The Institute of Language Studies and Research (ILSR) Kolkata, in collaboration with Jadavpur University, has announced the ILSR PhD and Postdoctoral Research Programme 2026. The programme invites applications for admission to the PhD programme and postdoctoral fellowships in various interdisciplinary research areas in the humanities and social sciences. Candidates with exceptional research backgrounds and doctoral qualifications are encouraged to apply. This initiative aims to foster advanced academic research and provide excellent resources for scholars pursuing Humanities studies.
Also read: Centre for Wildlife Studies PhD Admissions 2026: Apply Now for Ecological Research Opportunities
Vacancy details and Research areas
| Programme | Number of Positions | Research Areas |
|---|---|---|
| Postdoctoral Fellowship | 6 | Medieval Bengal: Language, Literature and Cultural Trends; Language, Literature and Indigeneity; History of Bengali Manuscript; Religion and Society; Gender Studies; Archival Studies; Translation Studies; Post-humanities; Subaltern Studies; Conflict Studies; Critical Theory; Vernacular Modernity |
| PhD Programme | Not specified | Humanities and Social Sciences with interdisciplinary options |
Fellowship and Benefits
The postdoctoral fellowship at ILSR Kolkata does not provide financial support directly. However, fellows are encouraged to secure external funding or third-party grants, for which ILSR offers support in the application process. Selected candidates receive working desks, academic resource access, and continuous faculty guidance during their research tenure.
Eligibility Criteria
The eligibility criteria under the ILSR PhD and Postdoctoral Research Programme 2026 is given here:
Postdoctoral Fellows
- Must hold doctoral degrees with outstanding research records.
- Preference for candidates with research experience and advanced teaching.
- Skills in academic publications and in writing external grant applications are preferred.
PhD Programme
- Indian nationals with a postgraduate degree in Humanities or Social Sciences with at least 55% marks, subject to State Government reservation policies.
- Candidates with other postgraduate degrees and an interest in interdisciplinary humanities research are welcome to apply.
- Applicants must have completed a 2-year MA or equivalent from a recognised university.
- For MA or equivalent degrees shorter than two years, a minimum of five years of combined undergraduate and postgraduate study is required.
Selection Process
The selection process under the ILSR PhD and Postdoctoral Research Programme 2026:
- Postdoctoral candidates are selected through interviews based on academic expertise, publication records, and research proposals.
- PhD applicants undergo a written test followed by an interview, except for candidates who qualify for exemptions, such as NET/ SET/ GATE, or regular M.Phil holders.
Exam Pattern / Admission Test Details
- The PhD candidates applying under the ILSR PhD and Postdoctoral Research Programme 2026 will attend a written test and interview conducted by the respective departments.
- Exemptions from the written test are granted in certain cases, such as holding a two-year M.Phil degree obtained through a written test or NET/SET/GATE qualifications.
- Interview dates and further details will be notified on the ILSR and Jadavpur University websites.
Documents Required
- Two recent passport size photographs
- Attested copies of all mark sheets and certificates, including Madhyamik admit card/certificate for age verification
- SC/ST/OBC-A/OBC-B/PD certificates where applicable
- NET/SET/GATE certificate if applicable
- For M.Phil degree holders outside Jadavpur University, a certificate confirming selection by written test and research methodology coursework
- Online payment receipt of application fees
- Draft research proposal (maximum 1000 words) for postdoctoral applicants
- Curriculum Vitae (maximum four pages) for postdoctoral applicants
- Statement of Purpose (maximum 500 words) for PhD interview
Steps to Apply
- The candidate applying under the ILSR PhD and Postdoctoral Research Programme 2026 must download the application form from the ILSR website (Given below)
- The candidate must pay the application fee of Rs. 1500 through the given bank account by net banking, Paytm, or G-pay.
- Submit the completed application form along with all required documents and a fee payment receipt by post or manual submission to the ILSR office.
- Email a single PDF containing the application and payment proof to toilsr.2022@gmail.com with the subject “application for PhD programme ILSR-JU 2026” or “application for Postdoc programme ILSR-JU 2026” as applicable.
- Ensure both hard copy and soft copy submissions are completed by the deadline.
Fee Structure/ Application Fees
Application fee for both PhD and postdoctoral programmes is Rs. 1500 per candidate. Fees are payable via net banking, Paytm, G-pay, or similar services using the following banking details: A/C Name: ILSR, A/C No: 50100561469570 Code: HDFC0004582, Bank: HDFC Bank, Salt Lake, Sector III Branch, Kolkata
Important Dates
| Opening of the Application portal | 7th of February, 2026 |
| Last date to apply | 27th of February, 2026 |
Important Links
| Official Website | Click here |
| ILSR PhD and Postdoctoral Research Programme 2026 – Official notice ( PhD) | Click here |
| ILSR PhD and Postdoctoral Research Programme 2026 – Official notice (Postdoctoral research) | Click here |
| Link to Apply | Click here |
For more news and updates, click here.
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
