
PhD Program at INST | Biological Sciences | Apply Now
The Institute of Nano Science and Technology (INST), Mohali, an autonomous institution supported by the Department of Science and Technology (DST), is officially inviting applications for its prestigious PhD Program for the August 2026 session. This is a premier Biological Sciences PhD opportunity for researchers looking to bridge the gap between nanotechnology and fields like pharma, agri-sciences, and chemical biology. Notably, while research is conducted at INST, students are enrolled at IISER Mohali, which ultimately awards the PhD degree.
About The Institute
The Institute of Nano Science and Technology (INST) is an autonomous research institution supported by the Department of Science and Technology (DST), Government of India. It is located in Knowledge City, Sector 81, SAS Nagar (Mohali), Punjab. The institute is dedicated to the pursuit of knowledge in the fields of nanoscience and nanotechnology, aiming to address national challenges through nanoscale innovations.
Research Units & Thematic Focus
The PhD Program is organized into four distinct research units, each pushing the boundaries of nanoscale science:
- Chemical Biology Unit (CBU): Focuses on the Bio-Nano interface, drug delivery, and diagnostic tools.
- Energy and Environment Unit (EEU): Researching sustainable energy solutions and environmental remediation using nanomaterials.
- Director Research Group (DRG): Led by Prof. Anindya Dutta, focusing on ultrafast phenomena and fluorescence spectroscopy at the Bio-Nano interface.
Biological Sciences PhD: Faculty & Research Themes
For those pursuing a Biological Sciences PhD, the Chemical Biology Unit (CBU) offers diverse research paths:
- Cancer Therapeutics: Dr. Deepika Sharma and Dr. Jiban Jyoti Panda focus on Nano-therapeutics and magnetic hyperthermia.
- Drug Delivery: Dr. Asifkhan Shanavas and Dr. Rahul K. Verma specialize in nano drug delivery and peptide therapeutics.
- Neuro-regeneration: Dr. Manish Singh investigates neuroregeneration and nanomaterial toxicity.
- Advanced Molecular Biology: Dr. Sharmistha Sinha works on Liquid-liquid phase separation and synthetic biology.
- Immunotherapy: Dr. Surajit Karmakar and Dr. Subhasree Roy Choudhury explore CRISPR and CAR-T based nano-therapies.
Eligibility Criteria for PhD Admissions
To be considered for PhD Admissions for the August 2026 session, candidates must meet the following requirements:
- Academic Background: M.Sc., M. Pharm., or M. Tech. in Basic or Applied Sciences, Engineering, or related fields.
- National Qualification: Candidates must have qualified at least one national examination (e.g., CSIR/UGC-NET, ICMR-JRF, DBT-JRF).
- Independent Fellowship: Students with an independent source of fellowship (e.g., CSIR/UGC-JRF) are required to apply.
- Final Year Students: Those appearing for final year/semester exams are eligible, provided the degree is granted by the time of joining.
- Age Limit: As per the guidelines established by CSIR-UGC and DST.
Application Details
- Hard Copy Submission: Send the filled application form with a passport photo and self-attested certificates to the Director of INST Mohali.
- Envelope Labeling: Clearly super-scribe the envelope with “Application for the Ph. D. Program – August 2026”.
- Online Synopsis: Applicants must also submit an online synopsis via the provided Google Form link.
- Application Fees:
- General/OBC/EWS: ₹590.
- SC/ST/PH: ₹295
- Payment Method: Transfer fees online to the “Director, INST Mohali” bank account (Canara Bank, IFSC: CNRB0002919).
- Submission Methods: Applications must reach INST through Registered/Speed Post, Courier, or By Hand on or before the deadline.
In summary, this PhD Program at INST Mohali represents a top-tier Biological Sciences PhD path for researchers with high-level national fellowships. The collaboration with IISER Mohali ensures a degree of international repute while providing access to INST’s specialized nanotechnology infrastructure. With the deadline only two days away, your immediate focus should be on the dual-submission process—both the hard copy and the online synopsis. If you are passionate about cancer nano-therapeutics or gene repositioning, this is your gateway to an elite research career.
















