ICMR-VCRC M.Sc. admission 2026: Eligibility, dates and process

Indian Council of Medical Research–Vector Control Research Centre (ICMR - VCRC); Department of Health Research, Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, Govt. of India; Indira Nagar, Puducherry 605 006, has invited applications for admission to M.Sc. Public Health Entomology (PHE) Programme for 2026-27, a two-year course affiliated with Pondicherry University, Puducherry.

Applicants are considered for admission under two categories, Category I and Category II.

Eligibility Category I: Applicant should have obtained a Bachelor’s degree in Biological Sciences (Biology/Agriculture/ Biotechnology/Microbiology/Life Science) with Zoology as a major or allied subject or Entomology as one of the Subjects from a University recognised by the Pondicherry University, Puducherry. Applicant should have a minimum 55% mark in core and allied subjects excluding language or an equivalent Grade (50%/equivalent grade for those belonging to OBC-NCL/SC/ST. Those appearing for the Under-Graduate final examinations/ waiting for the results of the above courses can also apply. However, they should submit the Provisional Certificate at the time of admission.

Eligibility Category II: In-service candidates with an age of 45 or below employed in the Centre or State Health Department will be considered under Category II. Applicant should have passed the Degree examination in any of the above-mentioned disciplines from a University recognised by the Pondicherry University, Puducherry. Such applicants should send their application with a ‘No Objection Certificate’ and ‘Certificate of Sponsorship’ (approved study leave with salary) from their Employer.

Seats: 20, of which 18 seats are for Category I (General -40.5%, OBC- 27%, EWS -10%, SC- 15% & ST- 7.5%). Two seats are for Category II. If they are not filled by In-Service candidates, the seats will be considered as Category I seats.

Selection: Selection under Category I will be based on the performance in the Common Entrance Test (CET) to be conducted on May 23, 2026, in Puducherry. The duration of the exam is two hours. There will be 100 multiple-choice questions, each carrying one mark. Minimum qualifying mark for shortlisting is 50% in CET.

For In-Service (Category II) candidates, selection will be based on the qualification, experience and performance during an oral interview to be conducted by the Admission Committee on June 3, 2026.

Stipend: Candidates selected through CET (Category I) will be paid a monthly stipend of Rs. 10,000/- for two years. In-Service (Category II) candidates will not be paid any stipend.

The Notification is available at https://vcrc.icmr.org.in/.

Application form can be downloaded from https://vcrc.icmr.org.in/ (Manpower Development > M.Sc. (PHE) & Ph.D > Admission links) or from https://vcrc.icmr.org.in/images/pdf/Application_Form.pdf

An application fee of Rs. 500/- for GEN/OBC/EWS candidates; Rs. 250/- for SC/ST candidates has to be paid by way of a Demand Draft drawn in favour of ‘The Director, ICMR-Vector Control Research Centre’, payable at Puducherry. The filled-in application along with the DD should be sent by Speed Post in an envelope labelled as ‘Application for admission to M.Sc., PHE 2026-27’ to ‘The Director, ICMR-Vector Control Research Centre, Medical Complex, Indira Nagar, Puducherry-605 006’ to reach by 15th April, 2026.

Commencement of the programme will be intimated by ICMR-VCRC for the selected candidates. Candidates may familiarise themselves with the rules and regulations of Pondicherry University (https://www.pondiuni.edu.in/)