Degree and Diploma Programmes

Research Programmes and Details Regarding Eligibility Criteria, Selection Procedure, Fellowships

Degrees/ Diploma Programmes offered by Units

The Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research (JNCASR) is home to a bright and diverse student community. At present, 431 students are enrolled across its various academic programmes. While the majority are pursuing a Ph.D, the Centre also offers Integrated Ph.D, M.S./M.S. (Engg.), and M.Sc. programmes, catering to students at different stages of their academic journeys.

Beginning in AY 2026–27, JNCASR will introduce a new flagship programme: the Integrated B.S. (Research)–Ph.D. in Interdisciplinary Sciences. This programme is designed to provide high-impact training through rigorous coursework, advanced research exposure, and skill development, aligned with the principles of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.

The student body represents the length and breadth of the country, and the Centre also regularly hosts international students through various exchange programmes. Most students join in the August semester, following interviews conducted in early summer. Select programmes additionally admit students at the start of the January semester. Admission is competitive, and eligibility is determined by academic criteria specific to each programme.

All the regular students [except  B.S. (Research) students of the Int. B.S. (Resarch)- Ph.D programme, M.Sc. in Chemistry and M.Sc. in Inter-disciplinary Biosciences] joining JNCASR are eligible for a suitable fellowship from JNCASR/ CSIR / UGC/ ICMR / DBT /INSPIRE depending upon their mode of entry.

Typically, students complete the regular Ph.D programme in under five years. Those students who are currently on- roll in the Integrated Ph.D programme are awarded an M.S. degree, usually after three years of study.

Beyond research, students undertake a blend of required and elective courses, primarily taught on campus by the Centre’s faculty. They may also attend select courses at other scientific institutes in the Bengaluru area. Academic training is further enriched through seminar courses and a recently introduced course in scientific writing. After completing two years in the Ph.D. programme, students must pass a comprehensive oral examination for doctoral candidacy, by presenting and defending their research while demonstrating mastery of their coursework.

Since 2002, JNCASR has been recognized as a “Deemed to be University” by the University Grants Commission, enabling it to award degrees directly. Since its inception, the Centre has awarded 1,047 degrees, including 579 Ph.Ds, 259 M.S. degrees (Integrated Ph..), 90 M.S. (Engg.), 2 M.Sc. (by Research), 40 M.Sc. in Chemistry, and 20 M.Sc. in Inter-disciplinary Biosciences. In addition, 49 PGDMS, 8 PGDSE certificates have been awarded since 2010.

JNCASR alumni have established distinguished careers in academia, research, and industry across the globe. Many serve as faculty members at leading institutions such as the Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs), Indian Institutes of Science Education and Research (IISERs), Indian Institute of Science (IISc), and Indian Association for the Cultivation of Science (IACS). Others hold positions at international universities such as the University of Manchester, serve as senior scientists at the National Institutes of Health (NIH), USA, or contribute to leading global companies including Airbus, General Electric (GE), and Samsung.

For any queries related to admissions, please write to: admissions[at]jncasr[dot]ac[dot]in.

Disclaimer: The Centre reserves the absolute right, at its sole discretion, to amend, revise, modify, discontinue, or withdraw any fees, fellowships, financial assistance, rules, regulations, policies, procedures, or other provisions at any time. No student, applicant, or stakeholder shall have any claim against the Centre arising out of such changes, and the Centre’s decision in this regard shall be final and binding.