IISER Pune PhD Admissions 2027 Open for January Session

IISER Pune invites applications for its January 2027 PhD in Science Education Research. Eligible candidates need at least 60% marks in a qualifying degree, with applications closing October 25 and interviews scheduled for December 3–4.

The Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER) Pune invites applications for its PhD programme in Science Education Research for the January 2027 session. The programme offers opportunities for interdisciplinary doctoral research in science and mathematics education, with a focus on curriculum design, teaching methods and the cognitive and social aspects of learning.

The application window opens on October 12, 2026, and closes on October 25, 2026. Eligible candidates must complete the online application process and submit the required documents before the deadline.

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Candidates must hold one of the following qualifications with a minimum of 60% aggregate marks: A master's degree in science, mathematics or engineering, including BS-MS qualifications. A  four-year bachelor's degree in science, mathematics or engineering. A  four-year BSc-BEd degree.  An  MA in Education or BEd following a three-year BSc degree in science or mathematics.

Applicants with qualifications in related disciplines can explore the programme requirements to determine their eligibility. The institute also prefers candidates who have qualified in relevant national-level examinations or fellowship programmes, such as CSIR-UGC NET, the NCERT Doctoral Fellowship or the ICSSR doctoral fellowship, depending on their research interests.

Meeting the minimum eligibility requirements does not guarantee shortlisting, as IISER Pune may apply additional selection criteria.

The PhD programme examines science and mathematics education through an interdisciplinary approach. Research areas include curriculum development, pedagogy, educational psychology, cognitive science and the social and cultural dimensions of learning.

The programme also draws on fields such as anthropology, design, computer science, philosophy and the history of science. This approach enables researchers to investigate how students learn scientific concepts, how teaching methods can be improved and how educational practices can respond to diverse learning needs.

The selection process begins with an online written examination for eligible applicants. IISER Pune may place greater emphasis on the descriptive section of the test when shortlisting candidates for interviews.

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The institute plans to publish the shortlist on November 13, 2026. In-person interviews are scheduled for December 3 and 4, 2026. Final admission decisions will depend on candidates' interview performance and fulfilment of the prescribed eligibility requirements.

Interested candidates can visit the official IISER Pune Science Education admissions page to access the application form and review the latest instructions.

Applicants should prepare a statement of purpose of no more than two pages, explaining their research interests and suitability for doctoral study, along with a curriculum vitae limited to four pages.

The programme provides an opportunity for aspiring researchers to contribute to science education through interdisciplinary investigation and evidence-based approaches to teaching and learning.