Indian Association for the Cultivation of Science: About Us

Established in 1876 by Dr. Mahendralal Sircar, the Indian Association for the Cultivation of Science (IACS) in Kolkata stands as Asia's oldest scientific institution. Funded by the Department of Science & Technology and the Government of West Bengal, IACS focuses on fundamental research in physics, chemistry, biology, mathematics, computational sciences, and materials sciences. With 67 faculty members guiding over 400 research students, it remains dedicated to academic excellence. Notably, Sir C.V. Raman's groundbreaking discovery of the "Raman Effect" occurred at IACS. Governed by a council, the institute upholds its rich history while striving for global recognition in scientific research.

Indian Association for the Cultivation of Science Vision, Mission & Objectives

Vision:

Center of Excellence: Achieve international recognition as a center of excellence in physical and life sciences.

Human Resource Development: Build human resources dedicated to advanced scientific knowledge for societal development.

Mission:

Infrastructure Development: Establish state-of-the-art infrastructure for research in the physical and life sciences.

Technology Application: Generate technology from the Northeastern (NE) region's natural resources for socio-economic upliftment.

Human Resource Focus: Specifically, focus on generating scientific manpower from the NE region.

Objectives:

Scientific Research Hub: Develop a hub for basic and applied scientific research in the physical and life sciences.

Extramural Funding: Strengthen research by securing funds through extramural projects.

Talent Attraction: Attract and motivate young talents to engage in scientific research.

Societal Awareness: Spread awareness for regional growth in science and technology through societal interventions.

Indian Association for the Cultivation of Science Admission Process, Eligibility Criteria and Fee Structure

Course	Eligibility Criteria	Selection Process	Duration	Fee Structure (approx. per year)
MSc-PhD Integrated Program (Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, Earth Sciences, Material Science)	B.Sc./B.Tech. with minimum 60% aggregate marks	MPST (Mathematics Proficiency Screening Test) + Personal Interview	5 years	₹ 25,680
Ph.D. Program (All Science Streams)	M.Sc./M.Tech. with minimum 60% aggregate marks	Qualifying National Level Exam (UGC-NET/CSIR-NET/GATE/JEST) + Personal Interview	3 years	₹ 25,680

How do I apply for admission to the Indian Association for the Cultivation of Science?

1. Visit the IACS website: https://www.iacs.res.in/.

2. Go to the "Academics" section: This section provides information on all academic programs offered by IACS, including admission details.

3. Choose your program: Click on the program you are interested in to learn more about the eligibility criteria, the selection process, and other relevant information.

4. Check the eligibility criteria: Ensure you meet all the eligibility requirements before applying.

5. Apply online: Most programs at IACS require online applications. You will need to create an account on the IACS website and fill out the online application form.

6. Submit the required documents: The required documents may vary depending on the program, but typically include scanned copies of your academic transcripts, mark sheets, certificates, recommendation letters, and statement of purpose.

7. Pay the application fee: The application fee also varies depending on the program and your category (general, OBC, SC, ST, etc.). You can usually pay the fee online using a debit card, credit card, or net banking.

Indian Association for the Cultivation of Science Facilities

Research Laboratories: IACS houses well-equipped laboratories for various scientific disciplines, including physics, chemistry, biology, materials science, and earth sciences. These labs are equipped with state-of-the-art instruments and equipment to support cutting-edge research.

Central Instrumentation Facility (CIF): The CIF provides shared access to sophisticated analytical instruments and technical expertise for researchers across different departments. This facility plays a crucial role in supporting research activities by offering services like:

X-ray diffraction

Scanning electron microscopy

Nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy

Mass spectrometry

High-performance liquid chromatography

Computational Facility: IACS has a high-performance computing facility with a cluster of computers and dedicated servers. This facility provides researchers with the computational power they need to handle complex simulations and data analysis tasks.

Library: The IACS library houses a vast collection of scientific books, journals, and other resources. The library also provides access to online databases and e-journals.

Seminar Hall: The institute has a well-equipped seminar hall that is used for hosting seminars, workshops, conferences, and other academic events.

Guest Houses: IACS provides guest house facilities for visiting scientists, scholars, and students.

Other Facilities: The institute also offers other facilities like a cafeteria, a sports complex, and a medical center to support the well-being of its students, faculty, and staff.

Career Opportunities after Indian Association for the Cultivation of Science

Within Academia and Research:

Ph.D. Studies:

Common path for graduates, especially from integrated M.Sc.-Ph.D. programs.

Pursue a Ph.D. in India or abroad, with many alumni entering prestigious programs worldwide.

Postdoctoral Research Positions:

After a Ph.D., individuals can undertake postdoctoral positions at universities, research institutions, or national laboratories.

Gain further research experience under established scientists' guidance.

Research scientist positions:

Graduates, with experience, can secure positions in government research organizations, national labs, or private research companies.

Conduct independent research, contribute to projects, and potentially lead research teams.

Academic Careers:

A strong track record in research allows graduates to pursue academic careers at universities or colleges.

It involves teaching, conducting research, and contributing to the academic community.

Outside Academia and Research:

Industry Careers:

Skills developed at IACS, like data analysis and scientific computing, are assets in various industries:

Pharmaceuticals and biotechnology

Materials science and engineering

Energy and environment

Information technology and data science

Consulting firms

Government Jobs:

Graduates with expertise can work in government agencies (e.g., CSIR, DBT) in roles involving policymaking, scientific administration, or research management.

Science Communication and Outreach:

Those passionate about science communication can explore careers in:

Science journalism

Science writing

Science education

Work for science magazines, educational institutions, or communication agencies, translating complex concepts for public understanding.

Indian Association for the Cultivation of Science Activities

Seminars and workshops: IACS regularly organizes seminars, workshops, and conferences on various scientific topics. These events bring together researchers, students, and experts from different institutions to share knowledge, discuss recent advancements, and foster collaboration.

Summer schools and winter schools: IACS conducts summer and winter schools on specific scientific themes. These intensive programs provide an opportunity for students and researchers to learn from leading scientists in focused areas.

Public outreach programs: IACS recognizes the importance of science communication and public engagement. They organize various outreach programs like science lectures, exhibitions, and demonstrations, to make science accessible and interesting to the general public.

Visiting scientist program: IACS has a well-established visiting scientist program that invites renowned scientists from around the world to deliver lectures, collaborate on research projects, and interact with students and faculty.

Student chapter activities: IACS fosters a vibrant student community through various student chapter activities. These chapters organize events like talks, quizzes, debates, and cultural programs, enriching the student experience beyond academics.

Indian Association for the Cultivation of Science Scholarships Programme

IACS Scholarships:

Institute Scholarships:

Awarded based on a specific CGPA in qualifying examinations.

Details are subject to change; refer to the official IACS website for the latest information.

Additional Scholarship Options:

Inspire Fellowship:

Offered by the DST, Government of India.

Supports doctoral-level research in science and the humanities.

Kishore Vaigyanik Protsahan Yojana (KVPY):

DST initiative encouraging research in basic sciences.

Offers scholarships to eligible students.

Jawaharlal Nehru National Scholarship for Doctoral Fellowship (JBNSTS):

UGC-funded scholarship for Ph.D. students in Science and Humanities.

Eligibility Criteria:

Varies for IACS and external scholarships.

Check official websites for details on academic qualifications, entrance exams, CGPA requirements, and research area restrictions.

Application Process:

IACS Scholarships:

Apply separately after securing admission to the institute.

Refer to the IACS website and admission brochure for specific details.

External Scholarships:

Each program has its own application process and deadlines.

Review information on the respective program websites before applying.

Indian Association for the Cultivation of Science Affiliation and Accreditation

Affiliation:

University Grants Commission (UGC):

Recognized and funded by the UGC.

UGC is a Government of India statutory body overseeing higher education coordination and funding.

Accreditation:

National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC):

Accredited with an "A" grade by NAAC.

NAAC, an autonomous UGC body, assesses and accredits higher education institutions in India.

"A" grade signifies IACS as a high-quality educational institution.

Additional Notes:

IACS gained deemed university status in 2018.

Formerly affiliated with the University of Calcutta.

As a deemed university, IACS has the authority to award its own degrees and diplomas.

While not accredited by specific professional bodies in individual science disciplines, the "A" grade from NAAC ensures a high standard of education across all programs.

Indian Association for the Cultivation of Science's FAQs

Q: What is the significance of the "Raman Effect" at the Indian Association for the Cultivation of Science?

A: The "Raman Effect" is a groundbreaking discovery in physics made by Sir C.V. Raman at the Indian Association for the Cultivation of Science (IACS). In 1928, Raman observed the inelastic scattering of light when it interacts with molecules. This phenomenon provided important insights into the vibrational and rotational modes of molecules, contributing significantly to the understanding of molecular structure. The discovery earned Sir C.V. Raman the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1930, making IACS a historic institution with a notable scientific legacy.

Q: How can I access the facilities at the Indian Association for the Cultivation of Science's Central Instrumentation Facility (CIF)?

A: The Central Instrumentation Facility (CIF) at IACS provides shared access to sophisticated analytical instruments for researchers across different departments. To access the CIF facilities, researchers need to submit proposals outlining their research requirements and the instruments they wish to use. The proposals undergo evaluation, and approved projects are granted access to the CIF facilities. Researchers may also receive technical assistance from the CIF staff to ensure proper utilization of the instruments.

Q: What career opportunities are available after completing a program at the Indian Association for the Cultivation of Science?

A: Graduates from IACS have various career opportunities both within academia and research and outside these domains. Within academia and research, options include pursuing Ph.D. studies, undertaking postdoctoral research positions, securing research scientist positions, and pursuing academic careers at universities or colleges. Outside academia, graduates can explore careers in industries such as pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, materials science, energy, and information technology. Additionally, opportunities exist in government jobs related to policymaking, scientific administration, and research management, as well as in science communication and outreach.

Q: How can I apply for scholarships at the Indian Association for the Cultivation of Science?

A: IACS offers institute scholarships, and there are also external scholarship options available for students. The application process for IACS scholarships involves applying separately after securing admission to the institute. For external scholarships like the Inspire Fellowship, Kishore Vaigyanik Protsahan Yojana (KVPY), and Jawaharlal Nehru National Scholarship for Doctoral Fellowship (JBNSTS), students need to review the eligibility criteria and application process on the respective program websites. It's essential to check the official IACS website and the specific scholarship sources for the latest information on eligibility, application procedures, and deadlines.

Q: Is the Indian Association for the Cultivation of Science affiliated and accredited?

A: Yes, the Indian Association for the Cultivation of Science is recognized and funded by the University Grants Commission (UGC), which is a statutory body of the Government of India overseeing higher education coordination and funding. Additionally, IACS has been accredited with an "A" grade by the National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC). NAAC is an autonomous body under the UGC that assesses and accredits higher education institutions in India. The "A" grade signifies that IACS maintains a high standard of education across all its programs.