AcSIR PhD Admission 2026 is now open for the January session. The Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research, or AcSIR, is a premier institution established by an Act of Parliament as an Institution of National Importance. It is a massive overarching institution that encompasses 79 prestigious Research Institutes, including 38 Institutes of the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), 28 Institutes of the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), and 4 Institutes of the Department of Science & Technology (DST). This is an opportunity to pursue a PhD degree at any of the institutes within the nationwide network of AcSIR-associated Research Institutes. AcSIR is the largest Academic Institution for doctoral research in India, having awarded 831 Ph.D. degrees in 2024 with more than 7,000 students currently registered for a Ph.D. AcSIR offers a fully-funded opportunity to its Ph.D. students and a chance to pursue a part of their research for one year in top-tier foreign universities under a Joint Ph.D. Degree (cotutelle mode) program, making the **AcSIR PhD Admission 2025-2026** a fantastic choice for aspiring researchers. We will cover all the crucial details for the **AcSIR PhD Admission 2025-2026** in this post.
AcSIR Offered Programs
AcSIR offers an opportunity to pursue a PhD degree at any institute within its nationwide network. The following programs are available:
| Program |
Disciplines / Specializations |
| Ph.D. (Science) |
Biological Sciences, Chemical Sciences, Physical Sciences, Agricultural Sciences, Mathematical & Information Sciences |
| Ph.D. (Medical Research) |
Specific medical research areas (based on host institutes) |
| Ph.D. (Engineering) |
Engineering disciplines (based on host institutes) |
| IDDP* (M.Tech & PhD in Engineering) |
Integrated Dual Degree Program |
AcSIR Rankings in India
| Ranking Body |
Rank |
| NIRF |
9th |
| SCIMAGO Institutions Rankings |
13th |
| Nature Index |
11th |
| CWUR World University Rankings |
9th |
Eligibility Criteria for AcSIR PhD Admission 2025-2026
The eligibility for the **AcSIR PhD Admission 2025-2026** varies for different programs. Detailed criteria are as follows:
Ph.D. (Sciences)
- Qualifying Degree: Master’s degree in Science with a minimum of 55% marks or equivalent grade for General (UR) and General-EWS. A minimum of 50% marks or equivalent grade for OBC (NCL) or SC or ST, Third gender and PWD.
- Mode of Entry:
- National-level fellowship (CSIR, ICMR, UGC, DBT, DST, etc.) with JRF or SRF.
- Institutional fellowship for applicants without a national fellowship.
- Staff of AcSIR affiliated research institutes.
- Industry Sponsored candidates (NOC from employer is mandatory).
Ph.D. (Medical Research)
- Qualifying Degree:
- Doctor of Medicine (D.M.) or Master of Chirurgiae (M.Ch.) or Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) or Master of Surgery (M.S.) degree from an NMC-recognized medical college.
- Master of Science or Public Health with 55% or 50% marks.
- Master’s degree in specific fields like population studies, social medicine, biostatistics, etc., with 55% or 50% marks.
- Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) or Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) or Master of Dental Surgery (MDS) from an NMC-recognized medical college with 55% or 50% marks.
- Mode of Entry:
- National-level fellowship (JRF or SRF).
- Staff of AcSIR affiliated research institutes (NOC is mandatory).
- Industry Sponsored candidates (NOC is mandatory).
Ph.D. (Engineering)
- Qualifying Degree: Master’s degree in Engineering or Technology or integrated 5-year B.Tech. or M.Tech. degree. Minimum 55% marks for General (UR) and General-EWS. Minimum 50% marks for OBC (NCL) or SC or ST, Third gender and PWD.
- Mode of Entry: Self-sponsored, Institutional fellowship, Staff of AcSIR affiliated research institutes (NOC is mandatory), Industry Sponsored candidates (NOC is mandatory).
Admission Process for AcSIR PhD Admission 2025-2026
Candidates can apply by giving three preferences for AcSIR affiliated Research Institutes. The selection will be based on merit, performance, and the number of available vacancies.
- Online application is required.
- Short-listed candidates will be notified electronically for an interview at a designated center.
- Final selection for the **AcSIR PhD Admission 2025-2026** is based on academic performance and interview performance.
- Reservation rules will be applied as per Government of India norms.
| Important Date |
Details |
| Last date to apply |
October 21, 2025 |
Application and Program Fees for AcSIR PhD Admission 2025-2026
| Category |
Application Fee |
| General or OBC or EWS |
₹1,000 |
| SC or ST or PWD |
₹500 |
| PhD (Medical Research) (for SC or ST or PWD or Female candidates) |
₹500 |
Please note, AcSIR does not provide any scholarship.
Evaluation Procedure and Grading Scheme
For each course, students will receive letter grades. Performance is evaluated using the Semester Grade Point Average (SGPA) and Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA). A minimum grade point of 6.0 is required to pass any subject, and a CGPA of 6.50 is needed to pass the coursework.