About

Indian Institute of Science Education and Research Mohali, popularly known as IISER Mohali, is a premier public research and education institute located in Mohali, Punjab. It was established in 2006 by the Government of India as one of the seven Indian Institutes of Science Education and Research created to strengthen science education and research in India. The institute was established with the broader purpose of integrating high quality undergraduate education with advanced scientific research. Its goal is to develop students with strong conceptual knowledge, analytical abilities, research skills and scientific curiosity. IISER Mohali promotes an interdisciplinary approach to education and encourages students to participate in research from the early stages of their academic journey. The institute aims to contribute to scientific discovery, innovation and the development of highly skilled researchers and professionals.

IISER Mohali is located in Sector 81, Knowledge City, Sahibzada Ajit Singh Nagar, Mohali, Punjab, in the Chandigarh and Mohali region. The institute has a large and well planned residential campus that brings together academic buildings, research facilities, laboratories, hostels and student amenities. The campus provides an environment suitable for academic learning as well as scientific research and collaboration. Its location in Knowledge City places the institute in an important educational and research hub of Punjab, with several educational and scientific institutions located in the surrounding region. The campus is accessible by road from Mohali and Chandigarh and can be reached through the major roads and public transport networks serving the area. The residential nature of the campus allows students, faculty and researchers to remain closely connected to academic and research activities.

Indian Institute of Science Education and Research Mohali is an autonomous institution established by the Government of India and functions under the Ministry of Education. IISERs have been granted the status of Institutions of National Importance under the relevant legislation, giving them an important role in India's higher education and scientific research system. IISER Mohali is authorized to conduct academic programmes and award degrees in accordance with its statutory provisions. The institute has developed a strong academic and research reputation through its faculty members, scientific publications, research projects, collaborations and participation in national and international research activities. It is recognized for its contribution to fundamental and interdisciplinary sciences and has featured in national higher education and research assessments and rankings. Its government supported status and research orientation make it an important institution for science education and scientific research in India.

IISER Mohali functions as an integrated institute rather than a conventional university with multiple affiliated colleges. The academic and research activities are organized through departments, academic divisions, research groups and specialized laboratories located within the main campus. Major academic areas include Biological Sciences, Chemical Sciences, Mathematical Sciences, Physical Sciences, Earth and Environmental Sciences and Economic Sciences, along with interdisciplinary research areas that connect multiple branches of science. The institute has faculty members with expertise in a wide range of subjects and research fields, allowing students to learn from specialists and participate in advanced academic discussions. The campus also supports research centres, seminars, conferences, workshops and collaborative projects. This integrated structure enables students to move beyond traditional classroom learning and interact with researchers working on contemporary scientific problems.

IISER Mohali offers education at undergraduate, postgraduate and doctoral levels, with science and research forming the central focus of its academic programmes. Its flagship programme is the five year BS MS Dual Degree, which combines broad based undergraduate science education with advanced coursework and research training. The institute also offers a BS programme in Economic Sciences and various PhD and Integrated PhD programmes in different scientific disciplines. Depending on the programme, students may study areas such as biology, chemistry, physics, mathematics, earth and environmental sciences and related interdisciplinary subjects. Admission to the BS MS programme is conducted through the IISER admission process, while doctoral and other advanced programmes follow programme specific admission procedures that may include screening, written examinations, interviews or other selection stages. Eligibility generally depends on the student's qualifying examination, subjects studied and academic background. Eligible students may also receive scholarships, fellowships or financial assistance through government schemes, institute provisions and research funding programmes, subject to the applicable rules and conditions.

The campus of IISER Mohali is equipped with infrastructure designed to support both academic instruction and high level scientific research. It includes modern classrooms, lecture halls, seminar rooms, departmental spaces, research laboratories, computer facilities and specialized scientific equipment. The laboratories provide opportunities for students and researchers to conduct practical experiments, undertake research projects and gain experience with modern scientific techniques and instruments. The institute also has library and information resources that support classroom study, academic assignments and advanced research. Residential facilities include student hostels, dining and food services, common rooms and other essential amenities. Sports and recreational facilities provide opportunities for physical activities and extracurricular engagement. The campus also includes spaces for seminars, conferences, student activities and academic interaction, helping create a vibrant research oriented environment for students and faculty.

IISER Mohali has a research and higher education oriented approach to career development, so its placement structure differs from that of conventional engineering, management or professional colleges. Students are encouraged to build careers through research projects, internships, academic collaborations, summer research opportunities and exposure to scientific institutions. Graduates of the institute may pursue PhD programmes and postdoctoral research in India or abroad, while others can explore opportunities in scientific organizations, universities, research laboratories, data and technology related fields and other knowledge intensive sectors. The strong foundation in mathematics, scientific reasoning, laboratory work, programming and research methodology can help students develop transferable skills for a variety of career paths. Faculty guidance, research exposure and interaction with visiting scientists can further help students understand opportunities in higher education and scientific careers. The institute's emphasis is therefore not limited to immediate employment but also focuses on preparing students for long term academic, research and professional growth.

Overall, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research Mohali is a leading public institution that combines undergraduate education, advanced scientific research and interdisciplinary learning within a single academic environment. Its government supported status, Institution of National Importance recognition, experienced faculty, modern laboratories and research focused curriculum make it an attractive choice for students interested in science and research. The BS MS Dual Degree provides students with the opportunity to develop a broad foundation in science before moving towards specialized study and research, while doctoral programmes provide opportunities for advanced scientific investigation. The institute's residential campus, academic resources, research facilities and student amenities further support a comprehensive learning experience. With its emphasis on scientific curiosity, innovation, critical thinking and research, IISER Mohali plays an important role in developing the next generation of scientists, researchers, educators and professionals in India.

Research Oriented Education

IISER Mohali is an excellent choice for students who have a strong interest in science, experimentation and research. The institute follows a research oriented education model in which students are encouraged to understand scientific concepts through both classroom teaching and practical investigation. Research exposure is introduced as an important part of the academic journey, helping students develop curiosity, analytical thinking, problem solving abilities and scientific reasoning. This approach is particularly beneficial for students who want to pursue careers in research, academia, scientific organizations or advanced technology related fields.

Strong Academic Environment

The institute provides a challenging and intellectually stimulating academic environment that encourages students to learn beyond textbooks and conventional classroom methods. Students are exposed to lectures, laboratory work, seminars, discussions, projects and research activities that help them develop a deeper understanding of scientific subjects. The academic structure encourages students to ask questions, examine different ideas and develop independent thinking. The combination of rigorous coursework and research exposure helps students build a strong academic foundation for future higher studies and professional opportunities.

Experienced Faculty

IISER Mohali has a strong faculty base consisting of researchers and academicians working in diverse areas of science. Faculty members bring research experience and subject expertise into classroom teaching and laboratory activities. Students get opportunities to interact with faculty through lectures, academic discussions, research projects, seminars and individual project work. Such interaction can help students understand advanced concepts more effectively and learn how scientific questions are formulated and investigated. Faculty guidance can also be valuable for students planning research projects, internships, higher studies and academic careers.

Excellent Research Opportunities

One of the major advantages of studying at IISER Mohali is the opportunity to gain practical research experience. Students can become involved in research projects, laboratory activities, internships, summer research programmes and faculty guided studies depending on their programme and academic level. The institute's research environment exposes students to modern scientific techniques, laboratory procedures, computational methods, data analysis and scientific documentation. This early exposure helps students understand how theoretical knowledge is applied to real scientific problems and can strengthen their preparation for PhD programmes and research careers.

Interdisciplinary Learning

IISER Mohali places considerable importance on interdisciplinary education and research. Students can develop knowledge across areas such as biological sciences, chemical sciences, mathematical sciences, physical sciences, earth and environmental sciences and economic sciences, along with several interdisciplinary research areas. Learning across disciplines helps students understand that many modern scientific problems cannot be solved through a single subject alone. This approach encourages students to connect concepts, apply different methods and develop a broader scientific perspective. It can be especially useful for students interested in emerging areas of science and multidisciplinary research.

Modern Infrastructure and Laboratories

IISER Mohali provides academic and research infrastructure designed to support advanced science education. The campus includes classrooms, lecture halls, seminar spaces, computer facilities, library resources and specialized laboratories equipped for different areas of scientific research. Practical facilities allow students to conduct experiments, work on research projects and gain familiarity with scientific instruments and research techniques. The availability of dedicated research facilities also supports faculty led projects and interdisciplinary activities. A well developed academic infrastructure helps create an environment where theoretical learning can be combined with practical and experimental experience.

Opportunities for Higher Studies

IISER Mohali is particularly suitable for students who are planning to pursue higher studies in science and research. Its BS MS Dual Degree provides students with extensive exposure to fundamental sciences and research, creating a strong academic foundation for further studies. Students can pursue doctoral programmes in India or apply to universities and research institutions abroad depending on their academic interests and qualifications. Research experience, project work, scientific writing and interaction with faculty can help students prepare for competitive higher education opportunities. The institute therefore provides a suitable environment for students who see postgraduate and doctoral research as an important part of their career path.

Residential Campus and Student Facilities

The residential campus provides students with an integrated environment where academic activities, research and student life take place within the same campus. Students have access to hostel accommodation, dining facilities, common areas, sports and recreational opportunities and other essential campus amenities. The residential environment also allows students to interact with peers from different academic and scientific backgrounds, encouraging collaboration and exchange of ideas. Academic resources such as the library, laboratories and seminar facilities further support student learning. The combination of residential and academic facilities helps students maintain an active and engaging campus life.

Reputation and National Importance

IISER Mohali is an Institution of National Importance established by the Government of India and is part of the national IISER system created to strengthen science education and research in the country. The institute has developed a strong reputation through its academic programmes, research activities, faculty expertise and scientific contributions. Its focus on fundamental sciences and research makes it different from conventional professional colleges that primarily concentrate on immediate employment oriented education. Students choosing IISER Mohali can benefit from an environment focused on scientific learning, innovation and research, providing a strong foundation for careers in academia, research institutions, scientific organizations, technology and other knowledge based fields.

Vision

• To nurture a new generation of scientists who are dedicated to pursuing knowledge and conducting research in frontier areas of basic sciences.
• To provide an intellectually vibrant academic environment that strengthens the fundamental principles of science education and research at undergraduate and postgraduate levels.
• To encourage academic excellence, scientific curiosity and innovative thinking among students and researchers through quality education and advanced research opportunities.
• To develop IISER Mohali as a globally recognized centre of learning, academic excellence and innovative scientific research.

Mission

• To provide quality science education and develop a strong spirit of research through innovative teaching methods, research methodologies and practical learning opportunities.
• To encourage young minds to explore scientific questions with curiosity and develop the skills required for advanced and cutting edge research in different areas of science.
• To promote academic freedom, diversity and interdisciplinary research by bringing together different scientific disciplines and providing students with opportunities to develop a broad perspective.
• To create an inclusive academic environment where science education and research are connected with wider social and societal needs, enabling students and researchers to understand the broader relevance of scientific knowledge.

The admission process at Indian Institute of Science Education and Research, Mohali (IISER Mohali) varies according to the programme. For the 5-year BS-MS Dual Degree programme, candidates are admitted through the IISER Aptitude Test (IAT). Applicants need to register through the common IISER admission portal, appear for the IAT, participate in the centralized counselling and seat-allocation process, and select IISER Mohali as a preferred institute/programme. Candidates who receive and accept a seat then complete document verification, fee payment and institute-level registration. For Integrated MS-PhD and PhD programmes, candidates generally apply online through the IISER Mohali admission portal after checking the programme-specific eligibility requirements. Eligible applicants may be shortlisted on the basis of their academic record and qualifying national-level examinations, followed by a screening test and/or interview. The final selection depends on the applicable departmental criteria, performance in the selection process and availability of seats.

Admission Criteria

BS-MS Dual Degree 

Eligibility

1. Candidates must have passed Class 12 or an equivalent examination from a recognized board in 2024, 2025 or 2026, or be appearing for the Class 12 examination in 2026.
2. Candidates must have studied at least three subjects among Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics and Physics in their Class 12 or equivalent examination.
3. Candidates belonging to the General category must have at least 60% aggregate marks, while candidates belonging to SC, ST and PwD categories must have at least 55% aggregate marks.
4. Indian nationals, OCI/PIO and foreign nationals can apply, subject to the applicable eligibility and documentation requirements.

Admission Process

1. Eligible candidates need to register online for the IISER Aptitude Test (IAT) through the common IISER admission portal. IISER Mohali admits students to its BS-MS programme exclusively through IAT.
2. Candidates must appear for the national-level IAT, a computer-based entrance examination conducted for admission to the IISER BS-MS programmes.
3. Candidates are considered through the centrally coordinated Joint Admissions Committee (JAC) process. Based on IAT performance and the applicable admission rules, candidates participate in the preference and seat-allocation process.
4. Candidates allotted a seat at IISER Mohali need to accept/freeze the seat within the prescribed timeline and complete the required fee payment, document verification and institute reporting/registration to confirm admission.

Integrated MS-PhD 

Eligibility

1. Candidates should have a Bachelor’s degree in Science or a related area from a recognized institution/university with a good academic record.
2. Candidates should have secured at least 60% aggregate marks or a CGPI of 6.0 on a 10-point scale in their qualifying bachelor's degree.
3. Applicants should have an academic background relevant to the discipline they are applying for. For the 2026 intake, IISER Mohali offered the Integrated MS-PhD programme in Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics and Physics.
4. Candidates with national-level qualifications such as NBHM, JEST, DST-INSPIRE/KVPY, IIT-JAM or GATE are encouraged to mention these qualifications in their application. These can strengthen the application but the programme's stated minimum eligibility is the bachelor's degree and academic performance requirement.

Admission Process

1. Eligible candidates need to apply online through the IISER Mohali admission portal by registering and completing the Integrated MS-PhD application form with the required academic and personal details.
2. Submitted applications are reviewed according to the programme and departmental eligibility requirements. Candidates meeting the required criteria are shortlisted for the next stage of selection.
3. Shortlisted candidates are invited to IISER Mohali for a screening test and/or interview. Selection considers the candidate's academic background, subject knowledge and performance in the selection process.
4. Candidates selected after the screening/interview process complete the prescribed admission formalities, document verification, fee-related requirements and registration. The programme combines coursework and research, with successful students progressing to the PhD stage.

PhD Programme

Eligibility

1. Candidates should generally have a Master’s degree, B.Tech, B.E., MBBS, M.Tech or equivalent qualification from a recognized institution with a good academic record. For some disciplines, a 4-year BSc/BS (Honours with Research) with the prescribed marks is also accepted.
2. For the 2026 admission cycle, the general minimum requirement is 55% marks or a CPI of 5.5/10 in the qualifying degree. Candidates with a 4-year BSc/BS (Honours with Research) require at least 75% marks or equivalent CPI, with applicable relaxation as per Government of India rules.
3. Candidates are generally required to have a valid relevant national-level examination or fellowship qualification, such as CSIR-UGC NET/JRF, GATE, JEST, ICMR-JRF, DBT-JRF, DST-INSPIRE, NBHM or other recognized national-level fellowships, depending on the department.
4. Applicants must satisfy the department-specific eligibility requirements for the research area they wish to pursue. IISER Mohali offers PhD opportunities in Biological Sciences, Chemical Sciences, Physical Sciences, Mathematical Sciences, Earth and Environmental Sciences, Humanities and Social Sciences, as well as interdisciplinary areas.

Admission Process

1. Eligible candidates need to apply online through the IISER Mohali admission portal and select the department/research area relevant to their academic background and research interests.
2. The submitted applications are screened according to the institute and department-specific eligibility criteria. Candidates who meet the requirements and are shortlisted proceed to the next stage of selection.
3. Shortlisted candidates are invited to IISER Mohali for a screening test and/or interview. The selection process evaluates academic preparation, subject knowledge, research interests and suitability for the proposed research area.
4. Candidates selected after the screening/interview process complete document verification, admission formalities and registration. Selected scholars can then begin their doctoral coursework and research under faculty supervision, subject to the programme requirements.

PhD in Interdisciplinary Research 

Eligibility

1. Candidates should have a Master’s degree, B.Tech, B.E., MBBS, M.Tech or equivalent qualification from a recognized institute or university.

2. Applicants should generally have at least 55% marks or a CPI of 5.5/10 in the qualifying degree. Candidates with a 4-year BSc/BS (Honours with Research) should have at least 75% marks or a CPI of 7.5/10. Relaxation is applicable to eligible reserved categories as per Government of India rules.

3. Candidates should possess a valid relevant national-level fellowship or examination qualification, such as CSIR-UGC-JRF, ICMR-JRF, DBT-JRF, DST-INSPIRE or another recognized national-level or sponsored fellowship in the relevant subject.

4. Candidates should have a good academic record and an academic background suitable for the interdisciplinary research project they wish to join. Projects may combine areas such as Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Earth and Environmental Sciences, and Humanities and Social Sciences.

Admission Process

1. Eligible candidates need to submit an online application for the specific Interdisciplinary PhD projects announced by IISER Mohali and provide the required academic and fellowship details.

2. Applications are screened according to the prescribed eligibility requirements and the suitability of the candidate's academic background for the available interdisciplinary research projects.

3. Shortlisted candidates are invited for a screening test and/or interview at IISER Mohali. Candidates should have a valid national-level test/fellowship qualification at the time of the interview.

4. Candidates selected through the screening and interview process complete the required document verification, admission formalities and registration. Selected scholars undertake coursework and then proceed to research under the designated project supervisors.

IISER Mohali provides various scholarships and fellowships to support students financially during their academic and research journey. Eligible BS MS students can receive support through schemes such as the Merit cum Means Scholarship and DST INSPIRE fellowship, subject to academic performance, category and financial eligibility. The Merit cum Means Scholarship is intended for meritorious students from eligible categories who meet the prescribed academic requirements, while the INSPIRE fellowship supports eligible students pursuing science education and research. The institute also provides certain tuition fee waivers and financial assistance according to its rules. PhD and Integrated PhD students can receive financial support through national level fellowships such as CSIR JRF, UGC related fellowships, DST INSPIRE, PMRF and fellowships available for eligible SC, ST and OBC students. Students may also apply for government scholarships through the National Scholarship Portal, state government schemes and selected external scholarships offered by foundations and organizations. Scholarship benefits, eligibility conditions and application procedures vary according to the individual scheme, so students are required to satisfy the prescribed academic, category and financial criteria.

IISER Mohali has an Opportunity Cell that connects students with industry and academic organizations for internships, full time employment, PhD opportunities and research positions. The institute follows a research oriented career model, so many students choose higher studies and research rather than conventional campus placements. Companies can conduct pre placement talks, application screening, written or online tests and interviews through the Opportunity Cell. IISER Mohali has also recorded industry engagement with organizations such as Sun Pharma and JD Pharma, which were mentioned in the institute's annual report as companies associated with job opportunities for students. Students also receive opportunities for summer, winter and semester long internships, helping them gain practical experience and build connections with industry and research organizations. The latest available NIRF based data reported for the 2023 to 2024 graduating batch shows that 3 students from the five year UG programme were placed, while 115 students opted for higher studies, with a median salary of Rs 11.40 lakh per annum for those placed. Overall, IISER Mohali is particularly suitable for students interested in scientific research, higher education and specialized careers, while companies and organizations can recruit students with strong backgrounds in science, research, analytical thinking and interdisciplinary problem solving.

IISER Mohali provides a well developed residential campus with facilities designed to support academic learning, scientific research and student life. The campus includes modern academic buildings, classrooms, lecture halls, seminar rooms, departmental spaces and specialized research laboratories equipped to support different areas of science. Students have access to library and digital academic resources for coursework, assignments and research activities, along with computer and internet facilities for academic work. The residential campus provides student hostels and mess facilities, allowing students to stay close to their classrooms and laboratories. Sports and recreational facilities are available for physical activities and relaxation, while common areas and student activity spaces encourage interaction and extracurricular participation. The campus also has healthcare and medical support facilities for students and other members of the institute community. Additional amenities such as dining facilities, shops, banking and essential services contribute to convenient day to day living on campus. Overall, the campus is designed to provide students with a comfortable and academically focused environment where education, research, residential life and extracurricular activities can take place together.

IISER Mohali provides on campus hostel accommodation for students, creating a convenient residential environment close to academic and research facilities. Students are allotted rooms in the institute hostels, and the accommodation includes basic furniture such as a bed, mattress, study table and chair. Common areas are supported by housekeeping staff, while students are responsible for maintaining cleanliness and hygiene in their rooms. The institute also provides hostel mess facilities, with first year students required to use the mess facility and pay the applicable mess charges in advance for the semester. Students can follow the prescribed hostel leave and mess off procedures when they are away from campus. Hostel administration is supported by wardens and student representatives, and students can use the institute ERP system for activities such as hostel leave applications, guest room booking, complaint registration and payment of hostel fees.

IISER Mohali provides transport facilities to support the commuting needs of students, faculty and visitors. The institute has an official bus facility, although the institute describes its transport facility primarily for faculty and visitors and allows students and employees to use institute buses under specified conditions. Students can also use the institute bus for local trips, with services connecting the campus with nearby areas such as Phase 10 and Phase 11 and weekend trips towards Chandigarh. Current campus information mentions weekday departures at 5:10 PM, 6:10 PM and 7:10 PM, while weekend services operate at 11:00 AM, 2:00 PM, 5:00 PM and 6:10 PM. For longer journeys or group requirements, the institute bus can be requested in advance, subject to availability and institute approval. The current transport guidelines state that requests generally need to be submitted at least five days before the journey, and the bus facility requires a minimum group of 15 students or employees. In addition to institute transport, students can use local buses, auto rickshaws and app based cab services for commuting between IISER Mohali, Chandigarh, Mohali and nearby areas. Chandigarh Airport is approximately 8 to 9 km from the campus, while Chandigarh Railway Station can also be reached by taxi or auto, making the institute reasonably accessible for students travelling from other cities.