Master of Science [M.Sc] + Ph.D.

The Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bangalore offers three Integrated M.Sc + Ph.D. streams in Physical Sciences, Biological Sciences, and Chemical Sciences, all five-year full-time research programmes offered through the respective academic divisions. Students complete two years of advanced coursework before transitioning into doctoral research on clearing a comprehensive examination. The total fee is ₹1,82,800 (hostel and mess charges separate), and all selected scholars receive a monthly stipend of ₹16,000 during the M.Sc phase, rising to ₹37,000 or more at the doctoral stage. Admission is through national qualifying exams (IIT JAM, JEST, KVPY, NEST, or GATE), followed by a departmental written test and research aptitude interview.

Applications for the 2026 batch closed on March 27, 2026. Departmental written tests and research aptitude interviews are currently ongoing, with final selection lists expected in June 2026 and coursework commencing in August 2026.

Key Points

• Three research-intensive streams covering Physical Sciences, Biological Sciences, and Chemical Sciences, each embedded in specialised labs and interdisciplinary centres at IISc.
• All scholars receive ₹16,000 per month during the M.Sc coursework phase; MHRD Doctoral Fellowship of ₹37,000 to ₹42,000 per month begins upon registration as a Ph.D. scholar.
• Transition from M.Sc to Ph.D. requires clearing a departmental comprehensive examination; no fresh entrance exam or separate application is needed for the doctoral stage.
• PMRF awardees receive ₹70,000 to ₹80,000 per month plus a ₹2,00,000 annual research grant for conferences, equipment, and academic contingency.
• Selection is merit-based: national qualifying score, academic record, research statement, departmental test, and research aptitude interview are all weighted.

IISc M.Sc + Ph.D Fees 2026

The total fee of ₹1,82,800 is uniform across all three streams and includes tuition across five years plus one-time charges. Hostel and mess charges are excluded from this figure. The monthly stipend effectively offsets much of the programme cost for all admitted scholars.

Fee Structure

• Tuition fee of ₹1,77,000 is payable across five years at ₹35,400 per year; caution deposit of ₹5,000 (refundable) and application fee of ₹800 (non-refundable) are one-time charges included in the total above.
• Hostel and mess charges of ₹50,000 to ₹60,000 per year are not included in the total fee and are payable separately.
• Fees is subject to change, Please verify with the official sources before taking admission.

IISc M.Sc + Ph.D Admission 2026

IISc accepts applications through its online admissions portal. Shortlisting is based on the national qualifying score, academic record, and the research statement. Shortlisted candidates appear for a departmental written test and a research aptitude interview before the selection committee, with no stream transfer permitted after joining.

Important Dates

• Application fee is ₹800 for general category and ₹400 for SC, ST, and PwD candidates.

The dates mentioned above are tentative and subject to change.

Entrance Exam Dates

Eligibility Criteria

• Bachelor’s degree in Physical, Biological, or Chemical Sciences (or an allied discipline) from a recognised university with a minimum 60% aggregate marks or CGPA of 6.5 on a 10-point scale.
• A valid national qualifying score in IIT JAM, JEST, KVPY, NEST, or GATE is mandatory at the time of application.
• Final selection is based on qualifying score, academic record, research statement, departmental test, and research aptitude interview.

Admission Process

• Register on the IISc admissions portal and submit the online Integrated M.Sc + Ph.D. application for the chosen stream.
• Upload qualifying score card (JAM, JEST, KVPY, or NEST) along with Class 12 and degree transcripts.
• Shortlisted candidates appear for a departmental written test followed by a research aptitude interview.
• Selected scholars join the M.Sc coursework phase in August and transition to the doctoral phase after passing the comprehensive examination.

IISc M.Sc + Ph.D Scholarships 2026

IISc provides substantial financial support to all admitted scholars throughout the integrated programme. The monthly stipend and additional grants make the programme financially accessible regardless of economic background.

Available Scholarships

• Standard doctoral fellowships are disbursed for a maximum of five years, subject to half-yearly progress review by the Doctoral Research Committee.
• PMRF awardees receive an additional ₹2,00,000 per year for academic contingency, conference travel, and equipment.

IISc M.Sc + Ph.D FAQs

Ques. Does the IISc M.Sc + Ph.D programme require a separate PhD entrance after completing the M.Sc phase?

Ans. No separate PhD entrance exam is required. The two phases are part of a single integrated programme. After completing the M.Sc coursework, students appear for an internal departmental comprehensive examination. Clearing it allows direct registration as a Ph.D. scholar without any fresh GATE or NET score. Students who do not clear the comprehensive examination within the stipulated attempts may not continue to the doctoral phase; consult current programme regulations on the IISc admissions portal for the exact policy.

Ques. Is the ₹16,000 monthly stipend paid from day one of joining?

Ans. Yes, the ₹16,000 per month M.Sc phase stipend begins from the start of the first semester, subject to enrolment and satisfactory academic progress. Once a student clears the comprehensive examination and formally registers as a doctoral scholar, the stipend transitions to the MHRD Doctoral Fellowship of ₹37,000 to ₹42,000 per month. There is no gap period between the two phases for students who clear the examination on schedule.

Ques. Can I exit with a standalone M.Sc if I choose not to complete the Ph.D.?

Ans. The programme is designed as an integrated degree and IISc does not award a standalone M.Sc at the end of the coursework phase under normal circumstances. Students who discontinue may be eligible for an M.Sc certification depending on credits earned and the circumstances of exit, but this is subject to departmental approval and current regulations. The intended exit is M.Sc + Ph.D. after successful thesis submission and viva.

Ques. What qualifying exams are accepted for the Biological Sciences stream specifically?

Ans. For Biological Sciences, IISc accepts IIT JAM (Biotechnology paper), JGEEBILS (Joint Graduate Entrance Examination for Biology and Interdisciplinary Life Sciences), JEST, KVPY, and NEST. GATE scores in relevant papers are also considered. JGEEBILS is widely used by biology students and is specifically designed for life sciences research programmes. The departmental shortlist gives significant weight to the qualifying score alongside the research statement submitted with the application.

Ques. Is on-campus hostel accommodation guaranteed for all admitted students at IISc?

Ans. IISc has a strong hostel infrastructure and prioritises accommodation for new scholars, but a formal guarantee is subject to availability at the time of joining. The annual hostel and mess cost ranges from ₹50,000 to ₹60,000 and is payable separately from the programme fee. Most students receive accommodation in the first year; continuing scholars are allotted based on seniority and availability. Confirm current hostel allotment policy with the IISc Student Affairs office after receiving your offer letter.