PhD Soil Biology from ICAR-IISS

ICAR-IISS is the premier institute in India for research in soil science, it focuses on diversifying and intensifying soil use to suit the needs of a growing population in a sustainable way. I am honored to be a part of it, and enjoy most the lab work and the workshops.

There is no restriction for the course curriculum as such. You are just expected to write book reviews, article reviews, research articles in peer reviewed journals, attend workshops and seminars and keep the faculty posted about the progress of your research.

Placements after a PhD program is rare, if at all possible. The institute was created for the primary purpose of research, so naturally it does not offer career assistance. The network circle is very powerful, and there are no difficulties in finding a job after researching here.

There are obviously no fee payable for the PhD course, though you might need to pay for the accommodation. The fellowship amount for the period of research is mentioned at the time of admission, and changes with time.

There are different divisions in the institute and each division has laboratories especially catered to suit its needs, with the latest equipment and the required testing capacity. We also have access to the library and the Information and Documentation Service.

Admission for IISS are taken care of by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research. ICAR takes written test for its institutes, which is followed by a personal interview. The results are published as a combination of the two, and admission is confirmed.

Being a part of ICAR, the faculty naturally is the best of the best; scientists, researchers, academicians, industry experts. For PhD students, they are very approachable, helpful as well as encouraging.