PhD


The goal of the doctoral program is to train future generations of space scientists who are equipped with the necessary skills to lead national and international endeavours in the astrophysical space sciences. Students interested in pursuing research in space science and allied fields of interest to CESSI can apply for PhD positions. The cornerstone of the program lies in the collaboration that students are expected to develop with faculties associated with CESSI drawn from various Indian academic organizations. Scientists from reputed institutes within India and abroad visit CESSI year round to deliver lectures and explore research collaborations. CESSI cultivates an open academic atmosphere wherein students are encouraged to take advantage of the ensuing interactions to forge scientific collaborations across institutional borders. This cross-institutional exchange of knowledge is expected to leverage the available expertise within the country more effectively towards the advance training of PhD students.

Degree

Students are awarded a doctoral degree on successful completion of all degree requirements (including course-work) and the defense of their doctoral thesis. Nominally, the total PhD period is expected to be around 5 years. Students get a fellowship during the tenure of their PhD program which is determined based on Government norms.

Requirements

Students with a competitive Masters degree (including MTech) from recognized academic organization are elligible to apply for the PhD program. The minimum eligibility criterion is available here. Note that students are expected to qualify at least one national level examination such as JEST, GATE, CSIR-UGC-NET. Students with INSPIRE fellowship are also encouraged to apply. Students may also apply based on any Government approved scheme for career advancement and mobility of Government personnel.

Selections are made after short-listed candidates appear for an interview. Shortlisting of candidates for the interview is based on the documents and other information submitted. The list of documents required shall be declared on the admission portal. Note that mere eligibility does not guarantee being short-listed which is based on several competitive criterion including the statement of interest and letters of reecommendation. The final selection is based on the performance in the interview. CESSI selects only the best amongst the applicants who demonstrate strong aptitude and motivation for research in astrophysics and space sciences. When no suitable candidates of sufficient quality are found, no offers are made.

Important Dates

Advertisements for PhD are typically announced once a year on the CESSI web page, depending on the availability of vacancies. This is generally in between the months of February to April

Courses shall begin in the last week of July.