JIPMER Announces NET-Qualified Full-Time PhD Admissions for February 2026 Session
The Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and Research (JIPMER), an Institution of National Importance functioning under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India, has released its PhD prospectus for the February 2026 session. The prospectus invites applications from eligible NET-qualified candidates for full-time doctoral programmes. The institute has also indicated that this particular admission cycle will be repeated every four months during the calendar year to accommodate multiple intakes.
Key Dates for the February 2026 Cycle
The prospectus lists the following important timeline for the February 2026 admission cycle:
– Start date for receipt of applications: 25-02-2026
– Last date for receipt of soft copy of applications through e-mail: 10-03-2026
– Last date for receipt of hard copy of applications: 15-03-2026
– Publishing of eligible candidates list: 25-03-2026
– Interview dates: Will be intimated later
– Declaration of final results and dispatch of admission orders (tentative): 30-04-2026
The institute has stated that the admission cycle will recur every four months (February–March; June–July; October–November) and that relevant dates for subsequent cycles will be announced through the institute’s official channels at the commencement of each cycle.
Who Is Eligible to Apply?
Applicants seeking admission to the full-time PhD programme must meet one of the following academic conditions as per the prospectus:
– Medical qualification: MBBS/MD/MS/DM/MCh from a recognized medical college, or Diplomate of National Board of Examination (DNB/DrNB) in the relevant subject, with registration of the degree(s) with the Medical Council of India (MCI) as per project requirements.
– Non-medical qualification: A Master’s degree (two- or three-year course) from a UGC-recognized Indian university or equivalent in a subject relevant to the project.
– Nursing qualification: M.Sc. in a nursing specialty (applicable for the College of Nursing), with the degree registered with the Indian Nursing Council (INC).
Additional eligibility criteria:
– Candidates should have at least 50% aggregate marks in the qualifying examination.
– Candidates who obtained their Master’s degree through distance-learning mode are not eligible for this full-time PhD programme.
Application Fees and Mode of Payment
Application fees are specified by category:
– General (UR)/EWS: Rs. 1,500 + transaction charges
– OBC: Rs. 1,500 + transaction charges
– SC/ST: Rs. 1,200 + transaction charges
– PwD: Exempted from application fees
The prospectus makes clear that application fees once paid are non-refundable. Payment must be made online via SBI Collect. Applicants are instructed to select Educational Institutes → JIPMER → JIPMER Puducherry and the Payment Category listed for doctoral and allied programmes.
Application Procedure and Selection Process
All candidates must apply using the prescribed application format enclosed in the prospectus. Each applicant may select up to three topics of interest from a table of available projects. The degree requirements for each subject or department are provided in that table.
Selection steps:
– Shortlisted eligible candidates will be called for a viva voce examination (conducted online or offline) by the PhD Admission Committee.
– Shortlisted candidates will be allowed to review concept proposals of projects they are interested in and may contact potential guides for clarification.
– A rank list will be prepared based on viva performance. Candidates scoring more than 50% in the viva voce will be eligible for selection.
– Topic allotment will follow rank order and the candidates’ stated preferences within their chosen subjects/departments.
Conditions at admission:
– Candidates must not be pursuing any other full-time or part-time course or holding a regular or contract job at the time of joining or during the PhD tenure.
– Candidates employed in government organizations must produce a No Objection Certificate (NOC) at the time of admission.
– Applications failing to meet prescribed eligibility criteria will be rejected.
Fees Payable at Admission and Annual Charges
The institute has specified the following fee structure:
– Admission fee (one-time): Rs. 3,000
– Caution deposit (refundable at admission): Rs. 3,000
– Tuition fees (annual): Rs. 2,200
– Learning resource fee (annual): Rs. 6,000
– Student information details (annual): Rs. 1,500
– Identity card (one-time): Rs. 150
Total fees at admission: Rs. 15,850. Annual fees from the second year amount to Rs. 9,700. These amounts are subject to revision by the competent authority.
Accommodation Details and Charges
In-campus accommodation is limited and not guaranteed for PhD scholars; candidates should plan for off-campus housing if required. Hostel charges at admission and subsequently are outlined as follows:
At admission/allotment (single, double, or triple sharing):
– Establishment charges (per annum, non-refundable): Rs. 6,000
– Hostel caution deposit (refundable): Rs. 5,000
– Hostel mess deposit (refundable): Rs. 3,000
– Room rent (double sharing, Rs. 500/month) or single sharing if available for first-year students at Rs. 750/month
Total payable at entry/allotment: Rs. 20,000 (double/triple) or Rs. 23,000 (single, if available).
Subsequent years:
– Double/triple sharing: Establishment charges Rs. 6,000 + room rent Rs. 6,000 per annum = Rs. 12,000
– Single room: Establishment charges Rs. 6,000 + room rent Rs. 6,000 per annum = Rs. 15,000
Refunds of caution and mess deposits will be made on vacating the hostel after applicable deductions. Hostel fee payment for subsequent years follows the institute’s hostel manual.
Duration, Leave Policy, and Discontinuation Penalties
Duration:
– Minimum research period for full-time PhD scholars is three years from provisional registration. Scholars are expected to work in their department on working days, except when permitted to visit other institutions or laboratories for research-related activities.
– Maximum duration: five years for full-time candidates and six years for part-time candidates from the date of provisional registration. Extensions beyond six years may be granted only by the competent authority under extraordinary circumstances. Failure to complete within the stipulated period will result in automatic cancellation of registration.
Leave and related rules:
– Annual leave permitted: 30 days.
– Conference leave: Two leaves per year not exceeding a total of 10 days, only if the scholar presents a paper based on thesis work.
– Maternity leave for women candidates: 135 days (4.5 months) as per existing rules.
– Study/training leave outside the institute (up to six months total during registration) may be sanctioned if recommended by the guide, with required acceptance proof and post-return reporting.
Break of study:
– The PhD programme is continuous; break of study is not permitted for any reason, including medical grounds. Candidates opting to leave the programme will have their names removed from the institute rolls.
Penalty for discontinuation:
– If a candidate discontinues within 12 months: fine of Rs. 25,000
– Between 12–24 months: fine of Rs. 50,000
– Between 24–36 months: fine of Rs. 75,000
Conversion between full-time and part-time status is not permitted under normal circumstances. Any issues not covered by the prospectus will be referred to the Dean (Research) and the Director, whose decision will be final.
Important Notes and Where to Find the Full Prospectus
Applicants should note that any attempt to influence the admission process will result in disqualification. Communications regarding examinations, merit lists, counseling, and related matters will be posted on the institute’s official channels; candidates are responsible for monitoring those notifications.
For the complete official prospectus and detailed instructions, consult the institute’s official notification or medichelpline.