IIST-Indian Institute of Space Science and Technology's Ph.D (Feb 2012): Admission Notification

About the Institute
The Indian Institute of Space Science and Technology (IIST), a  ‘Deemed to be University’ under Section 3 of the UGC Act 1956, established by the Department of Space, Government of India, offers undergraduate (Avionics, Aerospace Engineering and Physical  Sciences), post-graduate and doctoral programmes in niche areas of space science, technology and applications. The institute is committed to a culture of excellence of the highest order in teaching, scholarship and research. IIST fosters state-of-the-art research and development in space studies and creates a think-tank  to explore new directions for the  Indian space programme.



Programmes Offered

Ph.D. programme starting in February 2012, in the areas of Aerospace Engineering, Avionics, Chemistry, Earth and Space Sciences, Humanities, Mathematics and Physics.

About the Test

A written test of 2 hours duration will be conducted at IIST, Trivandrum during 3rd week of Jan 2012.The written test will aim to evaluate the basic understanding of the relevant subject area. The test may contain both descriptive and objective questions.

Eligibility

• Minimum Qualifications:Masters Degree in the relevant area with first class or equivalent. However, outstanding candidates with Bachelor’s degree in Engineering with an excellent academic record and aptitude for research may be considered for direct admission to the Ph.D. Programme. Candidates with Master’s degree in basic science subjects and Humanities must be NET qualified (JRF) to be considered for the Ph.D. programme.
• Age Limit: Applicant should be below 28 years as on 20th Dec 2011. Age relaxation is applicable as per Govt.of India Rules.
• Nationality: Applicant should be an Indian citizen.

Areas of Current Research:

 *Outstanding candidates with Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering with an excellent academic record and aptitude for research can also apply.


Research Fellowship:

• The Scholars selected for IIST Ph.D. programme will be given a fellowship of Rs.16,000 / Rs.18,000 for the first two years based on the qualifications.
• After two years of research experience, their performance will be evaluated by a review committee constituted by Director, IIST. Based on the review, the fellowship amount may be enhanced to Rs.18,000/Rs.20,000 respectively.
• The scholars will be required to assist the Departments in academic activities as and when required.
• The scholars will have to pay tuition / registration fee and fee for the boarding / lodging/medical facilities etc., as per IIST rules.

Selection Procedure

• Applications in the prescribed format will be received until 20th Dec 2011.
• Candidates will be short-listed based on Academic records and other relevant criteria like research experience, National Eligibility Tests, etc.
• Selection will be based on a written test followed by an interview.
• List of shortlisted candidates for written test and the dates of written test / interview will be displayed in IIST website by 1st week of Jan 2012.
• All short-listed candidates will be required to appear for a written test in their relevant areas.
• Written test of two hours duration will be conducted at IIST, Trivandrum during 3rd week of Jan 2012.The written test will aim to evaluate the basic understanding of the relevant subject area. The test may contain both descriptive and objective questions.
• Candidates qualified in the written test will be required to appear for an interview the following day.
• Selected candidates will be intimated within a week of the final interview. Results will also be displayed in our website.
• Outstation candidates will be paid to and fro sleeper class train fare by shortest route, or actual fare (whichever is lower) for attending the test / interview.

How to Apply

• Application form can be downloaded from IIST website.
  NOTE: Separate Application-Forms shall be used to apply for each Research-Area listed under different Department-Codes. However, a single Application-Form may be used to apply for more than one Research-Area listed under the same Department-Code.
• Duly filled application form along with attested copies of documents mentioned in the application form should be sent to Administrative Officer, Indian Institute of Space Science and Technology (IIST), Valiamala P.O., Thiruvananthapuram – 695547, Kerala, in a sealed envelope, with the superscription“Application for IIST Ph.D. Programme – Feb 2012”.
• Application form should be accompanied by a fee of Rs. 250/- (Rupees Two Hundred and Fifty only) (Rs. 125/- for SC/ST candidates) in the form of Demand Draft drawn in favour of “The Registrar, IIST” payable at Thiruvananthapuram.
• Last date for receipt of the filled-in application form: 20th Dec 2011.

Any enquiry on Ph.D. Admissions should be addressed to the Secretary, Research Council, IIST at enquiry-phd@iist.ac.in, till 30th Nov, 2011. Emails not containing full-name, postal-address, contact-telephone-numbers and department-code/research-area of the prospective candidate, or other forms of enquiries, will not be responded to.