The Ph.D. Research Programs Mid-Year admission for international students at IISc for January 2027 session is open now. The details of the available programs and eligibility is available here. The candidates that are admitted will be eligible for scholarship and fees structure similar to Indian Citizens (details can be found here)
Participating Department /Centre/ Unit in the Mid-Year Admission Cycle AY 2026-27:
Ph.D. in Science Faculty: Inorganic and Physical Chemistry, Materials Research, Developmental Biology and Genetics, Neuroscience, Organic Chemistry, Physics, Solid State and Structural Chemistry, and Instrumentation and Applied Physics
Ph.D. in Engineering Faculty: Aerospace Engineering, Atmospheric and Oceanic Sciences, Chemical Engineering, Civil Engineering, Computer Science and Automation, Electrical Communication Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Electronic Systems Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Nano Science and Engineering, Design and Manufacturing, and Sustainable Technologies.
Ph.D. in Interdisciplinary areas: Energy (offered by Interdisciplinary Centre for Energy Research), Mathematical Sciences (offered by IISc Mathematics Initiative (IMI)), Cyber Physical Systems (offered by Robert Bosch Centre for Cyber Physical Systems)
Eligibility:
- All International candidates who are foreign Nationals holding a foreign passport are eligible to apply.
2. OCI/PIO candidates are divided into three categories:
- OCI/PIO (I): Candidates who obtained their OCI/PIO card before 04.03.2021 and choose to be treated at par with Indian nationals will be considered under the unreserved (open) category.
- OCI/PIO (F): Candidates who obtained their OCI/PIO card before 04.03.2021 but choose to apply as foreign nationals will also be considered under the foreign national category.
- OCI/PIO (F): Candidates who obtained their OCI/PIO card after 04.03.2021 will be considered as foreign nationals and can only apply for foreign national supernumerary seats.
3. Candidates with equivalent degrees as specified in the eligibility of research programs (access the list and eligible degree programs here)
4. The medium of instruction for Bachelor’s program (or equivalent) should have been English.
5. Preferred to have atleast one valid Standard Test (GATE/GRE/IELTS/TOEFL) score but it is not mandatory.
Selection Procedure (2 steps):
- Shortlisting based on educational qualifications for interview
- Interviewing (online/Offline) of shortlisted candidates
The decision of the admission committee is final and binding.
Procedure for Applying
- Application Form (available only online): The online application may be prepared and submitted by accessing the Admissions Website from 06.10.2026 to 26.10.2026 .
- You will also require details and score obtained in standard exam (as given in eligibility section). Its not mandatory, please fill it if you have.
- If applicable, please upload your Academic Achievements along with the qualifying documents/certificates. This may include the Research Publications, conferences & workshops attended and awards/certifications. We will also request you to share recommendation letters (minimum two) and statement of purpose by email during the application timeline.
Important Dates
Applications opening date: 06.10.2026
Online Interactive Session: Will be updated on OIR website
Applications closing date: 26.10.2026 , at 11:59 PM IST
Start date of the Program: January 2027
Note: Admission to M.Tech. (Research) Program is not avaliable during the Mid-Year Admission.
List of Selected Students in Research (M.Tech. (Research)/Ph.D.) Program in the AY 2026-27
List of Selected Research students in the AY 2026-27.xlsx
For any queries, please contact: admission.oir@iisc.ac.in
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
1. I looked at the eligibility for the research programs, they mention B.E./B.Tech./M.Sc., the degree currently I am possessing/pursuing is not B.E./B.Tech./M.Sc., so what should I do?.
It should be equivalent to B.E./B.Tech./M.Sc., which essentially means post 10+2 (high school), if the qualification is B.E./B.Tech. that means you should have major in the subject area mentioned and duration of your bachelors program should have been 4 years. If the qualification is M.Sc. that means you should have major in the subject area mentioned in the master’s program and duration of masters program should be for 2 years, which is preceded by 3 years bachelor’s program.
2. Is having standard test score preferred for the research program?
Yes. It is only preferred (not mandatory).
3. What will be the fees structure for the research program?. Will International students receive scholarship/stipend per month?
Currently, the total fees will be around Rs. 50,000/- for Ph.D. (subjected to change as approved by the Dean) for one year of study excluding hostel. Please find the complete fee structure here: https://www.iisc.ac.in/admissions/fees-and-scholarships/
In case you want to avail the hostel (student accommodation) in campus, an additional amount of Rs.55,000/- (Rupees Fifty Five Thousand only) the one-time hostel and mess deposit should be paid. Hostel & Mess Deposit is Rs. 30,000/ (Refunded on vacating the Hostel aner deducting dues. if any) and Mess & Room Deposit is Rs. 25,000.
All admitted research program students will receive a scholarship/stipend from the Institute. For M.Tech. (Research), it is Rs. 12,400/- per month. For Ph.D., it is Rs.37,000 for first 2 years and Rs.42,000 from 3rd year till end of 5th year
(subject to passing the comprehensive exam)
If you are selected and offered to join the program, please note, it may take a few weeks for the scholarship to be activated, please come prepared with enough cash (in Indian (approximate in INR 30,000-50,000) to take care of your first three months living expenses.
4. I am having technical difficulties in filling up application form, whom should I contact?
Please contact: admission.oir@iisc.ac.in
5. What is the difference between M.Tech course and M.Tech. (Research) program?
M.Tech.(research) is a thesis based degree program with a strong research component (it was earlier known as M.Sc. (Engg.) program), where as M.Tech. course program is a degree program that is by course work with a project dissertation. The duration of M.Tech. course program is strictly 2 years. The duration of M.Tech. (research) is between 1-3 years with average duration being 2.5 years. Also M.Tech. course program along with eligibility degree program, it requires the applicant to have standard test scores (GRE/GRE Subject/GATE)
6. Will TOFEL/IELTS will be considered as standard test score?
Yes, TOFEL/IELTS both are considered as a standard test, however are not mandatory but preferred for admission into research programmes.
7. Can I apply for both Course and Research Admissions?
Yes, absolutely but duting the August semester admission cycle. Mid-Year Admission is only for PhD Research Applications.
8. Is there a separate application for M.Tech. (Research) and Ph.D. programs I have to make during August Semster Admission Cycle ?
No. They both are considered as part research program, it will be same application. The department while interviewing candidate might decide on what program is best suited for the student.
9. Do I have to findout my PhD Programe supervisor before the admission?
No, it is not mandatory. However, we strongly recommend that you review the department(s) you are applying to, along with the profiles of the faculty members on their respective webpages. If you find faculty members whose research interests align with your area of interest, you may mention their name(s) in your Statement of Purpose (SOP). You may also mention them during the interview if you are shortlisted. In addition, some departments introduce their faculty members and their research areas during the orientation programme. You may attend these sessions to learn more about the faculty and subsequently choose a suitable supervisor after joining.
10. Is there an application fees?
No, It is waived for international students. You dont have to pay any application fee while applying.