BRIC-inStem PhD Admission 2027: Apply by 21 October

The BRIC-Institute for Stem Cell Science and Regenerative Medicine (BRIC-inStem), Bengaluru, has opened applications for its PhD programme starting in January 2027. inStem is an autonomous institute under the Biotechnology Research and Innovation Council (BRIC), Department of Biotechnology, Ministry of Science and Technology, Government of India.

The last date for receipt of the online application is 21 October 2026, and the written test is not used at all – selection is through two rounds of interviews, the first online in the second week of November 2026 and the second in person in the first week of December 2026. You must already hold a national fellowship such as UGC, CSIR, DBT or ICMR JRF to apply.

BRIC-inStem PhD admission for January 2027 with a national JRF fellowship - apply by 21 October 2026

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BRIC-inStem PhD January 2027: quick facts

Quick facts2026-27

Scholarship from	BRIC-Institute for Stem Cell Science and Regenerative Medicine (BRIC-inStem), Bengaluru, an autonomous institute under BRIC, Department of Biotechnology, Government of India
Last date to apply	21 October 2026 (online application only)
Official website	BRIC-inStem PhD January 2027 admission notice (official website)

Go to official website

What is the inStem PhD programme?

inStem runs collaborative, interdisciplinary research in stem cell biology, regeneration and repair. The interview notice lists the main research areas as human stem cells and organoid systems for developmental and congenital disorders, cardiovascular development and disease, neurodevelopmental and neurodegenerative disorders, barrier tissue dysfunction and metabolic control, with chemical biology providing the tools for research and therapeutic solutions.

Students admitted through this call are enrolled in the PhD programme of BRIC-inStem with academic affiliation to the Regional Centre for Biotechnology (RCB), Faridabad, and the programme begins in the first week of January 2027.

Fellowship and financial support

inStem does not pay the fellowship from institute funds. The official notice states that admitted students must have an eligible national fellowship that can be activated in 2027 and must activate it from the date of joining:

Eligible fellowships: UGC/CSIR/DBT/ICMR JRF and similar competitive fellowships offered by the Government of India, valid for a period of 5 years.
No support from institute core funding or the extramural projects cell is given.
Hostel accommodation is offered to all admitted students on the BLiSC residential campus, as per availability, on payment of applicable charges.

BRIC-inStem PhD eligibility 2027

Qualifying degree: M.Sc. or Integrated M.Sc. in any branch of Science (Biology, Chemistry, Physics and so on), M.Tech., M.Pharm., M.B.B.S., or a four-year Bachelor’s degree or equivalent as per RCB norms.
Marks: master’s degree holders need a minimum of 60% (or equivalent CGPA / First Class) in both the bachelor’s and the master’s degrees. Candidates applying directly with a 4-year or 8-semester bachelor’s degree need 75% aggregate as per UGC guidelines.
Relaxation: a 5% relaxation in marks or grades for SC, ST, OBC-NCL and differently-abled (Divyangjan) candidates.
Fellowship: a valid national fellowship (UGC/CSIR/DBT/ICMR JRF or an equivalent Government of India fellowship) that can be activated in 2027.
Not eligible: candidates who qualified only through JGEEBILS and/or GATE cannot be considered.
Reservation: as per Government of India norms; SC, ST and OBC-NCL candidates must produce caste certificates from authorised officers, and Divyangjan candidates a certificate showing at least 40% disability.

Important dates for the January 2027 intake

Last date for receipt of online application: 21 October 2026.
Shortlist for Round 1 is published on the BRIC-inStem website about two weeks after the application deadline.
Round 1 interviews: online, second week of November 2026 (tentative).
Round 2 interviews: in person, first week of December 2026 (tentative). Candidates who clear Round 1 must attend in person.
A 5% relaxation is applied in both rounds for SC, ST, OBC-NCL and Divyangjan candidates.
Programme begins: first week of January 2027.

Application fee and how to apply

Applications are accepted only online through the inStem admission portal. The fee is Rs 472 for UR, EWS and OBC candidates (Rs 400 plus 18% GST), paid online by credit card, debit card, net banking or UPI. Bank and transaction charges are borne by the candidate.

The fee is waived for SC and ST candidates, for women of any category and for candidates with disabilities, on submission of valid certificates. Fees are not refunded, and the payment reference number has to be mentioned in the application form.

Keep your fellowship proof, degree certificates and academic marks ready – the application needs past academic performance, a statement of research experience and a brief scientific statement of purpose, plus two reference letters.
Open the online application portal and fill in the form completely.
Pay the application fee online and note the payment reference number.
Submit before 21 October 2026. Incomplete applications, or those received after the deadline, are not considered.
For any query about the January 2027 intake, write to [email protected].

Frequently asked questions

What is the last date to apply for BRIC-inStem PhD January 2027?

The last date for receipt of the online application is 21 October 2026. The application portal is the only valid route, and incomplete or late applications are rejected.

Do I need a fellowship to apply for the inStem PhD programme?

Yes. Candidates must hold an eligible national fellowship that can be activated in 2027 – UGC/CSIR/DBT/ICMR JRF or a similar competitive Government of India fellowship valid for five years. inStem does not pay the fellowship from its own funds.

Is the inStem PhD application fee refundable?

No. The notice says no claim for refund of the fee paid will be entertained. The fee is Rs 472 for UR, EWS and OBC candidates and is waived for SC/ST candidates, women of any category and candidates with disabilities.

Can GATE or JGEEBILS qualified candidates apply to inStem?

No. The notice states that candidates who qualified for JGEEBILS and/or GATE-only cannot be considered. You need a valid national research fellowship instead.

How are candidates selected for the inStem PhD programme?

Selection is through two rounds of interviews. Round 1 is online in the second week of November 2026 and Round 2 is in person in the first week of December 2026, both tentative. There is no separate written entrance test.

When does the inStem PhD programme start?

The PhD programme at BRIC-inStem commences in the first week of January 2027. Students are enrolled at inStem with academic affiliation to the Regional Centre for Biotechnology, Faridabad.

Is hostel accommodation available at inStem?

Yes. The BLiSC campus is a residential campus and hostel accommodation is offered to all admitted students as per availability, on payment of applicable charges.

BRIC-inStem PhD Admission 2027: Apply by 21 October, JRF Required