Ph.D. Programme in TCG CREST

Unleashing the Potential of the Future

TCG CREST invites students to carry out cutting-edge research through its Ph.D. program. The Institute offers fully funded fellowships to select candidates. We are recruiting Ph.D. candidates for the August 2025 academic session in the following thematic areas:

• Cryptology and Post-Quantum Cryptology
• Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning
• Quantum Computing, Quantum Information & Communication, Quantum Sensing
• Sustainable Energy Solutions
• Translation Research in Mathematics
• Neuroscience – Translational Applications
• Cancer Research – Neoantigen and Vaccine Development
• Food Science & Technology

Pioneering Research Frontiers

The research at TCG CREST is being led by some of the most distinguished names in Indian and global science today. The Institute has already engaged in translational research at scale in cross-disciplinary areas, predicated on an in-depth understanding of science and technology, and has collaborated with leading Indian and global institutions and industries to solve difficult societal problems. The institute houses world-class research centres of excellence in Kolkata:

• Institute for Advancing Intelligence (IAI)

• Centre for High Impact Neuroscience and Translational Applications (CHINTA)

• Research Institute for Sustainable Energy (RISE)

• Centre for Quantum Engineering, Research and Education (CQuERE)

• Cancer-related Advanced Research and Education (CARE)

• Food Technology & Science Institute (FTSI)

Vision for Transformative Education

TCG CREST is dedicated to nurturing the next generation of visionary leaders and innovators through a multidisciplinary, research-intensive education model. Recognised as a Deemed-to-be University under the ‘Distinct Category—Research’ by the Ministry of Education and the University Grants Commission (UGC), Government of India, TCG CREST is emerging as a global standard for integrating research with academic excellence. The Institute fosters a vibrant, innovation-driven ecosystem where curiosity fuels discovery and learning. With a strong emphasis on critical thinking, interdisciplinary exploration, and robust industry collaboration, TCG CREST equips scholars to tackle real-world challenges and drive transformative breakthroughs in science, technology, and global problem-solving, empowering them to create meaningful, lasting impact.

Eligibility for Application

(TCG CREST will adhere to the rules and regulations laid by the UGC in handling the PhD Programme)

• Applicants with 55% marks or more in aggregate after an M.Sc./M.A. /M.Com/M.Phil./M.Tech. or equivalent are eligible to apply for admission to a Ph.D. degree.
• Applicants with a 4-year bachelor’s degree with 75% or more marks in aggregate are also eligible to apply for admission to a Ph.D. degree.
• 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 program or its equivalent are eligible to apply. If selected, the offer extended to these applicants will only be provisional. Admission to the program will be contingent on the applicant meeting the criteria described above.

Fellowship and Benefits

• TCG CREST provides competitive financial support to all selected Ph.D. 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.

Other Funding Options for Ph.D. Candidates:

Government Fellowship Holders: Ph.D. 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 enrollment. Sponsored candidates must fulfill all coursework and other requirements.

Self-Funded Candidates: Candidates may also join the Ph.D. program without financial support from TCG CREST or any external funding, provided they meet the standard admission criteria and must fulfill all coursework and other requirements. However, TCG CREST will not offer any fellowships to such candidates at any stage during their tenure.

Application Process and Timeline

TCG CREST invites applications for its PhD Programme for the academic year 2025-26. The Institute is looking for motivated, committed, and bright young scholars who will be expected to carry out high-quality research.

Applications can be submitted till 7^th June 2025.

All applicants should submit applications only online using the official Institute website portal.  For this, click here.

The selection process is a 2-step process involving a test followed by personal interviews.

Applicants shortlisted based on the entrance examination, the research proposal, and the academic record will be invited to appear for an online interview. The list of shortlisted candidates will be published on the website. Shortlisted candidates will also be informed by email. The exact dates for the examinations and interviews will be announced in due course.

The final list of applicants selected for enrolment in the PhD program for the academic year 2025-2026 will be published on the website following the interviews. The selected candidates will also be informed by email.

The academic session for the new batch of PhD students will begin in August 2025.

All PhD application and admission process queries should be directed to phd.admission.crest@tcgcrest.org