• Introduction
• Important Dates 2026 (Program‑wise Two‑Column Table)
• Eligibility Criteria
  • PhD in Sciences
  • PhD in Engineering
  • PhD in Medical Research
  • IDDP (M.Tech+PhD)
  • M.Tech
• Admission Categories & Fellowships
• Application Process
• Fee Structure
• Academic Requirements & Minimum Credits
• Additional Guidelines
• Participating Institutes
• Pro Tip ✦ Student Tools

AcSIR PhD & M.Tech Admissions 2026 notification is officially out! The Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), an Institution of National Importance, invites applications for the August 2026 session. Aspiring researchers and engineers can apply for PhD (Sciences, Engineering, Medical Research), Integrated Dual Degree Program (IDDP), and M.Tech. The online portal opens 1 March 2026 and closes 14 April 2026. With 78+ research institutes (CSIR, ICMR, and others) and multiple fellowship options, this is a golden opportunity to pursue cutting-edge research. Read on for complete eligibility, important dates, fee structure, and step-by-step application guidance.

All dates as per AcSIR admission brochure (page 9).

For Science – PhD (Sciences)

For Engineering – PhD (Engineering) (Eligibility – M.E./M.Tech)

For Medical Research – PhD (Medical Research)

For IDDP (M.Tech. + PhD) in Engineering (Eligibility – B.E./B.Tech)

For M.Tech

*Interview may continue beyond 18‑May; candidates must check institute‑wise schedules. All dates strictly as per AcSIR brochure (page 9).

5% relaxation in marks for SC/ST/OBC(NCL)/Differently-Abled/EWS wherever applicable.

PhD in Sciences

• Qualifying degree: 2‑year Master’s after 3‑year Bachelor’s (Science) with ≥55% marks OR 4‑year Bachelor’s (Science) with ≥75% marks.
• Eligible categories: National‑level fellowship (CSIR, UGC, ICMR, DBT, INSPIRE, etc.); Institutional fellowship (at DST‑CeNS, IASST, IIA, ARIES, WII, TIGS); Temporary project staff (with NOC, ≥1 year in same institute, patent/SCI paper if no national exam); Industry/Institute sponsored (permanent employees with NOC).

PhD in Engineering

• Qualifying degree: 2‑year M.E./M.Tech after 4‑year B.E./B.Tech with ≥55% OR 4‑year B.E./B.Tech with ≥75%.
• Eligible categories: National fellowship, Self‑sponsored, Institutional fellowship (DST‑ARIES), Temporary project staff (with conditions), Industry sponsored.

PhD in Medical Research

• Qualifying degree (any one): D.M./M.Ch./M.D./M.S. from NMC recognized college; Master’s in Science/Public Health (≥55%); Master’s in Population Studies/Social Medicine/Anthropology/Sociology/Economics/Biostatistics/Demography (≥55%); MCA/M.Sc CS (≥55%); MBBS/BDS/MDS (≥55%); 4‑year Bachelor’s in relevant field (≥55%).
• Eligible categories: National fellowship (CSIR, ICMR, UGC, DBT, RGNF); Temporary project staff (only at MAX‑SMAIR & TIGS); Industry/Institute sponsored.

IDDP (Integrated Dual Degree Program – M.Tech + PhD)

• Qualifying degree: 4‑year B.E./B.Tech with ≥55% marks (5% relaxation for reserved categories).
• Eligible categories: National fellowship (with valid GATE score for CSIR‑JRF), Self‑sponsored, Industry sponsored (with NOC and leave for first two semesters).

M.Tech

• Qualifying degree: 4‑year B.E./B.Tech with ≥55% marks (relaxation as above).
• Eligible categories: Self‑sponsored, Industry sponsored (with NOC and leave for first two semesters).

1. Sign-Up: Register on AcSIR online portal for a single program. Receive login credentials via email.
2. Online Application Form: Complete the form, get AcSIR Application Number (AAN). Pay fee: ₹1000 (General/OBC/EWS), ₹500 (SC/ST/PWD/Women).
3. Print Acknowledgement: Keep a copy with AAN for future reference.
4. Multiple programs: You may apply for more than one program, but only one application per program. Duplicate applications lead to cancellation.
5. Selection: Shortlisted candidates called for interview/test at designated centres. Final results declared on portal.

Keep scanned certificates, photo, signature ready (PDF/JPG). Ensure your final year students can apply provisionally.

Tuition fee is transferable to another AcSIR institute if selected there, before session commencement.

*Women and persons with disability (>40%) get 2 years additional relaxation. PhD students with 4‑year UG degree must complete an extra year of Master’s level coursework (credits to be notified). An audit course on IPR Management (1 credit) is mandatory for all.

• Project Assistant definition: Includes JRF/SRF, project fellow, associate, intern – with ≥1 year in same institute as on last date of fee payment.
• Publication requirement: Project assistants without national exam need at least one patent (filed) or SCI publication as co‑author by application date. Those with NET (Cat.2/3), GATE, BET, JEST etc. are exempt.
• Awaited results: Final year students can apply. If selected, admission provisional until required marksheets submitted at joining.
• Institute count: 38 CSIR, 28 ICMR, 12 other research institutes participate.

CSIR – 38 institutes | ICMR – 28 institutes | Others – 12 institutes (DST, MoEFCC, TIGS, MAX, etc.)

Check specific institute websites for institutional fellowships and available seats.