Ph.D. Programme

Short-listed candidates for PhD interviews for August 2026 PhD admission

The Ph.D. programme at Centre for Nano and Soft Matter Sciences (CeNS) focuses on basic and applied aspects of advanced research in the field of nano and soft matter sciences. CeNS is affiliated to Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR).

Admissions

Applications are invited from students for admission to the Ph.D. programme for the August 2026 Session as Junior Research Fellows (JRF) in the following areas of research.

Energy & Environment	Photodetectors, Photovoltaics Energy storage devices Batteries & Supercapacitors Hydrogen Energy Sensors Smart windows and displays Electro catalysts Electrochemical & Photocatalytic energy conversion Electrochemical sensors Piezo / tribo electric energy generation and pressure sensing Photothermal, Optoelectronics
Nanomaterials	Large-scale synthesis of nano materials at near-ambient conditions Solution based processes Low-cost instrumentation Hybrid spin valve & Hybrid Spin, Resistive switching memory devices Antibacterials Low dimensional Perovskites, Chalcogenides, Chalcohalides Organic nanomaterials Supramolecular polymers, Biomaterials, Polymers Aqueous self-assembly Inorganic nanomaterials and composites Metal nanoparticles, nanoclusters and atomically dispersed metal catalysts
Soft materials/ Liquid crystals	Synthesis, Composites Phase transitions Peptides, Organo- and hydrogel
Surfaces/Interfaces	Phase transitions in two dimensions Micro- and nano-structured surfaces Structural colours Wettability Plasmonics

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Essential qualifications as given in the AcSIR website

• M.Sc./M.Tech. from a recognized University/Institute in Physics/Chemistry/Materials Science/Nano Science and allied subjects with at least 60% aggregate marks for the general category and 55% for SC/ST candidates.
• Specialization in Condensed Matter Physics, Electronics, Materials Science, and Organic/Inorganic/Physical/General Chemistry at the Master’s degree level is desired.
• The candidate should have qualified at least in one of the national level entrance tests, i.e., CSIR-UGC NET (JRF only) / GATE or JEST, or should be an INSPIRE fellow.
• The Centre’s Research and Development (R&D) Assistants* are permitted to apply for AcSIR PhD programme, provided they have the essential qualification as in pt.1&2. In addition, the candidate should have completed one year of service in the three-year project and should have authored at least one publication in a SCI journal with substantial research contribution. A certificate from the PI in the prescribed format needs to be submitted.

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Selection procedure

Candidates will be short-listed for an interview based on their performance in the national entrance test(s) and academic performance. The final selection is based on the performance in the interview.

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Fellowship and hostel facilities

Students will be provided a CeNS fellowship as per DST norms. Students can avail campus hostel facility.
* Centre’s ‘Research and Development (R&D) Assistants’ will receive the CeNS fellowship from 3rd year of PhD, after the respective project completed.

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Travel grants

Students are encouraged to participate in national and international workshops, expos, symposia, and conferences. Centre provides financial assistance of up to Rs. 1,50,000/- during the five-year duration of the Ph.D. programme.

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Medical Facility

A clinic with basic facilities and a medical practitioner is available for the students on the campus. For any special medical needs, students are referred to nearby /empanelled hospitals.