PhD programme at IISER Pune The PhD programme at IISER Pune is a blend of classroom curriculum and mentoring undergraduate students along with a major research component. IISER Pune admits students to doctoral programmes in Biology, Chemistry, Data Science, Earth and Climate Science, Humanities and Social Sciences, Mathematics, and Physics. Prime Minister's Research Fellowship (PMRF) IISER Pune is one of the PMRF granting institutes offering PMRF Fellowship to meritorious PhD candidates. To apply for PMRF through direct entry, the candidate needs to get selected in our regular PhD programme, and the Institute will recommend a selected few candidates for PMRF. The final decision will be taken by the National Level Discipline-Specific Selection Committee. Detailed eligibility criteria are mentioned on the PMRF website and the same will be applicable. Link to details on PMRF Scholars hosted at IISER Pune Candidates are advised to visit the PMRF website to know more. Admission to PhD Program for August 2026 Batch IISER Pune invites online applications for the PhD program in Physics for the session starting in August 2026. Eligibility Criteria The candidate should have a minimum of 60% marks in aggregate (overall percentage; not only in the majoring subject) or a CGPA of 6 on a 10 point scale (55% or equivalent CGPA in aggregate for SC, ST, and PwD/VH candidates) in MSc or four-year BTech/BE/BS, and The candidate should mandatorily satisfy at least one of the following (mandatory) criteria: (a) Qualified National Eligibility Test (NET) with a score in the CSIR-JRF/UGC-JRF category, valid at the time of admissions in August 2026. OR (b) Holds a rank equal to 500 or better (625 or better for candidates in the reserved categories) in GATE-2026 or JEST-2025 PhD Physics. This rank should be valid at the time of admission in August 2026. OR (c) Holds an INSPIRE-PhD fellowship (The candidate should possess a provisional selection letter for PhD fellowship at the time of the interview.) OR (d) Has an Integrated BS-MS dual degree from any of the IISERs or an equivalent Master's degree in Physics from an Institute of National Importance with a CGPA greater than or equal to 8 on a scale of 10 (or equivalent). (Students currently in the final year of the eligible programs are welcome to apply. If the candidate is shortlisted after the final interview, a provisional admission will be offered. The final admission will be subject to the condition that all of the above eligibility criteria are satisfied.) Note that additional criteria beyond eligibility will likely be applied when shortlisting candidates for the interview. Interview Shortlisted candidates will be asked to appear for an interview to be conducted in person (Dates for the interviews will be announced on the IISER Pune website). The final selection to the program will be based on the candidate's performance in the interview. Application The online application link will be activated by March 02, 2026. Further Information For more information about the PhD Physics program, please visit the following linkhttps://www.iiserpune.ac.in/education/admissions/phd-programme For information about the Physics department please visit https://www.iiserpune.ac.in/research/department/physics Any queries regarding admissions may be addressed to physicsphdselection@iiserpune.ac.in Source: PhD programme at IISER Pune