UGC-DAE CSR PhD Admission 2026: Application Process, Eligibility and Research Areas

UGC-DAE CSR PhD Admission 2026: Overview

The UGC-DAE Consortium for Scientific Research (UGC-DAE CSR) has officially opened the application portal for its prestigious PhD programme for the 2026-27 academic session. This is an excellent opportunity for candidates specializing in Physics and interdisciplinary sciences to pursue doctoral research at premier national centres equipped with advanced research facilities like synchrotron sources and neutron scattering setups.

Key Highlights

Vacancy Distribution

The programme offers a total of 28 seats across three major research centres:

• Indore Centre (20 Seats): Focused on thin films, spectroscopic studies, theoretical condensed matter physics, and non-linear optics.
• Mumbai Centre (2 Seats): Focused on quantum magnets, multiferroics, and strongly-correlated electron systems.
• Kalpakkam Centre (6 Seats): Focused on nanostructured materials, energy materials, and flexible thin films.

Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for this programme, candidates must possess a M.Sc. degree in Physics (obtained in 2023 or later) with at least 60% marks (55% for reserved and women candidates). Additionally, candidates must have qualified for one of the following national-level examinations:

• Valid CSIR-UGC NET (Category 1, 2, or 3)
• JEST 2026 (Rank within top 300)
• DST-Inspire Fellowship (Ph.D.)
• GATE (Physics)

Selection Process

The selection is merit-based and follows a two-stage process: 1) Screening of online applications based on qualifications and national exam scores. 2) Online interviews for shortlisted candidates, tentatively scheduled for June/July 2026. Successful candidates will be registered for their PhD at either DAVV (Indore), SPPU (Pune), or University of Madras (Chennai), depending on their assigned centre.

How to Apply

1. Visit the official application portal at https://inhousejrf.csr.res.in/.
2. Register using a valid email ID and phone number.
3. Complete the application form with your academic details and research centre preferences.
4. Review all information carefully before submission to avoid rejection.
5. Ensure you submit the form before the deadline of 15th June 2026.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

• Q: Is there an application fee for UGC-DAE CSR PhD 2026?
  A: Currently, the notification does not specify an application fee, making it generally free to apply. Please verify on the official portal during submission.
• Q: Can I apply if I have an M.Sc. degree from 2022?
  A: No, the eligibility criteria specifically state that the M.Sc. degree must be obtained in 2023 or later.
• Q: What is the last date to apply?
  A: The final date to submit your online application is 15th June 2026, by 17:00 hours.
• Q: Are interviews conducted offline?
  A: The selection interviews are conducted online.
• Q: Can I apply for multiple centres?
  A: Yes, you can indicate your preferences for the different centres provided by the institution within the application form.