IISER Pune Science Education PhD Admission January 2027: Apply by 25 October
Important dates, eligibility, official application links and updates
IISER Pune Science Education PhD Admission 2027: The Department of Science Education at the Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER) Pune has opened applications for its January 2027 PhD intake. Eligible science graduates and postgraduates, including candidates from a Chemistry background, can apply online until 25 October 2026. The programme focuses on research into how science and mathematics are taught and learned, rather than laboratory-based Chemistry research.
IISER Pune Science Education PhD 2027: Overview
| Particular | Details |
|---|---|
| Institute / conducting authority | IISER Pune, Department of Science Education |
| Programme | PhD in Science Education Research |
| Intake | January 2027 |
| Application mode | Online |
| Application fee | Standard non-refundable institute application fee applies; exact amount not announced yet on the cited admission page |
| Admission selection | Online written test, shortlisting and in-person interview |
| Official notice | IISER Pune PhD admission information (see Science Education section) |
| Apply online | Official IISER Pune application portal |
Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Application start date | 12 October 2026 |
| Last date to apply | 25 October 2026 |
| Online written examination | 2 November 2026 |
| Shortlist publication | 13 November 2026 |
| In-person interviews at IISER Pune | 3–4 December 2026 |
| Programme begins | January 2027 (exact joining date not announced yet) |
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must have at least 60% aggregate marks and one of the following qualifications:
- A Master’s degree in Science, Mathematics or Engineering (including BS/MS);
- A four-year Bachelor’s degree in Science, Mathematics or Engineering;
- A four-year BSc-BEd degree; or
- An MA (Education) or BEd after a three-year BSc in Science or Mathematics.
Therefore, an MSc Chemistry graduate may be eligible. A four-year BSc Chemistry graduate may also qualify. A three-year BSc Chemistry degree alone is not listed as sufficient unless followed by the specified education qualification. IISER Pune prefers, but does not state as universally mandatory, relevant national examination qualifications such as CSIR-UGC NET (education), NCERT Doctoral Fellowship or ICSSR doctoral fellowship.
Selection and Admission Process
- Register and submit the online application through the official portal by 25 October 2026.
- Eligible candidates take the online written examination on 2 November 2026.
- IISER Pune may give greater weight to descriptive responses when shortlisting candidates.
- The shortlist is scheduled for 13 November 2026.
- Shortlisted candidates attend in-person interviews on 3–4 December 2026; final admission is based on interview performance.
Documents to Prepare
The institute asks applicants to prepare a statement of purpose (maximum two pages) and a CV (maximum four pages). Check the application portal for any additional upload requirements.
Who Should Apply?
This programme is relevant to MSc Chemistry graduates and eligible four-year BSc Chemistry graduates interested in chemistry education, curriculum design, assessment, student learning, pedagogy, and science education research. Applicants seeking a conventional PhD in organic, inorganic, physical or analytical Chemistry should instead consider the separate IISER Pune Chemistry PhD admission notification.
Application Fee
IISER Pune says a standard non-refundable application fee applies to PhD programme applications. Exact fee for this admission: Not announced yet on the official admission information page. Verify the payable amount in the official portal before submission.
Official Notification and Application Links
Official IISER Pune PhD admissions page | Apply online / register
Frequently Asked Questions
Can MSc Chemistry students apply for IISER Pune Science Education PhD?
Yes, an MSc Chemistry degree falls within the stated Master’s degree in Science pathway, provided the applicant has at least 60% aggregate marks and meets the institute’s other requirements.
Can three-year BSc Chemistry graduates apply directly?
A three-year BSc alone is not listed as a qualifying route. A four-year Science bachelor’s degree or a three-year BSc followed by MA (Education) or BEd is listed.
What is the last date to apply?
25 October 2026.
When is the entrance test?
The online written test is scheduled for 2 November 2026.
Is CSIR NET compulsory?
The notice describes national examination qualifications as desirable; it does not make CSIR NET universally mandatory for this Science Education PhD intake.
Is this a regular Chemistry PhD?
No. It is a research programme in Science Education, including how science is taught and learned.
Applicants should consult the institute’s official notice and portal for changes before applying.
Explore Chemistry learning resources and courses for CSIR NET, GATE CY, IIT JAM and research admissions.
