National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS) PhD Admission 2026 (2025–26) – January 2026 Session

National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS) PhD Admission 2026 notification is out for the January 2026 Session (Academic Year 2025–26, Session 2) under the External Funding category. The institute invites applications for Ph.D. programmes across Neurosciences, Behavioural Sciences, Clinical and Public Health disciplines, with selection via Entrance Test and Interview.

See Ongoing PhD 2025-26 Admission

*Dates are tentative and subject to change. Refer to the NIMHANS website for updates.

General Guidelines for Admission to Ph.D. Courses

Departments Offering Ph.D. Program – National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS) PhD Admission 2026

Departments: Biophysics, Biostatistics, Child & Adolescent Psychiatry, Clinical Psychopharmacology & Neurotoxicology, Clinical Psychology, Epidemiology, Human Genetics, Integrative Medicine, Mental Health Education, Neuroanaesthesia & Neurocritical Care, Neurochemistry, Neuroimaging & Interventional Radiology, Neurology, Neurological Rehabilitation, Neuromicrobiology, Neuropathology, Neurophysiology, Neurovirology, Nursing, Psychiatric Social Work, Psychiatry (including History of Psychiatry & Mental Health Rehabilitation), Speech Pathology & Audiology, Psychosocial Support & Disaster Management.

Categories of Applicants

1) Persons with Benchmark Disability (PwBD)

• 5% seats are reserved for PwBD (40%–70% disability) as per GoI regulations. INIs are exempt from reservation for Ph.D. as per CEI Act 2006 No. 5–7.
• No dedicated seats; if a PwBD candidate qualifies in Test & Interview, 5% of total sanctioned seat will be allotted for that course.
• Age relaxable by max 5 years; provisions of PwBD Act 2016 apply. Admission subject to fitness by Medical Board.

2) Foreign Nationals

• Foreign Nationals & NRIs apply under “Foreign National” category.
• Basic qualification must be recognized by relevant Indian bodies (UGC/NMC/RCI/INC etc.).
• MBBS holders must take prior permission from NMC and obtain temporary registration for study duration.
• Sponsorship only from Governmental Organizations / recognized Universities / National Scholarships. Other funding not considered.

3) Non-Institute Stipendiary Categories

I. External Fellowship (including sponsorship)

• UGC/CSIR/ICMR/DBT/DST/AYUSH (JRF/SRF) or other Government funding agencies. Award letter (or qualifying scorecard stating selection for fellowship) required at verification.
• JRF/SRF activation only after joining Ph.D. at NIMHANS.
• No crossover between Institute Stipendiary and External Fellowship categories during admission.

II. Funded by Research Projects at NIMHANS

• Project staff with ≥2 years 6 months tenure remaining from course commencement may apply (only for PI/Co-PI’s department).
• PI must be a permanent employee. Contract/Adhoc staff require ≥3 years support from commencement.
• PI/Co-PI will serve as main/co/joint guide; academic administration under main guide’s department.
• Permanent NIMHANS employees’ upper age: 42 years; subject of Ph.D. aligned to duties and as permitted by Competent Authority.

III. Sponsored/Deputed Category

• Permanent employees sponsored/deputed by State/Central Govt/PSUs/Universities.
• Must qualify Entrance Test & Interview; sponsorship certificate in prescribed format mandatory.
• No emoluments from Institute; any withholding of permission by employer cancels candidature.
• Foreign Nationals sponsorship: only from Governmental Orgs/recognized Universities/National Scholarships.

Age limit (reference) Calculated as on 01.01.2026 for January session. No reservations for Sponsored candidates. PwBD age relaxation: up to 5 years.

Eligibility Criteria – National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS) PhD Admission 2026

1. M.Sc./MA/MSW/BAMS/BE/B.Tech, etc., with ≥55% aggregate from a UGC-recognized University on/before interview/admission date. Candidates awaiting results may apply but must produce proof of pass in writing to be eligible for admission.
2. If grades are awarded, a University certificate mapping grades to percentage is mandatory; else the application will be rejected.
3. Master’s degree obtained through research (thesis-based) from a University recognized by NIMHANS (that does not award marks) is acceptable.
4. Relaxation of 5% in aggregate for SC/ST/PwBD candidates.

Online Application Submission Procedure

1. Apply online only via the link provided on the NIMHANS website (with this Prospectus), uploading photo, signature, and all required attachments.
2. All claims must be supported with original documents and one set of photocopies at interview/admission.
3. Maximum of 3 courses per candidate; multiple online applications are not permitted.
4. Govt/PSU employees must upload NOC.
5. Late applications will not be considered under any circumstances.
6. All communications regarding Session-2 Entrance Test will be notified on the website; queries to admissions@nimhans.ac.in only.

Documents to Upload (Illustrative)

• 10th/SSLC/Matric certificate (DoB & full name).
• Eligible qualification proof (mark sheets, degree, attempt certificate for MBBS, registration with SMC/NMC, internship certificate if MBBS, experience if required, TC, Migration, NOC from employer, External Fellowship Award letter or qualifying scorecard).
• Equivalence Certificate (AIU) for foreign degrees.
• PwBD Disability Certificate (if applicable).
• Sponsorship/Project documents as applicable (Official Memorandum, Joining Report, NOC from PI, project details proforma, Sponsorship certificate for Sponsored category, NOC from MEA/Embassy for Foreign Nationals, etc.).

Conduct of Entrance Test

• Admit cards emailed to eligible candidates; produce at test venue.
• No individual intimation to non-selected candidates.
• Updates via website and Academic & Evaluation Section (080-26995013; admissions@nimhans.ac.in).
• Entrance Test for Session-2 will be held at NIMHANS Campus, Bengaluru only.
• Travel/stay arrangements are the candidate’s responsibility; no TA/DA.
• Changes in date/time/venue/schedule will be announced on the website.
• Mobile/spy cameras/Bluetooth/other electronic devices strictly prohibited.
• Separate tests are conducted for each Ph.D. course.

Pattern of Entrance Test

• 100 MCQs; duration: 90 minutes.
• +1 mark for each correct answer; −0.25 for each wrong answer; no negative for unattempted.

Announcement of Results & Pre-Admission Formalities (Ph.D.)

1. Eligibility for Interview: minimum 50% in Entrance Test.
2. Course-wise merit list uploaded on the website.
3. List of qualified & called for interview notified on website only.
4. Venue/date/time of interview uploaded on website.
5. Weightage: 70% Entrance Test + 30% Interview.
6. Interview assesses research interest, subject proficiency, research experience/presentations/publications.
7. Qualifying does not ensure admission; subject to availability of eligible guides.
8. If selected for multiple courses, indicate course preference at admission.
9. Director’s decision is final.

Admission / Joining & Commencement of the Course

1. Post-test, list of candidates qualified for interview (order of merit) will be announced on website & notice board with interview details.
2. No representations on the day of interview/admission. Absence on designated day → candidature cancelled.
3. Produce originals for verification; unsupported claims lead to disqualification.
4. Selected candidates must submit Original Certificates/Documents and pay fees on admission day.
5. Fees accepted via Debit/Credit/UPI/Net Banking only.
6. Requests for joining extension via email to admissions@nimhans.ac.in; late joining fee ₹100/day if approved.
7. All relevant information will be available only on the website.

Additional Information

• Rules/regulations are subject to change by the Institute.
• Mandatory declaration: correctness of information; false claims lead to cancellation.
• All courses are full-time; private practice prohibited; other courses need Guide’s approval and relevance to Ph.D. work.
• Good conduct, regular attendance, and Institute regulations to be followed.
• Submit TC and Migration Certificate at admission.
• Hostel accommodation subject to availability.
• KMC circular ref. KMC C.R./2014 dated 18.01.2014: applicable candidates must obtain Permanent Registration Certificate and submit before commencement.
• Medical fitness certificate required.
• Activation of JRF/SRF only after joining.
• Supplying false information leads to debarment and action by Director.
• Mandatory anti-ragging registration at amanmovement.org or antiragging.in.
• Student Well-Being @ NIMHANS (SWAN) details on website.
• Follow scientific ethics; misconduct (fabrication, falsification, plagiarism, ethics violations) leads to debarment and action.
• Director’s decision final in all selection matters.
• CPR training certificate to be submitted at admission or within 6 months.

Fee Structure – National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS) PhD Admission 2026