Homi Bhabha National Institute (HBNI) has invited applications from Engineering Postgraduates for Admission to Department of Atomic Energy (DAE) Doctoral Fellowship Scheme (DDFS) -2023, formerly known as DGFS-PhD. 

The selected students will be admitted to one of the four Constituent Institutions of HBNI namely, (i) Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC), Mumbai (ii) Indira Gandhi Centre for Atomic Research (IGCAR), Kalpakkam (iii) Institute for Plasma Research (IPR), Gandhinagar (iv) Variable Energy Cyclotron Centre (VECC), Kolkata. These centers are engaged in research in various branches of engineering such as Chemical, Computer, Electrical, Electronics, Instrumentation, Mechanical, Metallurgical or Materials and Nuclear Engineering. The PhD. Programme in Engineering Sciences is extremely challenging in view of the expanding Nuclear Power Programme of the Department of Atomic Energy. 

The fellowship under DDFS is tenable for four years. Any further extension for one more year is based on the progress made in PhD programme and recommendations of the Competent Authority. In any case, no extension will be given beyond five years. 

The fellowship payable under the scheme is Rs.60,000/- pm. Annual contingency grant is Rs. 40,000/-. Research fellows will also get medical benefits under Contributory Health Services Scheme. Female student will be eligible for maternity leave as per Government of India rules. Hostel accommodation (if available) is mandatory during PhD programme. In case of nonavailability of hostel, DDFS fellows will be eligible for house rent allowance (HRA) as per Government of India rules.

Eligibility: Applicants should be Indian citizens and should possess M.E. /M.Tech. or equivalent postgraduate degree in one of Chemical, Computer, Electrical, Electronics, Instrumentation, Mechanical, Metallurgical/Materials, Nuclear Engineering with minimum 60% marks. In addition to this, the student should have 60% marks in B. E. /B. Tech. or any other degree considered to enter M.E./M.Tech. programme. Candidates with MCA/IT degree are not eligible. 

Applicant should have been born on or after August 1, 1995. Age limit is relaxable for certain reservation categorises. Details are given at https://www.barc.gov.in/careers/ddfs-2023.pdf 

Selection: Selection is a two-step process. Applicants who fulfil the eligibility criteria will appear in a written Screening Exam to be held at multiple centres across India on June 18, 2023 (tentative). The syllabus for Screening Test will be same as that of BE/B Tech.

Candidates will be shortlisted for Selection Interview based on performance in the screening test as well as on previous academic record. There will be 50% weightage for average of M.E./M.Tech  (Semester-I and Semester-II percentages) and 50% weightage for percentage in the BARC Screening Exam. The final selection will be based on performance in the Interview only. 

Application: Applications can be submitted online at https://barcphdexam.com latest by May 18, 2023.