About the Programme
The PhD in Public Health, offered by the Isaac Centre for Public Health and situated within the Tata IISc Medical School at the Indian Institute of Science, is an interdisciplinary research programme designed to prepare scholars to address complex public-health challenges through rigorous scientific inquiry and innovation.
Drawing on IISc’s strengths in the basic sciences, engineering, data science, and artificial intelligence, the programme emphasises mentored, original research aligned with national and global health priorities. It places strong emphasis on methodological rigour, analytical depth, and translational relevance, and is intended for candidates committed to advancing public-health knowledge through sustained, independent, and interdisciplinary scholarship at a leading science and technology institution.
Areas of Research
Faculty research interests include:
- Chronic-disease epidemiology, prevention, and interventions
- Women’s and adolescent health
- Nutrition and population health
- Environmental health
- Infectious-disease epidemiology, modelling, and interventions
- Artificial intelligence in public health
Programme Structure
The PhD combines advanced coursework, research training, and mentored dissertation work. Scholars work closely with faculty supervisors and engage with IISc’s broader academic ecosystem to enable cross-disciplinary collaboration and methodological innovation.
Progression follows IISc regulations for doctoral research, including coursework requirements, comprehensive evaluation, and thesis submission.
Admission routes available (only)
- Ph.D. Programmes in Medical Sciences (PhD in Public Health) — Full-time residential programme with stipend.
- External Registration Programme (ERP) — Sponsored PhD. Click to know more.
There is no provision for part-time PhD or any mode other than the two routes above.
International applicants: please visit the IISc Office of International Relations for further guidance.
Admissions
How to Apply
-
Review the official Admissions Announcement and Admissions webpage for programme details and requirements (important dates, fees & scholarships, FAQ, etc.).
- If applying as full-time PhD, review this page on the IISc admissions site.
- If applying via ERP, review this page on the IISc admissions site.
- International applicants: see the IISc Office of International Relations.
- Submit your application through the IISc Admissions Portal before the relevant deadline.
- Follow instructions in the Announcement and IISc website for any programme-specific procedures and updates.
Important deadlines:
Last date to apply — Full-time PhD candidates: 23 March 2026
Last date to apply — ERP candidates: 31 March 2026
Engage with the Isaac Centre for Public Health
The Centre shares programme updates, notices, and live Q&A session information through its LinkedIn channel. Prospective applicants are encouraged to follow the LinkedIn channel for the latest information and engagement opportunities.
Contact us for specific clarifications: Contact Us
You can download the presentation slides (PDF) of the live Question & Answer session held by ICPH faculty on 24 February 2026:
Last updated on: 25 February 2026