Indian Institute of Science

Founded in 1909, the Indian Institute of Science (IIS) is situated in Bangalore, the capital of India’s southern Karnataka state.

The university has one undergraduate programme - the bachelor of science (research) degree which lasts four years. All students take modules in physics, mathematics, chemistry, biology and humanities and there is a strong emphasis on engineering. In the final year students undertake their own research oriented project supervised by an academic. Submission of applications takes place between February and March.

There are also master’s courses in management studies, technology and design as well as PhD programmes. Research students make up more than 70 per cent of the entire student body at IIS.

The university is made up of six main departments: biological sciences, chemical sciences, electrical sciences, interdisciplinary research, mechanical sciences, and physical and mathematical sciences. There are also individual centres for brain research, scientific and industrial consultancy, and sponsored schemes and projects.

Academics at the institute conduct research in several areas of science and technology including space science, material science and engineering, environmental and atmospheric sciences, endocrinology and genetic engineering. The university has also identified three areas for upcoming research: genomics, nano-sciences and mathematics.

More than 75 scholars at the institute have won the Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar Prize for Science and Technology (SSB).

The university’s gymkhana – its sports and culture centre – is spread over 26 acres and home to 27 clubs. There is also a health centre for staff, students and their families and, in 2001, the institution established a Centre for Counselling and Support.