ARIES Nainital PhD Admission 2026 (Aug)

Aryabhatta Research Institute of Observational Sciences (ARIES), Nainital offers Junior Fellowship program leading to PhD.

About ARIES Nainital

Located on the lap of the lower Himalayas, near the beautiful hill town of Nainital, Aryabhatta Research Institute of Observational Sciences (ARIES) is an autonomous research institute funded by the Department of Science and Technology (DST).

Astronomy & Astrophysics division of ARIES is engaged in cutting edge research in the fields of Solar Physics, Stellar physics, Interstellar Matter, Transients like Supernova and GRBs, AGN, Galaxy Morphology, Relativistic Astrophysics etc. The Atmospheric division specializes in atmospheric chemistry, trace gases, boundary layer meteorology, atmospheric dynamics, aerosols etc.

Eligibility Criteria

• A 2-year/4-semester Master’s degree in Science (Physics/Astrophysics/ Atmospheric Sciences/ Earth & Environmental Sciences) after a 3-year/6-semester Bachelor’s degree in Science, with at least 55% marks in aggregate or its equivalent grade in a point-scale OR
• A 4-year/8-semester Bachelor’s degree in Science (Physics/ Astrophysics/ Atmospheric Sciences/ Earth & Environmental Sciences) with a minimum of 75% marks in aggregate or its equivalent grade on a point scale.
• 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). Applicants should have a valid JEST -OR- GATE -OR- CSIR/UGC NET (JRF/LS) qualification in Physics. All the applications will be further screened by taking into account marks/ranks in JEST/GATE/NET and M.Sc., and other guidelines decided by ARIES. Fulfilling the minimum qualifications does not guarantee a call for an interview.

Application Process

• An online application through the AcSIR Admission portal is mandatory for all applicants.
• Before filling this application form read the instructions carefully.

Selection Process

• Final selection will be made on the basis of an Online/Offline interview to be held at ARIES, Nainital.
• For the candidates appearing in person, shared accommodation may be provided upon request (only to the shortlisted candidates) for one night prior to the day of the interview.

• Application Portal Open: 1 March, 2026
• Deadline for online application submission: 14 April, 2026
• Intimation to shortlisted candidates for Interview: 4 May, 2026
• Date of Interview (Online/Offline): 11 May to 30 June, 2026
• Announcement of the selected candidates: 7 July, 2026
• Date of Joining: 27 July to 3 August, 2026

• Notification
• AcSIR Admission
• ARIES Website