Institute for Stem Cell Science and Regenerative Medicine (inStem) PhD Admission 2026 (Jan)

BRIC-inStem invites applications from eligible candidates to apply for the Ph.D. programme at inStem for the session starting January 2026.

About inStem

The Institute for Stem Cell Science & Regenerative Medicine (www.instem.res.in), Bangalore is an autonomous institute under the Biotechnology Research and Innovation Council, the Department of Biotechnology, Ministry of Science & Technology, Government of India.

iBRIC-inStem’s mandate is to establish collaborative research programs in the field of stem cell biology, regeneration, and repair in development and disease, with translational emphasis.

In order to develop strengths in focused areas, research at iBRIC-inStem is driven through collaborative interdisciplinary themes, addressing questions that are beyond the scope of a single laboratory.

Eligibility Criteria

• M.Sc. in any branch of Science (e.g. Biology, Chemistry, Physics), M. Tech., M.B.B.S., M. Pharma., Integrated M.Sc., or equivalent qualification as per the norms of RCB and from a recognized University or institution.
• 60% or First Class or CGPA equivalent in Bachelor’s degree and Master’s degree are essential for the general category. 5% relaxation for SC/ST/OBC(NCL)/differently-abled will be allowed as per the GoI norms.
• Candidates must have an eligible national fellowship that can be activated in 2026. The fellowship includes UGC/CSIR/ DBT/ ICMR-JRF (fellowship), DST INSPIRE PhD fellowship, and similar competitive fellowships offered by the Govt of India, valid for a period of 5 years.

Note: Candidates who qualified JGEEBILS and or GATE-only cannot be considered.

Selection Procedure

• Eligible candidates who have qualified for any of these fellowships must apply online through the website link (https://www.instem.res.in/phd/2025/apply).The complete application must include proof of qualification for fellowship through any of the above examinations (UGC/ CSIR/DBT/ ICMR- JRF fellowship/ DST INSPIRE PhD fellowship / similar competitive fellowship offered by the Govt. of India), degree certificates (provisional where applicable), a completed application form including past academic performance, a statement of research experience, a brief scientific statement of purpose, and two reference letters.
• Incomplete applications or applications received after the deadlines will not be considered.
• The shortlisting of eligible candidates for Round 1 will be based on the evaluation of the candidate based on a combination of past academic performance, research experience, research aptitude, and other criteria listed by the screening committee. The list of candidates short-listed for round 1 of the interviews shall be available on the BRIC-inStem website about two weeks after the application deadline.
• The first round of interviews (R1) will be held in online mode, tentatively in November 2025.
• The second round of interviews (R2) will be held in-person in BRIC-inStem, tentatively in December 2025. Candidates who qualify in the first interview are required to attend the interviews during these dates in person in order to be considered.
• For R1 and R2, a 5% relaxation will be made for reserved candidates viz. SC/ST/OBC(NCL)/Differently Abled (Divyangjan).
• The final list of selected candidates will be announced on the BRIC-inStem website.
• Candidates selected for admission will be enrolled in the Ph.D. programme of BRIC-inStem, with academic affiliation to the Regional Centre for Biotechnology (RCB), Faridabad.
• A waiting list may optionally be included, where all candidates on the waiting list qualify, after satisfying all criteria above. The waiting list may be operated or not if and when an admitted student decline.
• Students offered admission will have 10 days to accept or decline admission. The PhD session for this round will start on January 2026.

Reservations

• Reservation policy will be followed as per the Government of India norms. SC/ ST/ OBC (NCL) candidates are required to submit certificates in respect of their claims from authorized officers as notified by the Government for the purpose from time to time.
• The differently-abled (with a minimum of 40% disability) candidates are required to submit a certificate from authorized Medical Doctors/ Hospitals indicating the extent of physical disability.

Note

• Admitted students will be required to activate their fellowship (UGC/CSIR/DBT/ICMR JRF fellowship, DST INSPIRE PhD fellowship and similar competitive fellowships offered by the Govt. of India) from the date of joining and may avail them as per the rules of the respective funding agency. No support from core funding or EMG will be given.
• BRIC-inStem and the BLiSC campus is a residential campus, and hostel accommodation will be offered to all the students admitted to the program as per availability, on payment of applicable charges.

Application Procedure

• Eligible candidates should submit their applications through the online application portal only, available at the website:   https://www.instem.res.in/phd/2025/apply
• Candidates must ensure that the information details furnished in the online application are true and correct. If any discrepancy is observed at any stage, BRIC-inStem reserves the right to cancel the admission.
• For queries regarding the January 2026 intake online admission portal, please email to phd@instem.res.in

The last date for receipt of online application: 3rd November 2025

• Notification
• Application
• inStem Website