Indian Association for the Cultivation of Science (IACS)

The Indian Association for the Cultivation of Science (IACS) is a premier research institute located in Kolkata, India. Established in 1876, IACS is one of the oldest and most prestigious scientific institutions in India. The institute is known for its outstanding research in the areas of physical, chemical, and biological sciences.

 

History

The Indian Association for the Cultivation of Science was founded in 1876 by Mahendra Lal Sircar, a renowned physician and scholar of the time. The institute was initially established as an organization for promoting scientific research and education in India. In 1905, the institute was reorganized and became a research institute with a focus on fundamental research in physical and chemical sciences. Over the years, IACS has grown into one of the leading research institutions in the country.

 

Nobel Laureate from IACS:

The Indian Association for the Cultivation of Science (IACS) is a renowned research institution in India that has a rich history of contributions to the field of science.

Some notable scientists associated with IACS who have received prestigious awards and honours for their pioneering work in their respective fields include:

Sir C. V. Raman: Although not directly associated with IACS, Sir C. V. Raman was a renowned Indian physicist who conducted some of his groundbreaking research on light scattering at IACS. He was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1930 for his discovery of the Raman Effect, which demonstrated the scattering of light and its change in wavelength upon interaction with matter.

 

Dr. Meghnad Saha was a renowned Indian physicist and astrophysicist who made significant contributions to the field of astrophysics and statistical thermodynamics. He is famously known for the Saha ionization equation, which provides a framework for understanding the physical and chemical properties of stellar atmospheres. Dr. Saha’s pioneering research in astrophysics and statistical thermodynamics has earned him several prestigious awards and honours, including the Padma Bhushan, the Copley Medal of the Royal Society, the Hopkins Prize of the Cambridge Philosophical Society, and the Ramanujan Medal of the Indian National Science Academy, among others. He served as the Director of IACS from 1952 to 1956. His work has had a lasting impact on the field of astrophysics, and his legacy continues to inspire scientists and researchers in India and around the world.

 

Professor Debashish Chowdhury: Prof. Debashish Chowdhury, a former faculty member at IACS, is a prominent physicist known for his contributions to the field of statistical physics, soft condensed matter physics, and interdisciplinary research. He has been awarded several prestigious honours, including the Alexander von Humboldt Research Award, the Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar Prize for Physical Sciences, and the TWAS Prize in Physics.

 

Professor Swadhin K. Mandal: Prof. Swadhin K. Mandal, a former faculty member at IACS, is a renowned chemist known for his research in the field of organometallic chemistry and catalysis. He has received several awards, including the Chemical Research Society of India (CRSI) Medal for Excellence in Inorganic Chemistry and the Indian National Science Academy (INSA) Medal for Young Scientists.

These are just a few examples of the notable scientists associated with IACS who have received recognition and awards for their outstanding contributions to the field of science. IACS continues to foster a culture of excellence in research and innovation, and its faculty and alumni are actively engaged in cutting-edge research in various fields of science, making significant contributions to the scientific community globally.

 

Research Areas

IACS is known for its research in various areas of physical, chemical, and biological sciences.

Some of the research areas at IACS include:

• Materials Science: IACS has a strong research program in materials science. The institute’s research focuses on the synthesis, characterization, and applications of advanced materials.
• Nanoscience and Nanotechnology: IACS has a vibrant research program in nanoscience and nanotechnology. The institute’s research focuses on the synthesis, characterization, and applications of nanomaterials.
• Chemical Biology: IACS has a strong research program in chemical biology. The institute’s research focuses on the study of biological systems using chemical tools and techniques.
• Theoretical and Computational Chemistry: IACS has a renowned research program in theoretical and computational chemistry. The institute’s research focuses on the development of new methods and techniques for studying chemical systems.
• Physical Chemistry: IACS has a strong research program in physical chemistry. The institute’s research focuses on the study of chemical systems using physical tools and techniques.

 

Courses offered

Integrated M.Sc.-Ph.D. Program:-

This is a five-year integrated program that combines a Master’s degree in science with a Ph.D. in science. The program is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the physical, chemical, and biological sciences and prepare them for research careers in academia, industry, or government.

 

Ph.D. Program:-

This is a research-based program that focuses on one or more areas of physical, chemical, or biological sciences. The program is designed to provide students with advanced training in research and prepare them for careers in academia, industry, or government.

 

Postdoctoral Fellowships:-

IACS offers postdoctoral fellowships to recent Ph.D. graduates who wish to pursue research in physical, chemical, or biological sciences. The fellowships provide funding for up to three years and are designed to support independent research projects.

 

Short-term Courses and Workshops:-

IACS also offers short-term courses and workshops in various areas of physical, chemical, and biological sciences. These courses and workshops are designed to provide students and researchers with an opportunity to learn about the latest developments in their fields and interact with experts in the field.

 

Eligibility:

Integrated M.Sc.-Ph.D. Program: Candidates must have a Bachelor’s degree in science or engineering with a minimum of 60% marks or a CGPA of 6.5 out of 10. Candidates who are in the final year of their Bachelor’s degree program may also apply.

 

Ph.D. Program:-

Candidates must have a Master’s degree in science or engineering with a minimum of 60% marks or a CGPA of 6.5 out of 10. Candidates who are in the final year of their Master’s degree program may also apply.

 

Postdoctoral Fellowships:-

Candidates must have a Ph.D. degree in physical, chemical, or biological sciences with a strong research background. Candidates who have submitted their Ph.D. thesis and are awaiting the award of the degree may also apply.

 

Short-term Courses and Workshops:-

The eligibility criteria for short-term courses and workshops may vary depending on the program. Typically, these programs are open to students and researchers who have a strong interest in the subject matter and a background in physical, chemical, or biological sciences.

 

Scholarships and fellowships:

According to DST guidelines, IACS provides students with a monthly stipend of Rs.12,000 who have a CGPA of at least 7.5 from their fourth year. The students that qualify for INSPIRE-SHE, KVPY, and JBNSTS receive Rs. 5,000 each month in addition to 20,000 rupees for internships. One key point is that if a student applies for an institutional stipend, they must stop receiving their Inspire/KVPY/JBNSTS scholarship.

When compared to similar institutions like IISERs, the annual academic fees (Rs. 13,500 from the second year onward) are significantly lower.

The Indian Association for the Cultivation of Science (IACS) offers several scholarships and fellowships to support students and researchers pursuing academic programs in physical, chemical, and biological sciences. Some of the scholarships and fellowships provided by IACS are:

 

Junior Research Fellowships (JRFs):-

IACS offers JRFs to candidates who have qualified the National Eligibility Test (NET) or the Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering (GATE) with a valid score. The fellowship provides a stipend to support the candidate’s research work and covers other expenses such as tuition fees, accommodation, and travel.

 

Senior Research Fellowships (SRFs):-

SRFs are available to candidates who have completed their JRF or are pursuing Ph.D. studies. The fellowship provides a higher stipend than JRFs and supports candidates’ research work and other expenses.

 

Research Associateships:-

IACS offers research associateships to candidates who have completed their Ph.D. studies or have several years of research experience. The associateship provides a stipend to support the candidate’s research work and other expenses.

 

Project Assistantships:-

IACS also offers project assistantships to candidates who are working on research projects sponsored by external agencies. The assistantship provides a stipend to support the candidate’s research work and other expenses.

In addition to these scholarships and fellowships, IACS also provides financial assistance to students and researchers to attend conferences, workshops, and other academic events. The institute also offers travel grants to support candidates who need to travel for their research work.

 

Selection procedure:

The selection procedure for admission to academic programs at the Indian Association for the Cultivation of Science (IACS) typically involves the following steps:

1. Online Application: Candidates must first apply online through the official website of IACS. The application form will require candidates to provide personal details, academic qualifications, and other relevant information.
2. Screening of Applications: After the application deadline, IACS will screen the applications and shortlist candidates based on their eligibility criteria, academic qualifications, and other factors.
3. Written Test: Shortlisted candidates will be required to appear for a written test conducted by IACS. The test will typically cover topics related to the candidate’s academic background and the program they have applied for.
4. Interview: Candidates who have cleared the written test will be called for an interview. The interview panel will consist of faculty members from IACS, who will evaluate the candidate’s research aptitude, academic potential, and other relevant skills.
5. Final Selection: Based on the performance in the written test and interview, the final selection of candidates will be made. The selected candidates will receive an offer letter from IACS, which they must accept to confirm their admission.

It is important to note that the selection procedure may vary depending on the program and the specific requirements of each department. Candidates are advised to check the official website of IACS for detailed information on the selection procedure for the program they are interested in.

 

Conclusion:

The Indian Association for the Cultivation of Science (IACS) offers various academic programs in the field of physical, chemical, and biological sciences. These programs are designed to provide students with a strong foundation in scientific principles and prepare them for careers in research and academia. With its strong research programs, state-of-the-art facilities, and talented faculty, IACS is an excellent institution for students who wish to pursue careers in science.

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