IISER Kolkata PhD Admission 2026: Interview Schedule and Dates
Nishit Kumar is a senior EdTech industry leader with over a decade of experience in building and scaling education platforms, shaping their product, content, and growth strategy. At…
Admission to the Integrated PhD Programme at IISER Kolkata requires a qualifying Bachelor’s degree (B.Sc., B.E., B.Tech., M.B.B.S., or equivalent) with at least 60% aggregate marks, along with valid scores in national exams like JAM or JEST. Candidates submit their applications online via apply.iiserkol.ac.in.
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Program Structure | 2 years Masters-level curriculum + 4 years PhD research |
| Minimum Aggregate Marks | 60% or equivalent aggregate / major score in UG |
| Mid-way Exit Option | No exit option with a Master’s degree |
| Qualifying Entrance Exams | JAM (Biotechnology, Geology, Chemistry, Physics) / JGEEBILS / JEST (Physics) |
| Application Portal | https://apply.iiserkol.ac.in/application |
Ph.D. Eligibility
Qualifying for the Integrated PhD requires a Bachelor’s degree in a relevant discipline, including B.Sc., B.E., B.Tech., or M.B.B.S. Candidates must secure at least 60% aggregate marks across their undergraduate studies if no major field is designated.
Candidates enrolled in programs with an Honours or Major subject must maintain a minimum of 60% marks specifically in that primary discipline. Final-year students are eligible if their cumulative score up to the application deadline meets the 60% threshold.
Discipline-Wise Subject Prerequisites
| Programme Discipline | Eligible Major Subjects / Degrees | Required Supporting Subjects / Prerequisites |
|---|---|---|
| Biological Sciences | Bachelor’s in Biological Sciences, Biotechnology, Medical Sciences, Physics, Mathematics, Chemistry, B.Tech, B.E., B.V.Sc., or B.Pharma | Biology and Mathematics in Class 12 (or certified UG course in Math/Stats) |
| Earth Sciences | Any branch of Earth Sciences | Physics or Chemistry and Mathematics |
| Physical Sciences | Physics | Mathematics |
Earth Sciences candidates need supporting preparation in Physics or Chemistry and Mathematics, while Physical Sciences applicants must major in Physics with supporting Mathematics.
Ph.D. Entrance Exams
National-level entrance qualification forms a mandatory part of the screening process for all doctoral aspirants at IISER Kolkata. Candidates must secure valid qualifying scores in recognized national examinations tailored to their target research department.
| Discipline | Accepted Aptitude / Entrance Exams |
|---|---|
| Biological Sciences | JAM Biotechnology / JGEEBILS |
| Earth Sciences | JAM Geology / JAM Chemistry (Environmental Science) / JAM Physics (Computational Mineralogy) |
| Physical Sciences | JAM Physics / JEST (Physics) |
Top Ph.D. Colleges
At least 3561 colleges offer Ph.D. programs across India, including 287 government institutions and 1129 private colleges. Government colleges display a median total course fee of ₹71,600, with the middle half ranging between ₹34,582 and ₹1.16 lakh across 126 reporting institutions. Private colleges reflect a median total course fee of ₹1.85 lakh, with middle half values between ₹90,270 and ₹3.00 lakh across 249 reporting institutions. State distribution shows strong concentration, led by Maharashtra with 609 colleges, Tamil Nadu with 538, Karnataka with 352, Uttar Pradesh with 287, Gujarat with 222, and Rajasthan with 188. Across 9 reporting institutions, the median average placement package stands at 6.47 LPA.
| College | City | Ownership | Total course fee | NIRF rank |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Indian Institute of Science | Bangalore | — | ₹89,200 | 1 (Overall, 2025) |
| Indian Institute of Technology Madras | Chennai | Government | ₹30,850 | 1 (Overall, 2025) |
| Jawaharlal Nehru University | Delhi | Government | — | 2 (Overall, 2025) |
| Indian Institute of Technology Bombay | Mumbai | Government | ₹70,200 | 3 (Overall, 2024) |
| Manipal University Manipal | Manipal | — | ₹59,000 | 3 (Overall, 2025) |
| Punjab Agricultural University | Ludhiana | — | ₹1.76 lakh | 3 (Overall, 2025) |
| Jamia Millia Islamia University | Delhi | Government | ₹27,740 | 4 (Overall, 2025) |
| Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur | Kanpur | Government | ₹52,200 | 5 (Overall, 2025) |
| Delhi University | Delhi | Government | ₹7,130 | 5 (Overall, 2025) |
| Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee | Roorkee | — | ₹85,800 | 6 (Overall, 2025) |
| College | City | Ownership | Total course fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| Indian Institute of Foreign Trade Kolkata | Kolkata | Government | ₹5,000 |
| Bharathi Women’s College | Chennai | Government | ₹5,105 |
| All India Institute of Medical Sciences New Delhi | Delhi | Government | ₹5,215 |
| Gulbarga University | Gulbarga | Government | ₹6,545 |
| Govt. Raza Post Graduate College | Rampur | Government | ₹6,810 |
| Delhi University | Delhi | Government | ₹7,130 |
| Calicut University | Calicut | Government | ₹7,130 |
| Bastar University | Bastar | Government | ₹7,170 |
| Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education & Research | Chandigarh | Government | ₹7,410 |
| Government Thakur Ranmat Singh College | Rewa | Government | ₹7,777 |
| College | City | Ownership | Total course fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| Birla Institute of Technology and Science Pilani | Pilani | Private | ₹1.84 lakh |
| Chandigarh University | Chandigarh | Private | ₹3.60 lakh |
| VIT University Chennai | Chennai | Private | ₹1.33 lakh |
| Thapar Institute of Engineering and Technology | Patiala | Private | ₹69,000 |
| Chebrolu Hanumaiah Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences | Guntur | Private | ₹1.05 lakh |
| Indian Institute of Technology Dhanbad | Dhanbad | Private | ₹50,400 |
| Uttaranchal University | Dehradun | Private | ₹3.59 lakh |
| Marwadi University | Rajkot | Private | ₹2.25 lakh |
| SVKM’s Narsee Monjee Institute of Management Studies Navi Mumbai | Navi Mumbai | Private | ₹3.00 lakh |
| Doon Business School | Dehradun | Private | ₹3.30 lakh |
| City | Colleges | Fee range | Well-known options |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bangalore | 179 | ₹50,000 – ₹8.75 lakh | Alliance University, Christ University |
| Pune | 173 | ₹52,785 – ₹5.16 lakh | Symbiosis Law School Pune, Armed Forces Medical College |
| Mumbai | 149 | ₹7,923 – ₹33.82 lakh | Indian Institute of Technology Bombay, Jamnalal Bajaj Institute of Management Studies |
| Chennai | 135 | ₹5,105 – ₹7.50 lakh | Indian Institute of Technology Madras, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences |
| Coimbatore | 114 | ₹36,500 – ₹9.34 lakh | Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, P.S.G College of Technology |
| Delhi | 77 | ₹5,215 – ₹7.50 lakh | All India Institute of Medical Sciences New Delhi, Jamia Millia Islamia University |
| Jaipur | 76 | ₹30,970 – ₹45.00 lakh | Manipal University Jaipur, University of Rajasthan |
| Hyderabad | 69 | ₹35,000 – ₹5.20 lakh | University of Hyderabad, Indian Institute of Technology Hyderabad |
| College | City | Total course fee |
|---|---|---|
| IIHMR University | Jaipur | ₹4.00 lakh |
| Indian School of Business Management & Administration | Kolkata | ₹69,900 |
| Indian Institute of Business Management and Studies | Mumbai | ₹75,800 |
| Indian Institute of Information Technology Sri City | Sri City | ₹1.83 lakh |
| Shyam University | Dausa | ₹3.15 lakh |
| Birla Institute of Technology Mesra | Ranchi | ₹1.99 lakh |
How to Apply for Ph.D. Admission in 2026: Step by Step
- Check UG eligibility criteria: Verify that you possess a B.Sc., B.E., B.Tech., M.B.B.S., or equivalent degree with a minimum 60% aggregate score (or 60% in your Honours/Major subject).
- Qualify the required aptitude test: Appear for and qualify the required exam: JAM Biotechnology/JGEEBILS for Biological Sciences; JAM Geology, JAM Chemistry, or JAM Physics for Earth Sciences; or JAM Physics/JEST for Physical Sciences.
- Verify subject combination prerequisites: Ensure Class 12 or UG level subject prerequisites are met (e.g., Mathematics and Biology for Biological Sciences; Physics/Chemistry and Math for Earth Sciences).
- Register on the official application portal: Create an account as a new user at the official IISER Kolkata portal (https://apply.iiserkol.ac.in/application).
- Fill out application form and submit details: Enter required academic marks, exam qualifications, and personal information in the online application form and submit before the announced deadline.
| What to do | Where | Link |
|---|---|---|
| application | IISER Kolkata Application Portal | apply.iiserkol.ac.in |
| Compare colleges, fees and cutoffs | Ph.D. colleges in India | findmycollege.com |
FAQs
Which entrance exams are qualified for IISER Kolkata Integrated PhD admission?
Accepted aptitude tests include JAM Biotechnology and JGEEBILS for Biological Sciences; JAM Geology, JAM Chemistry, and JAM Physics for Earth Sciences; and JAM Physics or JEST (Physics) for Physical Sciences.
Can I exit the IISER Kolkata Integrated PhD program early with a Master’s degree?
No, there is no option to opt out mid-way with a Master’s degree. Candidates must complete the full 6-year course (2 years Masters + 4 years PhD research) to receive certification.
Can I apply for IISER Kolkata PhD admission with 50 percent marks in graduation?
No, candidates require a minimum of 60% aggregate score (or equivalent) in their qualifying undergraduate degree, or 60% in their Honours/Major subject if applicable.
Are final year undergraduate students eligible to apply?
Yes, candidates appearing in their final year of graduation can apply, provided they have maintained at least 60% aggregate marks in exams held up to the application submission date.
What are the Class 12 subject requirements for Biological Sciences Integrated PhD?
Applicants must have studied Biology and Mathematics in Class 12 or equivalent. Those without Mathematics in Class 12 must have completed a certified UG course in Mathematics or Statistics.
