Research Institute for Sustainable Energy (RISE) TCG-CREST (Deemed to be University) announces PhD Program 2026
Under the TCG CREST-DTBU, RISE invites applications from interested candidates for the PhD (Science) program. 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. The RISE PhD Program at TCG CREST was initiated in 2025 and at present eleven research fellows are pursuing their PhD at RISE.
Battery and Green Hydrogen Research
Though the research interests of RISE spans several aspects of clean energy, the initial emphasis of the program is on battery development. Our interests in this domain cover most of the identified challenges in this field, especially related to solid state batteries, layered cathodes, polymeric battery materials, framework structures, electrolyte additives etc. We have implemented several in-operando as well as ex-situ advanced characterization schemes to gain deeper insights into the phenomena and related science. This includes advanced electrochemical characterization and analysis methodologies as well. We also have significant interest in developing batteries in different formats such as coin cell, cylindrical cells, pouch cells etc. with an objective of translating laboratory research to application sectors. We are also developing a parallel activity to work on green hydrogen generation (electrolytic water splitting, microbial fuel cells) and clean fuels by carbon dioxide reduction. This work involves intelligent development of special catalysts involving low-cost functional materials including low dimensional materials and multidimensional catalysts.
Research of RISE faculty members can be seen on their webpages listed here.
Relevant publications from RISE group can be found here.
Specific Areas of Research
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Li/Na-ion batteries
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Solid-state batteries
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Li/Na metal and Anode-free batteries
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In situ interfacial dynamics
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Microstructural chemistry, mechanics, and dynamics
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Electrolyte design
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Electro-catalysis
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Green hydrogen research
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CO2 reduction
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Microbial fuel cells
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Waste valorization
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DFT and molecular dynamics modelling for energy materials
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DFT modelling of efficient catalysts and understanding reaction mechanisms (photocatalysis/electrocatalysis)
APPLICATION PROCESS
Important Dates
Date of written test: Tentatively May 2026
Date of the interviews: To be announced later
Eligibility Criterion
Highly motivated students with M.Sc in Physics / Chemistry / Microbiology / Biochemistry/Biotechnology and other related areas of Material Science may apply for the PhD program in RISE. We generally follow a two level selection procedure involving a written test followed by an interview for all candidates. Both the written test and the interviews will be held in online mode.
Why Join RISE?
RISE houses state-of-the-art facilities (on par with any advanced battery lab elsewhere) for conducting research on advanced energy storage systems. This includes in-operando electrochemical XPS/XRD/SEM/RAMAN/AFM measurements. RISE is also building up facilities for conducting microbiological/biotechnological research. RISE has international and national collaborations with institutes like University of Chicago, Uppsala University, Argonne National Laboratory with several other Indian institutes including IISER Pune, allowing extensive interaction and exchange programs. In addition, the faculty at RISE trained in top laboratories in their respective research areas can provide unparalleled mentoring of the PhD students for a competitive edge and excellence in energy science.
Syllabus for PhD Admission Test
The syllabus for the written test in RISE for PhD admission will closely follow the syllabus of CSIR-UGC (NET) EXAM for the award of JRF fellowship. There may also be a few questions from general sciences. The examination will be online and have short answer type questions where small explanations for the answers are to be given.
Email: academic.coordinator@tcgcrest.org