of July, 2025, holding a valid Junior Research Fellowship (JRF) from select agencies, including CSIR, UGC, DBT (Category I), ICMR, BINC can apply.

Ph.D. Admissions- AUGUST 2025

Applicants who do not possess a fellowship but have qualified the JGEEBILS examination conducted by NCBS/TIFR in December 2024 are eligible to apply. NCCS will offer a limited number of fellowships to selected JGEEBILS qualified students but do not have fellowships. However, only candidates shortlisted according to NCCS criteria will be invited for Ph.D. interview.

Eligibility
1. Candidate must have a postgraduate degree in any branch of sciences with a strong interest in pursuing research in various areas of modern biology. The candidate should have a minimum of 60% or an equivalent Grade Point Average (GPA) OR Candidates pursuing their Masters and expected to complete their Post Graduate Program by 31/07/2025 can also apply. Before joining (August 1, 2025) they need to provide their final consolidated mark sheet. A 5% relaxation in marks will be granted to SC/ST/OBC candidates and persons with disabilities.
2. Candidate must hold a valid fellowship from either CSIR, UGC, DBT (Category I), ICMR, BINC. OR Candidates must have appeared in the JGEEBILS examination conducted by NCBS/TIFR in December 2024. Shortlisting of candidates for Interview will be based on their JGEEBILS cut-off score set by NCCS.

Candidates who qualified only for Lectureship (LS) in CSIR-UGC (NET), DBT (Category II) and the ‘Project list of ICMR’ are not eligible to apply.

NOTES
• Students are required to submit their applications online. The candidates need to have a Gmail account to fill the online form.
• For any technical inquiries related to the online application process, please contact us at academicsnccs@gmail.com, indicating ‘Ph.D. Admission Query’ as the subject.
• The upper age limit for JRF shall be 28 years as on August 01, 2025. Age relaxation for women and candidates belonging to SC/ST/OBC/PWD/EWS categories will be in accordance with the Government of India guidelines.
• The terms and conditions pertaining to the fellowship will be according to the funding agency that grants the fellowship. NCCS will not be responsible for providing fellowships except for selected JGEEBILS students.
• Reservations for women and candidates from SC/ ST/ OBC /PWD/ EWS categories will be in accordance with Government of India guidelines. Applicants from SC/ ST/ OBC/ PWD/ EWS categories must attach a self-attested copy of the relevant certificate with their application and provide the original certificates at the time of joining. This includes SC/ST (caste certificate), OBC (latest non-creamy layer certificate), PWD (PWD certificate), and EWS (income & asset certificate).
• NCCS Ph. D. program is a full-time commitment, and selected candidates may be required to reside on campus. On-campus hostel accommodation is provided to selected students on a first- come, first-served basis.

SCHEDULE FOR Ph. D. ADMISSIONS, AUGUST-2025 SESSION
Last date for receipt of online applications : MAY 13, 2025
Publication of the list of shortlisted candidates invited for an interview on the NCCS website : MAY 20, 2025
First round of interview (online) : JUNE 2 TO 4, 2025
Declaration of result of first round (online) : JUNE 4, 2025 7:00 PM
Final round of interview (online) : JUNE 5 & 6, 2025
Declaration of result of selected candidates : JUNE 13, 2025
Interaction and finalization of guide in person : JUNE 30 TO JULY 2, 2025
Last Date for Joining : AUGUST 1,2025

Note : Selected candidates are required to be present at NCCS from June 30 to July 2, 2025, to engage in discussions with scientists, finalize their research guide. Accommodation during this period will be provided by NCCS.