The Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), in collaboration with the Tata Institute for Genetics and Society (TIGS), has announced admissions for the PhD in Science program for the session commencing in 2026. AcSIR is an “Institution of National Importance” encompassing 78 prestigious Research Institutes, including 38 CSIR Institutes, 28 ICMR Institutes, and 5 DST Institutes. TIGS hosts this PhD program aiming to create the next generation of innovators through research and a pedagogical curricula designed to harness modern advancements in science.
Job Overview
This notification details the admission process for the fully funded PhD in Science program offered by AcSIR and hosted at TIGS for the upcoming 2026 session. The program aims to devise novel solutions for societal needs, with potential research areas including crop improvement, rare diseases, and RNA therapeutics.
Important Dates
- Last Date to Apply: 14 April 2026
Eligibility Criteria
- Qualifying Degree:
- Doctor of Medicine (D.M.) or Master of Chirurgiae (M.Ch.) or Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) or Master of Surgery (M.S.) from an NMC (erstwhile MCI) recognized Medical College.
- OR Master’s degree in Science/Public Health with at least 55% marks in aggregate or its equivalent grade.
- OR Master’s in Population Studies, Social Medicine, Community Health, Anthropology, Sociology, Social Work, Mathematical Sciences, Economics, Biostatistics and Demography with at least 55% marks in aggregate or its equivalent grade.
- OR MCA/M.Sc in Computer Science or equivalent with at least 55% marks in aggregate or its equivalent grade.
- OR Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS), or Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS)/ Master of Dental Surgery (MDS), from an NMC (erstwhile MCI) recognized Medical College, with at least 55% marks in aggregate or its equivalent grade.
- OR 4-year/8-semester bachelor’s degree program in relevant field with at least 55% marks in aggregate or its equivalent grade.
- Relaxation: A relaxation of 5% marks or its equivalent grade may be allowed for those belonging to SC/ST/OBC (non-creamy layer)/Differently-Abled, Economically Weaker Section (EWS).
- Eligible Categories:
- National-level fellowship: Applicant should have a valid National-level Fellowship of any funding agency (e.g. CSIR, ICMR, UGC, DBT, RGNF, etc).
- Temporary project staff of AcSIR Associated research institutes: Project Assistants, Senior Research Fellows, and other temporary project staff. NOC from the current employer is mandatory.
- Industry/Institute Sponsored candidates: Permanent Employees working in an Industry; Permanent Scientific/Technical employees of Associated Research Institutes of AcSIR. NOC from the current employer is mandatory.
Selection Process
Applicants whose final results are awaited, but are otherwise eligible, can apply and may be provisionally admitted. Continuation in the program is subject to securing the required percentage/equivalent grade, submission of the final marks-sheet, and meeting other eligibility criteria at the time of joining.
How to Apply
Interested and eligible candidates must apply online through the AcSIR Online Admission Portal before the closing date. Applicants should ensure they meet all eligibility criteria, including having valid fellowships or mandatory NOCs from current employers where applicable.
Official Notification & Links
Important Instructions
- AcSIR offers a fully funded opportunity to its Ph.D. students to pursue a part of their research for one year in top-tier international universities, under a Joint Ph.D. Degree (cotutelle mode) program.
- The tuition fee once paid by a student selected for PhD admission to any AcSIR Research Institute is transferable to any other AcSIR-associated institute, subject to seat availability and provided the transfer occurs before the commencement of the academic session.
- Potential research areas for PhD at TIGS include: Crop improvement – Mutation Breeding, Rare diseases – Diagnosis and Screening, RNA Therapeutics for Bacterial Pathogens, and Disease Modelling and Therapeutics.
- Specific research areas within Biological Sciences encompass Infectious diseases (including antimicrobial resistance, vector biology, and surveillance), Rare genetic disorders (including diagnostics and therapeutics), and Crop improvement.
- AcSIR academic programs also include PhD in Engineering, PhD in Medical Research, IDDP (Integrated Dual Degree Program), M.Sc. /M.Tech/ M.P.H/ MHQM, and PG Diploma.
Conclusion
Eligible candidates interested in pursuing advanced research in Biological Sciences and related fields are encouraged to apply for the AcSIR & TIGS PhD program before the stipulated deadline of 14 April 2026.
