IISER Thiruvananthapuram

Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER), Thiruvananthapuram was established by the Ministry of Human Resource Development, Government of India to bridge the gap between basic sciences' research and teaching at the undergraduate level. Designated as an 'Institute of National Importance', IISER Thiruvananthapuram is dedicated to scientific research and science education of international standards. IISER Thiruvanananthapuram is an autonomous institution awarding BS-MS dual degrees, and Ph.D degrees in Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, Biology and interdisciplinary areas. Traditionally, teaching had been segregated from research in undergraduate science curricula in India. IISERs were established to bridge this dichotomy. The institute aims to provide high-quality education in modern science, integrating it with outstanding research at the undergraduate level and develop a spirit of research cutting across disciplines. The faculty is engaged in research in the frontier areas of basic sciences, with a high degree of autonomy and creativity. Student selection for the dual-degree BS-MS program is highly competitive, with application eligibility being restricted to (i) KVPY fellows, (ii) Students securing a rank within 10,000 in Common Rank List of IIT-JEE Advanced, and (iii) Students who score a minimum specified cut-off mark in the Higher Secondary Board Exams (Class 12). Applicants to the Ph.D. program must have qualified in at least one of the National Level Eligibility Tests/Fellowships, and have obtained a minimum of 60% marks (or equivalent) in the prior qualifying degree (Master's). The campus is located at Vithura, at the foothills of the Ponmudi hills, about 40km from Thiruvananthapuram. The site is blessed with rich greenery, three streams and a river running through it and a spectacular mountain backdrop. This serene and tranquil environment in the lap of the Western Ghats will be ideal for undertaking research and collegiate education.