Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology Hyderabad has officially released the notification for CSIR CCMB August 2026 PhD Program. The notification (No. 02/2026) invites applications from Indian citizens to pursue cutting-edge research in modern biology leading to a Ph.D. degree awarded by the Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR).
The online application portal is now open, and candidates can apply through the official link until 14th April 2026. This is a premier opportunity for aspiring researchers to join one of India’s most distinguished biomedical research institutes and work on advanced topics in life sciences.
CSIR-CCMB PhD Program August 2026 Overview
The CSIR-CCMB PhD Program August 2026 is designed for candidates who wish to pursue doctoral research in modern biology. CCMB, a constituent laboratory of the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), offers research opportunities in broad areas such as Cell Biology, Molecular Biology, Genetics, Genomics, Developmental Biology, Plant Molecular Biology, Conservation Biology, Ecology, Evolution, Protein Structure and Function, Biology of Macromolecules, Biology of Infection, Immunology, Epigenetics, Chromatin Biology, and Bioinformatics.
| Program Name | CSIR-CCMB PhD Program (August 2026 Session) |
|---|---|
| Conducting Institute | Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology (CCMB), Hyderabad |
| Notification No. | 02/2026 |
| Degree Awarding Body | Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR) |
| Application Mode | Online |
| Official Website | ccmb.res.in |
CSIR-CCMB PhD Notification 2026 PDF
The CSIR-CCMB PhD Notification 2026 (August Session) has been released on the official website. It provides complete information about vacancies, eligibility criteria, fellowship requirements, selection process, and important dates. Candidates must read the CSIR-CCMB PhD Notification 2026 PDF carefully before applying. The notification also explains the special procedure for candidates opting for the Laboratory for the Conservation of Endangered Species (LaCONES). Downloading the CSIR-CCMB PhD August 2026 notification helps candidates understand the admission process clearly and avoid errors.
[Download CSIR-CCMB PhD August 2026 Notification PDF]
CSIR-CCMB PhD August 2026: Important Dates
Candidates applying for the CSIR-CCMB PhD August 2026 program must follow the official schedule. Applications submitted after the last date will not be accepted. All dates are fixed by the institute.
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Notification Release Date | 06 March 2026 |
| Online Application Start Date | 06 March 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply Online | 14 April 2026 |
| Date of Computer-Based Written Test (Remote Proctored) | 26 April 2026 |
| Tentative Dates for In-Person Interview at CCMB | First-Second week of June 2026 |
| Expected Date of Joining | August 2026 |
Also Read: BITS PhD Admission 2026-27
CSIR-CCMB PhD Eligibility Criteria 2026
Candidates must meet the educational qualification and fellowship requirements to apply for the CSIR-CCMB PhD Program August 2026. CSIR-CCMB PhD Eligibility Criteria 2026 defines the qualifying degree, minimum marks, and valid fellowship needed for admission.
Educational Qualification
| Qualification Path | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Path 1 (M.Sc. Degree) | A 2-year/4-semester Master’s degree in Science after a 3-year/6-semester Bachelor’s degree in Science, with at least 55% marks in aggregate or its equivalent grade. |
| Path 2 (Integrated BS/B.Tech) | A 4-year/8-semester Bachelor’s degree in Science (e.g., BS, B.Tech) with a minimum 75% marks in aggregate or its equivalent grade. |
Relaxation: Age relaxation of 5% marks or its equivalent grade may be allowed for those belonging to SC/ST/OBC (non-creamy layer)/Differently-Abled/Economically Weaker Section (EWS).
Fellowship Requirement
A valid national-level fellowship is an ABSOLUTE requirement for pursuing a Ph.D. at CCMB. The fellowship MUST be valid by the time of joining (August 2026).
Eligible Fellowships:
- JRF/SRF of any funding agency (CSIR, UGC, DBT, ICMR, DST, etc.)
- DBT-BET (Biotechnology Eligibility Test)
- DST-INSPIRE
- Rajiv Gandhi National Fellowship (RGNF)
- Any other equivalent fellowship tenable at AcSIR-associated Research Institutes.
Note: Candidates with lectureship only in the CSIR-UGC (NET) examination will not be shortlisted for the interview.
Special Eligibility for LaCONES Only Candidates
For candidates who want to be considered for the Laboratory for the Conservation of Endangered Species (LaCONES) only:
- The applicant should have qualified either GATE Ecology and Evolution OR have a valid National-level Fellowship (JRF of CSIR, UGC, DBT, DST, etc.) or any other equivalent fellowship like DBT-BET, INSPIRE, RGNF, etc.
Also Read: NIT Durgapur MBA Admission 2026-28
CSIR-CCMB PhD August 2026 Apply Online Link
The CSIR-CCMB PhD August 2026 apply online link is available on the official CCMB website. Candidates must first register with AcSIR and then submit their application to CCMB. The application portal will remain active only till the last date. No offline application will be accepted.
How to Apply
Candidates must follow a two-step process to apply for the CSIR-CCMB PhD Program August 2026. The application process includes AcSIR registration, CCMB application, document upload, and preference selection.
Step 1: Register with AcSIR
Before applying to CCMB, candidates must first register with the Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR) at the following link:
- AcSIR Registration Link: Check Here
- While registering, candidates must choose the CSIR-CCMB Ph.D. Program as one of the options.
Step 2: Apply to CSIR-CCMB
After completing AcSIR registration, candidates must submit their application to CCMB through the dedicated portal:
- CCMB Application Link: Check Now
Application Procedure:
- Step 1: Visit the CCMB application link provided above.
- Step 2: Complete the registration process by entering your name, contact details, and email-id.
- Step 3: Log in and fill in the detailed application form with personal, educational, and fellowship details.
- Step 4: Indicate your preference for pursuing a PhD at:
- Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology (CCMB)
- Laboratory for the Conservation of Endangered Species (LaCONES)
- Exclusively at “LaCONES only”
- Step 5: For candidates opting for “LaCONES only”, upload a Statement of Purpose (SOP) when applying online.
- Step 6: Upload scanned copies of required documents (educational certificates, fellowship proof, etc.).
- Step 7: Review all the entered details and submit the form.
- Step 8: Take a printout of the final submitted application for future records.
FAQs
Q1. What is the CSIR-CCMB PhD Program August 2026?
It is a doctoral program offered by CSIR-CCMB, Hyderabad, where selected candidates can pursue research in modern biology leading to a Ph.D. degree from AcSIR.
Q2. What is the last date to apply for the CSIR-CCMB PhD August 2026?
The last date to submit the online application is 14th April 2026.
Q3. What are the educational qualifications required?
Candidates need either a 2-year Master’s degree with at least 55% marks or a 4-year Bachelor’s degree in Science with at least 75% marks.
Q4. Is a fellowship mandatory to apply?
Yes, a valid national-level fellowship (CSIR/UGC/DBT/ICMR/DST-INSPIRE, etc.) is an absolute requirement for pursuing a Ph.D. at CCMB.
Q5. Do I need to register with AcSIR before applying to CCMB?
Yes, candidates must first register with AcSIR and choose the CSIR-CCMB PhD Program as an option before applying to CCMB through the dedicated link.
Q6. Are LaCONES only candidates required to take the written test?
No, candidates opting for “LaCONES only” are exempted from the computer-based written test. They are screened based on their application and Statement of Purpose.
