The Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER) Pune has invited applications for admission to its PhD programme in Science Education Research for the January 2027 session. Candidates interested in pursuing doctoral research in science and mathematics education can submit their applications online through the institute’s official website. The application deadline is October 25, 2026.
The admission process includes a written examination, shortlisting and an interview. According to the published schedule, the written examination will be held on November 2, 2026. The list of shortlisted candidates is scheduled to be published on November 13, while in-person interviews are planned for December 3 and 4 at IISER Pune.
IISER Pune PhD Admission 2027: Important Dates
Applicants should note the following dates for the January 2027 intake.
Application deadline: October 25, 2026
Written examination: November 2, 2026
Publication of shortlisted candidates: November 13, 2026
In-person interview dates: December 3 and 4, 2026
Candidates are advised to complete the online application well before the closing date. They should also check the institute’s website regularly for updates regarding the examination, shortlist and interview arrangements.
Eligibility Criteria
The eligibility requirements for this admission round are based on the qualifications specified for the Science Education Research programme. Candidates may apply if they hold a master’s degree in science, mathematics or engineering, including a BS-MS qualification, or a four-year bachelor’s degree in science, mathematics or engineering.
Applicants with a four-year BSc-BEd qualification may also be eligible. The institute also lists candidates with an MA in Education or a BEd following a three-year BSc degree in science or mathematics among the eligible qualification categories.
Applicants generally need at least 60 per cent aggregate marks or an equivalent CGPA in the qualifying degree. The institute specifies separate minimum marks for certain reserved categories, so candidates should check the official criteria applicable to their category.
Qualifying a relevant national-level examination or holding a suitable fellowship may be desirable, depending on the candidate’s research interests. Examples mentioned by the institute include CSIR-UGC NET in Education, the NCERT Doctoral Fellowship and the ICSSR doctoral fellowship.
Meeting the minimum eligibility requirements does not guarantee selection for the next stage. IISER Pune may apply additional criteria when shortlisting candidates, and applicants should carefully read the programme-specific admission instructions before submitting their forms.
Research Areas Covered by the Programme
The PhD programme in Science Education Research focuses on how science and mathematics are taught, learned and understood. The research areas include curriculum design, teaching methods and the cognitive, social and cultural aspects of learning.
The programme takes an interdisciplinary approach and draws on areas such as cognitive science, educational psychology, design, anthropology, computer science, philosophy and the history of science. This allows researchers to investigate different aspects of education, including how students understand scientific concepts, how teaching practices can be improved and how learning environments influence educational outcomes.
Candidates should review the programme description and consider whether their research interests align with the institute’s focus before applying.
Documents Required for the Application
Applicants should prepare the required documents before beginning the online application process. For the Science Education Research programme, the institute specifies a statement of purpose of no more than two pages and a curriculum vitae of no more than four pages.
The statement of purpose should explain why the candidate wishes to pursue a PhD in Science Education Research and why they are suitable for doctoral study in the field. Applicants should describe their academic interests and intended research direction clearly and accurately.
The CV should summarise the candidate’s academic qualifications, relevant experience, research interests and other appropriate achievements. Candidates should also keep academic certificates and any additional documents requested in the application instructions ready for submission.
All information entered in the application form should be accurate and consistent with the supporting documents. Applicants should follow the stated file-format and submission requirements.
Selection Process
The selection process begins with a written examination for eligible candidates. The institute will use the examination and its prescribed shortlisting criteria to identify candidates for the next stage. The shortlist is scheduled to be published on November 13, 2026, on the Department of Science Education website.
Candidates who are shortlisted will be invited to attend in-person interviews at IISER Pune on December 3 and 4. Final admission will depend on performance in the interview and fulfilment of the institute’s eligibility requirements.
Applicants should not assume that submitting an application or meeting the minimum academic criteria guarantees an interview or admission. They should monitor official announcements for any changes to the schedule or selection procedure.
How to Apply Online
Candidates can follow these steps to apply for the January 2027 PhD intake.
First, visit the official IISER Pune website at https://www.iiserpune.ac.in/.
Open the PhD admissions section and locate the January 2027 Science Education Research programme details.
Read the eligibility criteria and application instructions carefully before proceeding.
Complete the online application form with the required personal and academic information.
Prepare and upload the statement of purpose, CV and other documents requested by the institute.
Review all the details before submitting the application and retain a copy of the confirmation for future reference.
Candidates should use the official institute website to access the application portal and verify any instructions relating to fees or additional documents.
Final Reminder for Applicants
The last date to apply for the IISER Pune PhD programme in Science Education Research for the January 2027 session is October 25, 2026. The written examination is scheduled for November 2, the shortlist for November 13, and interviews for December 3 and 4.
Eligible candidates should review the official admission notification, prepare their documents and submit the online form before the deadline. They should also check the institute’s website for the latest updates and instructions throughout the selection process.
