Located on the lap of the lower Himalayas, near the beautiful hill town of Nainital, Aryabhatta Research Institute of Observational Sciences (ARIES) is an autonomous research institute funded by the Department of Science and Technology (DST). Astronomy & Astrophysics division of ARIES is engaged in cutting-edge research in the fields of Solar Physics, Extrasolar Planets, Stellar physics, Interstellar Matter, Transients like Supernova and GRBs,  AGN,  Galaxy Morphology, Relativistic Astrophysics etc. The Atmospheric division specializes in atmospheric chemistry, trace gases, boundary layer meteorology, atmospheric dynamics, aerosols etc. ARIES extends the opportunity to all eligible students to pursue an exciting research career as a PhD student in Astronomy & Astrophysics and Atmospheric Sciences.

PhD Admissions (August 2026)

In this round, all eligible and motivated students are invited to apply for the Junior Research Fellowship programme of ARIES, leading to a PhD. Students admitted to the PhD programme are initially offered a Junior Research Fellowship (JRF). Successful completion of the coursework is mandatory for all the JRFs. After completing two years as a Junior Research Fellow, a student is offered a Senior Research Fellowship (SRF) after an assessment. The total tenure of the fellowship will not exceed five years, including the coursework.

Fellowship: Rs 37000/- per month (JRF); Rs 42000/- per month (SRF).

Minimum Qualification 

• A 2-year/4-semester Master's degree in Science (Physics/Astrophysics/Atmospheric Sciences/Earth & Environmental Sciences) after a 3-year/6-semester Bachelor’s degree in Science, with at least 55% marks in aggregate or its equivalent grade in a point-scale 

OR 

• A 4-year/8-semester Bachelor’s degree in Science (Physics/Astrophysics/Atmospheric Sciences/Earth & Environmental Sciences) with a minimum of 75% marks in aggregate or its equivalent grade on a point scale.

A 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). Applicants should have a valid JEST -OR- GATE -OR- CSIR/UGC NET (JRF/LS) qualification in Physics. All the applications will be further screened by taking into account marks/ranks in JEST/GATE/NET and M.Sc., and other guidelines decided by ARIES. Fulfilling the minimum qualifications does not guarantee a call for an interview.

Application Process 

An online application through the AcSIR portal is mandatory for all applicants. The AcSIR portal can be accessed by clicking on the "Apply Now" button below.

Apply Now

Final selection will be made on the basis of an Online/Offline interview to be held at ARIES, Nainital. For the candidates appearing in person, shared accommodation may be provided upon request (only to the shortlisted candidates) for one night prior to the day of the interview.

• Application Portal Open: 01 March 2026
• Deadline for online application submission: 14 April 2026
• Intimation to shortlisted candidates for Interview:  04 May 2026
• Date of Interview (Online/Offline): Between 11 May – 30 June, 2026 (Exact dates will be updated before the application closing)
• Announcement of the selected candidates: 1 week after the last day of the interview
• Date of Joining: Between 27 July – 03 August, 2026

Contact

Dr. Kuntal Mishra
Coordinator

Academic Committee
Aryabhatta Research Institute of Observational Sciences (ARIES)
Manora Peak, Tallital Sub PO,
Nainital -263001 Uttarakhand
E-mail: kuntal [at] aries [dot] res [dot] in