For Prospective Students
Welcome to CeNSE – Your guide before the interviews
“ Are you excited about the opportunity to join CeNSE as a PhD or student? We’re thrilled to have you consider us! CeNSE operates with a vision of taking science to systems to society. Our research is not only deeply rooted in fundamental and applied science but also leads to impactful technologies that have been transferred to industry, startups, and the strategic sector.
We wish you the very best for your interviews. Stay calm, stay confident. Our process is designed to be supportive and fair.”
– CeNSE Faculty
Interview process
– Interview Slots (As seen in your interview letter)
Slot 1: 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Slot 2: 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM
When you arrive for the interview, you will be provided with a sheet similar to the one shown below. Please prepare your list of preferred research areas and faculty preferences (Upto 5) in advance.
Check CeNSE faculty profiles here: https://www.cense.iisc.ac.in/people/
– Based on your choices, you will be assigned to a specific panel of experts for the interview.
– Depending on your faculty list and the panel composition, you may have one or more rounds of interviews. You will be informed about the details at the venue.
Topics:
- Math & analytical reasoning (e.g. plotting functions, basic calculus, differential equations)
- Coursework-related questions (UG/PG)
- Research aptitude and motivation
- If you’ve worked on research project – foundational aspects of the project.
Interview Day Logistics?
- Location: Ground floor lobby, CeNSE Building, IISc
- Timing: As per slot indicated in IISc email
- Documents to carry: Bring your interview call letter
- Facility Tour: A guided tour of our national facilities will be arranged. Don’t miss this chance to explore where you might work! https://youtu.be/AU_cke-cbmQ?si=2nca55e-OI788RRN
Why choose CeNSE?
At CeNSE, you will find an unparalleled environment to fuel your ambitions. We are a truly interdisciplinary department that welcomes students from a wide range of academic backgrounds — and we take pride in shaping future leaders across academia, industry, startups, and government sectors.
What makes CeNSE unique?
- Cutting-Edge Research Across Diverse Areas
- Materials
- Electron-devices
- Integrated Systems
- MEMS/NEMS/ Microfluidics
- Bio-Medical Interface
- Quantum Technologies
- Photonics
- Brain-inspired computing
Whether you’re passionate about fundamental science or applied technologies, CeNSE provides the platform to pursue meaningful, impactful research.
- Access to World-Class National Facilities : Students at CeNSE benefit from direct hands-on access to three of India’s premier research facilities, all operating 24×7:
- National Nano Fabrication Centre (NNfC): India’s largest ISO-certified academic cleanroom facility, offering 14,000 sq. ft. of Class 100 and Class 1000 cleanrooms equipped with over 75 state-of-the-art fabrication tools.
- Micro and Nano Characterization Facility (MNCF) : A 7,000 sq. ft. ISO-certified precision environment housing over 50 high-end characterization tools across Electrical, Mechanical, Optical, and Materials labs.
- Packaging and Systems Facility : A 2,500 sq. ft. space with a 1,000 sq. ft. Class 10k semi-cleanroom, supporting advanced semiconductor packaging, embedded design services, and system testing.
- Student-Centric Research Ecosystem
Research at CeNSE is not limited to isolated projects. You will work closely with faculty and peers in thematic labs, use cutting-edge infrastructure, and engage in collaborative projects that address real-world problems.*