CeNS Admissions 2026 | PhD Programme with Research Fellowship
Are you looking for exciting opportunities to pursue a PhD programme with a prestigious Research Fellowship? The Centre for Nano and Soft Matter Sciences (CeNS) invites applications for its PhD Programme 2026, offering Junior Research Fellow positions in advanced research areas such as nanomaterials, energy technologies, soft matter sciences, and functional interfaces.
About Centre for Nano and Soft Matter Sciences (CeNS)
The Centre for Nano and Soft Matter Sciences (CeNS) is an autonomous research institute under the Department of Science and Technology (DST), Government of India. CeNS is dedicated to cutting-edge research in nanoscience, soft matter, materials science, and energy technologies. The institute offers a highly competitive PhD programme recognized by Mangalore University, MAHE Manipal, and AcSIR, providing students with strong academic mentorship and advanced research infrastructure. CeNS supports scholars through a structured Research Fellowship, modern laboratories, international collaborations, and funding for conferences, enabling researchers to pursue impactful and interdisciplinary scientific innovation.
Advt No. CY-2026-1/CeNS Interim Jan 2026
Ph.D. Programme
The Ph.D. programme at Centre for Nano and Soft Matter Sciences (CeNS) focuses on basic and applied aspects of advanced research in the field of nano and soft matter sciences. CeNS
is recognized by Mangalore University, Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE, Manipal), and Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR) for the award of a PhD degree.Admissions
Applications are invited from students for admission to the Ph.D. programme to join as Junior Research Fellows (JRF) in the following areas of research.
Areas of Research
Energy & Environment
- Photodetectors, Photovoltaics
- Energy storage devices
- Batteries & Supercapacitors
- Hydrogen Energy
- Sensors
- Smart windows and displays
- Electro catalysts
- Electrochemical & Photocatalytic energy conversion
- Electrochemical sensors
- Piezo / tribo electric energy generation and pressure sensing
- Photothermal, Optoelectronics
Nanomaterials
- Large-scale synthesis of nano materials at near-ambient conditions
- Solution-based processes
- Low-cost instrumentation
- Hybrid spin valve & Hybrid Spin, Resistive switching memory devices
- Antibacterials
- Low-dimensional Perovskites, Chalcogenides, Chalcohalides
- Organic nanomaterials
- Supramolecular polymers, Biomaterials, Polymers
- Aqueous self-assembly
- Inorganic nanomaterials and composites
- Metal nanoparticles, nanoclusters, and atomically dispersed metal catalysts
Soft Materials/Liquid Crystals
- Synthesis, Composites
- Phase transitions
- Peptides, Organo- and hydrogel
Surfaces/Interfaces
- Phase transitions in two dimensions
- Micro- and nano-structured surfaces
- Structural colours
- Wettability
- Plasmonics
Essential Qualifications
- M.Sc./M.Tech. from a recognized University/Institute in Physics/Chemistry/Materials Science/Nano Science and allied subjects with at least 60% aggregate marks for the general category and 55% for SC/ST candidates.
- Specialization in Condensed Matter Physics, Electronics, Materials Science, and Organic/Inorganic/Physical/General Chemistry at the Master’s degree level is desired.
- The candidate should have qualified at least in one of the national-level entrance tests, i.e., CSIR-UGC NET (JRF only) / GATE or JEST, or should be an INSPIRE fellow.
- The Centre’s Research and Development (R&D) Assistants* are permitted to apply for the PhD programme, provided they have the essential qualification as in parts 1 and 2. In addition, the candidate should have completed one year of service in the three-year project and should have authored at least one publication in a SCI journal with substantial research contribution. A certificate from the PI in the prescribed format needs to be submitted.
Selection Procedure
Candidates will be short-listed for an interview based on their performance in the national entrance test(s) and academic performance. The final selection is based on the performance in the interview.
Fellowship and Hostel Facilities
Students will be provided a CeNS fellowship as per DST norms. Students can avail campus hostel facility. * Centre’s ‘Research and Development (R&D) Assistants’ will receive the CeNS fellowship from the 3rd year of PhD, after the respective project is completed.
Travel Grants
Students are encouraged to participate in national and international workshops, expos, symposia, and conferences. Centre provides financial assistance of up to Rs. 1,50,000/- during the five-year duration of the Ph.D. programme.
Medical Facility
A clinic with basic facilities and a medical practitioner is available for the students on the campus. For any special medical needs, students are referred to nearby/empanelled hospitals.
Application
- Only online applications will be accepted for the Ph.D. Programme.
- The Last date for receipt of completed applications is 22 February 2026.
- Short-listed applicants will be called for an interview at CeNS on 13 March 2026.
- For any further queries, please send an email to: phdadmission@cens.res.in
