1. About the Programme
Under the collaboration of Indian Council of Medical Research and Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), the National Centre for Disease Informatics and Research (ICMR–NCDIR), Bengaluru, offers a prestigious Ph.D. programme in Medical Research. This programme provides a unique platform for aspiring scholars to contribute to public health research through data-driven approaches, advanced epidemiological methods, and interdisciplinary training.
By integrating NCDIR’s expertise in non-communicable diseases with AcSIR’s commitment to high-quality research training, the programme equips students to address pressing health challenges in India and globally.
2. Why Choose ICMR–NCDIR for Ph.D.?
The ICMR–AcSIR Ph.D. Programme at ICMR–NCDIR provides students with a unique opportunity to work on India’s largest non-communicable disease setup for epidemiology research, generating research with direct national and global health impact. Scholars are trained in advanced epidemiology, biostatistics, data science, and health informatics, with exposure to cutting-edge methods including AI and machine learning. The programme emphasizes interdisciplinary learning and fosters collaborations with hospitals, health departments, international agencies, and leading academic institutions. Located in Bengaluru, India’s research and health-tech hub, students benefit from a vibrant scientific ecosystem and strong professional networks. They are encouraged to publish, present at conferences, and contribute to policy-relevant research. Graduates emerge with highly valued skills for careers in academia, public health, government, and global research organizations.
Note: At ICMR–NCDIR, no wet-lab based omics studies, including bioinformatics research on genomic or molecular datasets, are carried out. The research focus is entirely on population-based studies, epidemiology, health data science, and health systems research.
3. Research Areas
Students can choose to pursue doctoral research in any of the following broad areas:
- • NCD Epidemiology: Registries, surveys, and survival studies.
- • Biostatistics and Data Science: Statistical modeling, survival analysis, predictive analytics, and AI applications.
- • Health Technology Assessment: Evaluating interventions, health economics, and cost-effectiveness.
- • Clinical Care and Health Systems Research: Pathways of care, health service delivery, and implementation research.
4. Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must hold one of the following qualifications:
• Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) / Master of Surgery (M.S.) / Doctor of Medicine (D.M.) / Master of Chirurgiae (M.Ch.)
• Master’s degree in:
- - Science (life sciences, medical sciences, public health, population studies, Nutrition studies)
- - Biostatistics, mathematical sciences, or data science
- - Social medicine, community health, anthropology, sociology, or social work (medical focus)
- - Health economics or related disciplines
5. Admissions & Application Process
Admissions to the Ph.D. programme are conducted through AcSIR’s central portal.
Steps to Apply:
- Visit the AcSIR Admission Portal.
- Create a profile and fill the online application form.
- Upload required documents.
- Appear for entrance examination and/or interview as per AcSIR guidelines.
Important Note: Deadlines and detailed instructions will be announced on the AcSIR portal.
7. Facilities & Resources
Students will have access to:
- • NCDIR Data Repositories: National cancer registry, diabetes, CVD, and stroke datasets.
- • Advanced Computational Tools: Statistical software, machine learning platforms, and secure data systems.
- • Collaborating Institutions: Hospitals, state health departments, and academic partners.
- • Modern Infrastructure: Dedicated computer facilites, seminar halls, and digital resources.
8. Achievements & Impact
• Leadership in disease registries influencing national cancer and NCD control programmes.
• Contributions to national NCD burden and estimates.
• High-impact publications in NCD epidemeology, cause of death certification, and health informatics.
• Evidence-based insights shaping national and state-level health policies.
9. Contact Information
ICMR – National Centre for Disease Informatics and Research (ICMR–NCDIR)
II Floor, Nirmal Bhawan, ICMR Complex,
Poojanhalli Road, Off NH-7,
Adjacent to Trumpet Flyover of KIAL,
Kannamangala Post, Bengaluru – 562 110, India.
Email: coordinator.icmr-ncdir@acsir.res.in
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
The Ph.D. programme is a collaboration between the Indian Council of Medical Research – National Centre for Disease Informatics and Research (ICMR–NCDIR), Bengaluru, and the Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR). It trains students in advanced research areas related to non-communicable diseases, epidemiology, biostatistics, data science, and public health.
Applicants must hold a postgraduate degree such as M.D., M.S., D.M., M.Ch., or a Master’s in Science, Public Health, Biostatistics, Mathematical Sciences, Population Studies, Social Sciences (medical/health focus), Economics (health), or related disciplines. Please check AcSIR website for more information.
The Ph.D. usually takes 3 to 5 years, depending on the research progress, coursework completion, and thesis submission.
Only students who already hold a valid research fellowship (such as from CSIR, ICMR, DBT, UGC, or any other recognized national/international funding agency) are eligible to apply. ICMR–NCDIR does not provide independent fellowships for the Ph.D. programme. For sponsored candidates please find information in AcSIR website.
Students are guided by expert faculty from ICMR–NCDIR, including epidemiologists, statisticians, and public health researchers. Supervisors are formally recognized under AcSIR.
Graduates can pursue careers in:
- - Academic and research institutions (faculty, postdoctoral research)
- - National and international public health agencies
- - Health data science and analytics organizations
- - Policy and programme implementation roles in government and NGOs