NCCS Pune PhD March 2027 — apply by 5 December

By Chandra Sekhar

Last updated: 3 Nov 2026

NCCS Pune PhD March 2027. Last date — 5 December 2026. Indian citizens with a postgraduate degree in science (60% or equivalent) and a valid fellowship or JGEEBILS 2025 score can apply for full-time PhD in modern biology at the National Centre for Cell Science, Pune. Apply via the official portal linked on nccs.res.in. Notification PDF — NCCS PDF.

What NCCS does

The National Centre for Cell Science is an autonomous institute under the Department of Biotechnology, Ministry of Science and Technology. It focuses on cell and molecular biology, structural biology, bioinformatics, systems biology, neuroscience, immunology, infection biology, cancer biology, and microbial ecology. This PhD programme is a full-time research commitment starting March 2027.

What kind of role this is

Full-time PhD research. Selected students join by 1 March 2027. Hostel accommodation is provided on a first-come, first-served basis. It is not a teaching or permanent post. Fellowships follow the funding agency rules. NCCS provides limited fellowships only to selected candidates from the JGEEBILS category.

Who should apply — and who should skip

Apply if

• You are a bonafide Indian citizen with a postgraduate degree in any branch of science and ≥60% marks or equivalent GPA (5% relaxation for SC/ST/OBC/PwD).
• You hold a valid JRF from CSIR, UGC, DBT (Category I), ICMR, or BINC, OR you appeared in JGEEBILS conducted by NCBS/TIFR in December 2025 (shortlisting based on NCCS cutoff).
• You have a consistently strong academic record and want to do research in cell/molecular biology, structural biology, bioinformatics, systems biology, neuroscience, immunology, infection biology, cancer biology, or microbial ecology.

Skip if

• You only have lectureship in CSIR-UGC NET, DBT Category II, GATE, ICAR, or are under ICMR Project category.
• You cannot commit full-time or do not meet the age limit for JRF (28 years as on 1 March 2027, with GoI relaxations).
• You want part-time or external-only without a qualifying fellowship/JGEEBILS.

Dates and fee

Available positions

Limited seats. Reservations follow Government of India guidelines. Applicants from SC/ST/OBC/PWD/EWS must attach relevant certificates. No detailed category-wise numbers are printed in the advertisement.

Educational qualifications

Selection

1. Online application screening against NCCS criteria.
2. Publication of shortlisted candidates on 15 December 2026.
3. Online interviews in two rounds: 4–6 January and 7–8 January 2027.
4. Final selected list on 15 January 2027.
5. Guide interaction and joining by 1 March 2027.

Application does not guarantee shortlisting. NCCS decision is final. Use a Gmail account for the application process.

How to prepare (free, official)

• Official advertisement PDF
• NCCS Careers / Academics page

How to apply

1. Visit the NCCS website careers section or the application portal linked in the notice.
2. Use a Gmail account and complete the online form.
3. Upload required documents and certificates.
4. Submit before 5 December 2026.
5. For technical queries email academics@nccs.res.in with subject “Ph.D. Admission Query”. Check the website for updates.

FAQs

What is the last date for NCCS Pune PhD March 2027?
5 December 2026.

Is JGEEBILS accepted?
Yes. Candidates who appeared in JGEEBILS (NCBS/TIFR) December 2025 can apply. Shortlisting uses the NCCS cutoff. Limited NCCS fellowships are available for selected JGEEBILS candidates.

What is the age limit?
Upper age 28 years for JRF as on 1 March 2027. Relaxation for women, SC/ST/OBC/PwD as per GoI rules.

Where do I apply?
Online via the portal on nccs.res.in.

Is hostel available?
Yes, on-campus hostel on first-come, first-served basis for selected students.

Does this lead to a permanent job?
No. It is a full-time PhD research programme.

More research openings are on the admissions board. Check deadlines regularly.

Stay safe: Campus Reality never charges you. Pay only the fee printed in the official notice, only on the official site (nccs.res.in). Nobody can guarantee selection for money.