TCG CREST invites applications for
PhD Programme 2026
Join TCG CREST’s PhD Programme and pursue cutting-edge research across emerging interdisciplinary domains. Fully funded fellowships are available for outstanding and motivated candidates.
Applications for the PhD Programme August 2026 intake are now closed. Details for the next admission cycle will be announced soon.
Where Knowledge Meets Purpose
We offer a vibrant and interdisciplinary research and academic environment that encourages innovation, collaboration, and real-world impact. PhD candidates benefit from close mentorship by distinguished faculty, access to advanced research infrastructure, and opportunities to work on industry-aligned and translational projects. With a strong focus on meaningful outcomes and academic excellence, TCG CREST empowers doctoral researchers to push boundaries and contribute to solving pressing global challenges.
PhD Programme @
TCG CREST
We offer a wide spectrum of interdisciplinary research areas for PhD candidates, designed to address complex real-world challenges through innovation and collaboration. Explore diverse research areas across our schools, each offering focused full-time doctoral pathways in emerging and impactful domains.
We encourage applications from international candidates, fostering a diverse and globally engaged research community.
TCG CREST has been recognized as a Deemed to be University under the Distinct Category – Research by the Ministry of Education and the University Grants Commission.
School of Mathematics and Computer Sciences
Research Areas
School of Natural Sciences
Research Areas
- Quantum Computing, Quantum Information & Communication, Quantum Sensing (CQuERE)
- Sustainable Energy Solutions (RISE)
-
Neuroscience – Translational Applications (CHINTA)*
*This year, applications are open only to candidates with JGEEBILS, CSIR – UGC NET JRF, ICMR, DBT, and other external fellowships. - Food Science and Technology (FTSI)
School of Health, Environment & Sustainability Studies
Research Areas
- Health Data Science & Modelling
- Public Health Policy & Sustainability
- Frugal Healthtech Innovation, Including Assays and Sensors
- Biodesign
- Assistive Technology
Eligibility for Application
- Applicants with 55% marks (or equivalent CGPA/Grade) or more in aggregate after an M.Sc./M.A. /M.Com/M.Phil./M.Tech. or equivalent are eligible to apply to this programme.
- Applicants with a 4-year Bachelor’s degree with 75% or more marks in aggregate are also eligible to apply to this programme.
- A relaxation of 5% marks or its equivalent grade may be allowed for those belonging to SC/ST/OBC (non-creamy layer)/Differently Abled, Economically Weaker Section (EWS) and other categories of candidates as per the UGC guidelines.
- Applicants with Master’s degrees or equivalent from foreign universities require a certificate of recognition/equivalency provided by the Association of Indian Universities (https://www.aiu.ac.in/evaluation.php), to demonstrate the equivalence of their degrees to the corresponding Indian degrees.
- Applicants who are awaiting the declaration of their final results in a Master’s programme or its equivalent are eligible to apply. If selected, the offer extended to these applicants will only be provisional. Admission to the programme will be contingent on the applicant meeting the criteria described above.
Fellowship and Benefits
- TCG CREST provides competitive financial support to all selected PhD scholars through monthly Junior Research Fellowships (JRF) of around ₹ 46,990/- (consolidated). After successfully completing their candidacy, scholars become eligible for Senior Research Fellowships (SRF), amounting to around ₹ 53,440/- per month (consolidated).
- To further support research activities, TCG CREST offers an Annual Contingency Grant of ₹20,000/- for expenses related to research and academic development.
- Additionally, PhD candidates will be eligible for travel support for attending meetings/ workshops/ training programs, whether in India or abroad, during the duration of their PhD tenure.
(Support will be provided to outstation candidates in identifying suitable accommodation in nearby areas.)
Other Funding Options for PhD Candidates
- Government Fellowship Holders: PhD candidates who hold UGC, CSIR, DBT, or other equivalent external fellowships can activate their fellowship at TCG CREST.
- Grant-Supported Candidates: Candidates supported by external (extramural) research grants, either national or international, are eligible for funding. Such support requires prior approval, and candidates must follow the standard admission process.
- Industry-Sponsored Candidates: Candidates sponsored by industry must initiate contact with the relevant approval. Once approved, candidates must adhere to the standard admission procedures. The sponsoring organization is required to provide financial support throughout the candidate’s tenure at TCG CREST and submit a No Objection Certificate (NOC) for enrolment. Sponsored candidates must fulfil all coursework and other requirements.
- Self-Funded Candidates: Candidates may also join the PhD programme without financial support from TCG CREST or any external funding, provided they meet the standard admission criteria and must fulfil all coursework and other requirements. However, TCG CREST will not offer any fellowships to such candidates at any stage during their tenure.
Application Process
Selection Process
The admission process shall be conducted in two stages:
- Written Examination
and/or
- Personal Interview
Shortlisted candidates will be invited for the interview
Candidates will be selected based on:
- Performance in the Written Examination and Personal Interview
- Evaluation of the Statement of Purpose
- Assessment of Academic Records
The final list of selected candidates will be published on the website, and the selected candidates will be communicated via email.
The academic session for the new batch of PhD candidates will begin in
August 2026.
School of Health, Environment & Sustainability Studies (SHESS)
School of Mathematics and Computer Sciences (SMCS)
Quantum Computing, Quantum Information & Communication, Quantum Sensing (CQuERE)
Neuroscience – Translational Applications (CHINTA)
Sustainable Energy Solutions (RISE)
Food Science and Technology (FTSI)
Public Health Policy & Sustainability (SHESS)
Cryptology and Post-Quantum Cryptology (SMCS)
Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning (SMCS)
Translational Research in Mathematics (SMCS)
Frugal Healthtech Innovation, Including Assays and Sensors; Biodesign; Assistive Technology (SHESS)
Food Science and Technology (FTSI)
Health Data Science & Modelling (SHESS)
Neuroscience – Translational Applications (CHINTA)
Quantum Computing, Quantum Information & Communication, Quantum Sensing (CQuERE)
Sustainable Energy Solutions (RISE)
Key Dates
| Key Activity | Dates |
| Application Portal Opens | 15 February 2026 |
| Last Date of Application | 15 April 2026 |
| Entrance Exam: School of Health, Environment & Sustainability Studies (Round 1) | 5 May 2026 |
| Entrance Exam: Sustainable Energy Solutions (RISE) | 6 May 2026 |
| Entrance Exam: Food Science and Technology (FTSI) | 7 May 2026 |
| Entrance Exam Quantum Computing, Quantum Information & Communication, Quantum Sensing (CQuERE) | 12 May 2026 |
| Entrance Exam School of Mathematics and Computer Sciences (IAI) | 16 -17 May 2026 |
Admission Test Syllabus
School of Mathematics and Computer Sciences
School of Natural Sciences
School of Health, Environment & Sustainability Studies
All PhD related admission queries should be directed to [email protected]
To ensure a smooth and fair admissions process, we encourage applicants to communicate only through official email and avoid informal approaches.