Academic Programs
Integrated BS-MS Dual Degree Program
The BS-MS Dual Degree is the flagship program offered by all IISERs. At IISER Mohali the program has been structured to encourage interdisciplinary learning and to incorporate a strong research component throughout the curriculum. The core of the program provides comprehensive training in all basic sciences during the first two years. In the subsequent three years, students choose a major subject, with the curriculum comprising core courses, subject-specific electives, and open electives. Open electives, which may be taken from any discipline, allow students to customize their academic journey according to their interests. In addition to discipline-specific courses, several interdisciplinary courses are offered regularly.
Students are encouraged to undertake research projects during summer breaks, either at IISER Mohali or at research institutions across India and abroad. Many students receive international scholarships for summer research. IISER Mohali maintains active student exchange programs with partner institutions worldwide. In their final year, students dedicate significant time to an independent research project, which culminates in a thesis expected to include original work. Several of these projects result in publications in peer-reviewed journals, providing students with early exposure to the full research process. Graduates of the BS-MS program at IISER Mohali are expected to pursue careers in science. However, the diverse skill set they acquire also prepares them for successful careers in industry, government and other fields..
Further details of the program can be found here.
Admission
Admission to the BS-MS program at IISER Mohali is conducted through the national-level IISER Aptitude Test (IAT). The process is centrally coordinated by the Joint Admissions Committee for all IISERs across India, through a common admissions portal. Candidates who have completed their 10+2 (or equivalent) examination in the current year or the preceding year, with a science stream, are eligible to apply. The admission process to the BS-MS dual degree program takes place from June to July each year.
You are advised to consult the IISER admissions website for further details, Link to the admissions website.
Department of Chemical Sciences, IISER Mohali has a PhD program. The PhD program at IISER Mohali involves course work, a qualifying examination, thesis work and a thesis examination, leading to the award of a PhD degree. Besides research, the scholars are involved in several activities such as helping the faculty as teaching assistants in theory courses and laboratory sessions. PhD students are also expected to participate actively in seminars, journal clubs, workshops, etc. There is considerable interaction amongst students at different levels and PhD students contribute significantly to mentoring fifth year MS students in research laboratories.
Admissions to the PhD program are carried out twice a year. Applications are invited in March and September of each year through an advertisement on the IISER Mohali webpages.
Students are required to pass a national level test, to be eligible for applying to the PhD program at IISER Mohali. Screening tests and interview are conducted to select students. A valid CGATE/UGC/CSIR/DBT/ICMR or any other recognized score is mandatory. The certificate/fellowship MUST be valid at the time of admission.
During 2012-2013 the Institute initiated the Integrated PhD program, which is meant for students who have completed an undergraduate degree from elsewhere and wish to pursue the Masters and PhD program at IISER Mohali. This program identifies talented students at an early stage and brings them into the research fold.
The integrated PhD program consists of two years of course work and research projects. Qualifying students can then move on to do a PhD at the Institute under the guidance of any faculty member. Under normal circumstances, the integrated PhD program saves one year for the student as the course work enables them to progress at a much faster pace than a student in a typical MSc/PhD program. The fellowship would normally be available for four years from the date of successful completion of the comprehensive examination.
Besides research, the scholars are involved in several activities such as helping the faculty as teaching assistants in theory courses and laboratory sessions. PhD students are also expected to participate actively in seminars, journal clubs, workshops, etc. There is considerable interaction amongst students at different levels and PhD students contribute significantly to mentoring fifth year MS students in research laboratories.
Admissions to the program are carried out once a year. Applications are invited in March of each year through an advertisement on the IISER Mohali website.
Summer Research Program
The Department of Chemical Sciences at IISER Mohali is involved in admitting students for summer research program under three kinds of Summer Research Training Programs:
IISER’s own BS-MS program:
Students are required to do summer research projects as part of the program. Many of the students choose to participate in summer research within IISER Mohali.
Indian Academy of Sciences Summer Research Program:
IISER Mohali participates in an inter-academy summer program supervised by the Indian Academy of Sciences, Bangalore, which allots some summer students to research supervisors at IISER.
IISER Mohali Summer Research Program:
IISER Mohali advertises a summer research program, open to students from around the country. The advertisement usually appears in the month of February/March.
Post-Doctoral Research Program
IISER Mohali has a post-doctoral research program where scholars from other universities and Institutes join after completing their PhD for gaining research experience while working with the faculty at IISER Mohali.
The Institute hosts many post-doctoral researchers with independent funding in schemes like the DST Fast Track Scheme for young scientists, National Post-Doctoral Fellowship, DBT Post-Doctoral Fellowship, NBHM Post-Doctoral Fellowship etc.
Post-doctoral researchers gain experience from teaching and mentoring young students, at the same time they have access to world class facilities for research and the opportunity of working with some of the best researchers.
