Education
INST Mohali | Institute of Nano Science & Technology
This article covers everything about INST Mohali. Get to know about its history, admissions process, courses offered, eligibility criteria, contact details, events, and other important information.
Prestigious History of INST Mohali
In accordance with the 2007 “Nano-Mission” launched by the government of India, a broad objective of basic research promotion, human resource development, promotion of international collaboration, direct industrial involvement in the development of Nano applications, and more were set as a growth plan.
With respect to working on the same lines, the government of India agreed on the establishment of INST in Mohali, which is a knowledge city. Moreover, it has been registered under the Societies Registration Act XXI of 1860. By the Registrar of the Societies of SAS Nagar vide Certification No. 2590, which dates back to 21st August 2009.
The Institute of Nano Science and Technology (INST) was established in January 2013. Also, it is an autonomous institute in Mohali, Punjab. It was the Department of Science and Technology (DST), Government of India, that took the initiative to start this institute under the Nano mission to improve India’s reach, research, and development in the field of Nano Science and Technology.
In 2020, the campus of INST shifted to Sector-81 of Mohali, which has over 35 acres of land. The Institute of Nano Science and Technology includes research programs in Physics, Chemistry, Biology, and interdisciplinary sciences. Additionally, it discusses issues in chemical biology, quantum materials, the environment, nano-devices, and the field of energy.
Aim and Mission of the Institute
INST Mohali aims to emerge as the country’s foremost research Nano Science and Technology institute. It is a place where engineers, biologists, chemists, physicists, and material scientists together have an affinity toward the field of Nano Science and Technology.
The primary aim of this institute is to come up with new technologies, solutions, and processes in different sectors of – healthcare, defense, energy, environment, water, and agriculture.
INST comes up with a lot of activities that contribute to some of the major programs of importance to the nation, such as Swasth Bharat, Swachh Bharat Abhiyan, Smart Cities, Smart Villages, Make in India, Clean & Renewable Energy, etc. Additionally, the institute offers robust solutions and technologies to combat issues related to these programs.
They also have a philanthropic program called the “School adoption program,” which was launched in the year 2015. Through this program, the institute provides the required infrastructure, technological information, and incentives to Government schools in India.
The institute also formulates programs for rural and remote areas targeting the young generation to make them aware of the development of technological solutions.
The exclusive mission of INST Mohali is to ideate solutions, devices, and technologies for defense and commercialization. They also aim to generate affordable devices for the healthcare sector.
Noteworthy Objectives of the Institute of Nano Science & Technology
Some of the schemes on which the institute works are as follows –
- Building of infrastructure and Manpower
- Promotion of research activities in the field of nanoscience and technology
- Giving excellent training to the Ph.D. students
- Imparting advanced training and laboratory techniques at the highest level possible
- Organizing and promoting the students under training to attend national and international level conferences and seminars
- Encouraging novel and challenging innovations and tech/product-based projects
- Publishing scientific research papers that have an impact
- Generation of patents in Nano Science and Technology
- Incubating translational research that reaches the industries from the lab
Modern and High-Tech Facilities at INST
The Institute of Nano Science and Technology promotes research and technology in the field. Since the mission of the facility is so high, advancement in infrastructure and research inventory is important. As a result, the institute has the following technological advancements.
- Research Lab with a microscope, scattering system, analyzers, fluorometer, calorimeter, rheometer, electrochemical workstation, diffractometer, and surface profiler.
- Laboratory with Electron microscopes such as SEM (Scanning Electron Microscope), TEM (Transmission Electron Microscope), and AFM (Atomic Force Microscope).
- Spectroscopies include UV-Vis spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, UV-Vis spectroscopy, and Photoluminescence spectroscopy.
- XRD (X-ray diffractometer), Thermogravimetric analysis, Differential Thermogravimetric analysis.
- Library with around 400 books in Nanoscience and Nanotechnology, Seminar Hall, computer center with good speed internet for study or related work. Auditoriums, State-of-art instruments.
Administration of INST Mohali
There is a board of Governors consisting of researchers, administrators, and academicians who manage the Institute of Nano Science and Technology. Prof. Uday Maitra is the chairman of this institute, and the founding chairman is C.N.R. Rao of Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research (JNCASR), Jakkur, Bangalore.
Ashok K Ganguli was the director of this institute when it started in January 2013. From January 2018 to March 2020, Hirendra Nath Ghosh was the director. Amitava Patra has been the current director since 11 March 2020. The family of INST can reach out to him through [email protected] for direct communication.
INST Faculty
The Institute of Nano Science and Technology has a notable faculty consisting of scientists and researchers. The faculty here is well-experienced and well-qualified, with Ph.D. degrees and various research papers published in the field of Nano Science and Technology.
There are a total number of 36 scientists and a total of 14 administrative staff.
Professor Amitava Patra is the Director of INST in Mohali. Some of the notable faculty members from the Institute of NanoScience and Technology are:
Dr. Debabrata Patra is the associate professor of this institute. His academic qualifications are B.Sc, M.Sc, Ph.D.
Prof. H. N. Ghosh is the Professor at this institute. His academic qualifications are B.Sc, M.Sc, Ph.D.
Dr. Jayamurugan Govindasamy is the associate professor of this institute. His academic qualifications are B.Sc, M.Sc, Ph.D.
Dr. Kamalakannan Kailasam is the professor at this institute. His academic qualifications are B.Sc, M.Sc, Ph.D.
Dr. Menaka Jha is the Scientist-C of this institute. Her academic qualifications are B.Sc, M.Sc, Ph.D.
Dr. Monika Singh is the Scientist-C of this institute. Her academic qualifications are B.Sc, M.Sc, Ph.D.
Dr. Prakash P. Neelakandan is the Associate Professor of this institute. His academic qualifications are B.Sc, M.Sc, Ph.D.
Dr. Ramendra Sundar Dey is the Scientist-C of this institute. His academic qualifications are B.Sc, M.Sc, Ph.D.
Dr. Sonalika Vaidya is the Assistant Professor (Scientist-D) of this institute. Her academic qualifications are B.Sc, M.Sc, Ph.D.
Dr. Tapasi Sen is the assistant professor (Scientist-D) of this institute. Her academic qualifications include B.Sc, M.Sc, and Ph.D.
Dr. Vivek Bagchi is the Scientist-C of this institute. His academic qualifications are B.Sc, M.Sc, Ph.D.
Significant Areas of Research of the Institute
The major areas of research where The Institute of Nano Science and Technology, Mohali, wants to research are Device Physics, Sensors, Agriculture Nanotechnology, Medical Nanotechnology, Nano Biotechnology, Quantum materials and Device Physics, Nano technology-based solutions, and devices related to energy and environment.
Also, under the umbrella of research, INST Mohali provides the opportunity to dive into industrial and sponsored projects. Well-researched publications of various eminent scientists are available on its official website.
Units of The Institute of Nano Science and Technology
The three departments or units of this institute are Energy and Environment Unit, Chemical Biology Unit, and Quantum Material and Devices Unit. Although they are the main units, there are specialized diversions related to each one of them.
Courses Offered at INST Mohali
The courses offered at INST are:
1. The first course is a Ph.D. which has a duration of 3 years. For those ones who want to take their respective field ahead and continue the progression of learning, Post Doctoral for a duration of 2 years is also available.
2. Research Internship with a minimum duration of 3 months and a maximum of 12 months is open for all the aspirants
3. Not to miss the Project Fellowship, which is equally useful and beneficial.
Application Procedure
The students are selected on the basis of ranks obtained in entrance exams like GATE/CSIR or UGC-NET/JEST/JGEEBILS (TIFR/NCBS)/ICMR-JRF/DBT-JRF/DST-INSPIRE/GPAT.
For Ph.D. Programs in INST Mohali
Steps for admission to the Ph.D. program:
- You can apply if you have a degree of M.Sc. or M.Pharm or M.Tech degree, in general,/Applied Sciences/Engineering or similar fields. Final-year students who can produce the degree at the time of joining can also apply.
- Visit the official website of INST. Download the application form and fill in all the information required carefully.
- The candidates should send the filled form and Synopsis to [email protected] as an advance copy.
- Then the candidate has to send some of the documents along with the application form. This needs to be sent to the permanent address of the institute, which is – The Habitat Centre, Phase – 10, Sector – 64 Mohali – 160062.
The documents must include the following:
- Photograph of the Candidate
- Age Certificate
- Candidate’s Educational Qualification (Mark Sheet, Degrees and Certificate of Class 10, 12 and Bachelor’s/Graduate degree, Master Degree Final Marksheet.
- Work Experience certificate in case of a working candidate.
- SC/ST/OBC/PH category certificate – valid and self-attested copies.
After the shortlisting process is completed, the selected candidates are invited for an interview. Post the discussion, the candidates are shortlisted again. A form with the names of the selected candidates is displayed on the official website.
The institute pays for the travel expenses of the candidate for the Rail (Sleeper Class) or Non-AC bus. Candidates need to show the tickets as proof.
Bank Details
The candidate must pay the application fees online to the bank account INST Mohali. You must mention your full name during the transaction. For the General, OBC, and EWS categories, there is a fee of INR 590. For SC.ST, and PH categories, there is a fee of INR 295.
Refer to the mentioned-below details of the bank to pay the required amount.
Account Name: Director, INST Mohali
Account Number: 2452201001102
IFSC Code: CNRB0002452
BANK: CANARA BANK, Sector 34A, Chandigarh 160022
Application Procedure in INST for Internship Programmes
If you are a candidate from any Basic Sciences/Applied Sciences/Engineering Institutes/Universities, you are eligible to apply for an internship at INST Mohali. The scientist or supervisor needs to agree to guide the candidate applying for the Internship.
- Candidates seeking an internship can fill out the application form online.
- Upload all the documents as required and make sure that the documents are scanned properly. Low-quality scans or blurred copies of the documents will be rejected.
- The senior authorities go through all the candidates. The institute sends an e-mail to the selected candidates.
Application Dates of Internship Programmes
Summer Internship
Application Date: 1st March – 21st March
Duration of Programme: May – July
Short Term Internship
Application Date: 1st April – 21st April
Duration of Programme: June – December (3-6 months)
Research Internship
Applications are accepted throughout the year.
Duration of program: 1 year
The institute does not provide any stipend to the interns in INST Mohali. Students need to bear their own expenses. There is a Funded Internship program only for the ST candidates where they get an allowance of INR 10,000 every month for Research Projects in Nanoscience and Nanotechnology.
Campus Life at INST Mohali
Besides imparting the best quality technical and scientific knowledge, the campus organizes various seminars and conferences for real experience. From celebrating little things to being a part of international-level meetups, INST is not behind.
Some of the noteworthy events are teachers’ day, Swachh Bharat Program, the 8th MRS trilateral conference, yoga day, and more. Researchers and students of the institute have always found solutions to fight the issues, be it agricultural or any other.
Conclusion
INST in Mohali combines fundamental science with advancements in technologies to deal with problems that are of national and global importance.
For more information, visit the official website of the institute and the Facebook page.
Address
Sector – 81, Knowledge City, Sahibzada Ajit Singh Nagar, Punjab, Pin – 140306
Timings
Monday – Friday (9 am – 5 pm)
Contact No
0172 221 0075, 2210057, 2210056
Website
Education
CA Exams Postponed Due to Floods in Punjab and Jammu
The Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) announced changes to the CA exams in May 2025.
The Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) announced that the CA exams postponed due to floods in Punjab and Jammu. Heavy rainfall and flooding disrupted cities including Amritsar, Bathinda, Jalandhar, Ludhiana, Mandi, Gobindgarh, Pathankot, Patiala, Sangrur, and Jammu City. These conditions made daily life difficult and created major challenges for students preparing for exams. 🌧️
ICAI emphasized that student safety comes first. Therefore, they decided to postpone the exams until conditions improve. In their notice, ICAI also clarified that exam dates will not change if a public holiday is declared by either the central or state governments. This ensures consistency in planning.
Students were reminded to check updates regularly on the official website icai.org. Staying informed online is essential for anyone preparing for such important exams.
Meanwhile, the CA Foundation exams began today. These exams mark the starting point of a Chartered Accountancy career. ICAI has also released dates for the September 2025 Foundation exams, September 16, 18, 20, and 22. 📅
Importantly, ICAI holds these exams not only across India but also in nine international cities. The list includes Abu Dhabi, Bahrain, Thimpu, Doha, Dubai, Kathmandu, Kuwait, Muscat, and Riyadh. This reflects the global demand for the CA qualification.
Exam times remain synchronized with Indian Standard Time (IST). For example, Abu Dhabi, Dubai, and Muscat will start at 12:30 PM local time, matching 2:00 PM IST. Bahrain, Doha, Kuwait, and Riyadh begin at 11:30 AM local time, again aligning with 2:00 PM IST. In Kathmandu, exams start at 2:15 PM local time, while in Thimpu, the start is 2:30 PM local time, both corresponding with 2:00 PM IST. ⏰
Punjab frequently struggles with seasonal flooding, especially in Mohali and Chandigarh. Roads often suffer damage, making travel hard for residents. For students, these conditions bring extra pressure, affecting both preparation and access to exam centers.
By postponing, ICAI gave students a fair chance to appear without fear or obstacles. The decision provides relief and time for candidates to recover from the disruption. It also shows that academic institutions must balance strict schedules with compassion during crises.
As the weather improves, students will get another opportunity to perform at their best. Authorities encourage them to stay focused and continue preparing diligently.
In conclusion, the CA exams postponed due to floods highlights how ICAI prioritized safety while supporting students through difficult times. This decision ensures fairness and encourages resilience as candidates prepare for one of India’s toughest professional journeys. 🌈
Education
Chandigarh Teacher Parveen Kumari Honored with National Award
A Proud Moment for Chandigarh
Parveen Kumari, a dedicated teacher from Chandigarh, has been chosen for the National Teachers’ Award 2025.
Parveen Kumari Honored with National Award, marking a proud moment for Chandigarh as she joins just 45 teachers across India recognized this year. A Social Studies teacher at Government Model Senior Secondary School, Sector 20-B, she will be celebrated on September 5, 2025, at Vigyan Bhawan in New Delhi. The honor from the Ministry of Education carries a certificate, silver medal, and a ₹50,000 cash prize.
The Chandigarh Education Department expressed pride in her achievement, stating that the recognition reflects their transparent and fair nomination process. Director Harshuhinder Pal Singh Brar emphasized that her success validates their approach, while Secretary Prerna Puri noted that focusing on true contributions helps identify national role models.
For Parveen, the award is deeply personal. Overwhelmed with happiness, she shared her emotions in simple words, while her retired teacher parents felt immense pride. Her father, Pawan Kumar, praised her consistent dedication, and her mother, Naresh Kumari, reflected on their years of hard work. Her supportive husband Rajneesh, along with children Parth and Prachi, also celebrated the achievement.
Parveen has brought innovation into her classrooms. With advanced degrees in English, History, and MPhil, she introduced creative methods such as puppet shows, role-play, music, and dance to make Social Studies engaging. She built a Social Science Lab, set up a Herbal Nursery and Lily Pond, and shared over 150 resources on platforms like Diksha, PM Vidya, and Kishor Manch to support inclusive education.
Her influence extends beyond academics. Since 2018, she has led the Student Police Cadet (SPC) Program, empowering girls with skills like self-defense and road safety. As a Guide Captain, she has taken students to national and international jamborees and now serves as the State Training Commissioner, training educators to establish Guide units in schools.
Parveen also champions environmental causes. She spearheaded campaigns such as “Go Green Diwali” and “Herbal Holi,” along with anti-tobacco and substance abuse awareness programs. Recognized with several honors, including the Eco Warrior Award in 2024, her efforts earned praise from senior environmentalists.
Her dedication continues a family legacy in teaching, inspired by her uncle Om Parkash, a 2011 National Teachers’ Award recipient. Colleagues describe her as an all-rounder with a cheerful spirit, always ready to serve.
Ultimately, Parveen Kumari Honored with National Award symbolizes more than an individual achievement. It reflects her unwavering commitment to education, community, and environment, inspiring both students and teachers to pursue excellence and make a lasting impact.
Education
Ludhiana Teachers Frustrated by Technical Issues in Transfer Process
Problems with the Teacher Transfer Process
Teachers in Ludhiana are feeling frustrated. Their ability to select their new stations for transfers has hit a snag due to technical problems. T
Ludhiana teachers frustrated as their transfer process has been disrupted due to major technical glitches in the education department’s online portal. The department was forced to pause the selection of new stations after a flood of complaints, leaving educators anxious about their future and students’ learning.
The trouble began when teachers found that many options for new postings were missing on the portal, while others couldn’t access the link at all. On August 7, the department issued a notice confirming the temporary suspension of primary cadre station selection, promising to reopen on August 12 after fixing the issues. However, the disruption has already impacted schools, forcing staff changes mid-session.
Educators worry that such delays harm both teaching quality and classroom stability. According to Dharamjeet Singh Dhillon, district president of the Lecturer Cadre Union, students adapt to a teacher’s style in the early months, so sudden transfers can confuse both sides and disrupt syllabus coverage. He stressed that transfers should be finalized by June to ensure smooth functioning.
Adding to the uncertainty, a similar order was released for secondary teachers on August 8, but without a reopening date. This left teachers unsettled and school principals hesitant to approve moves, fearing staff shortages. Daljit Singh Samrala of the Democratic Teachers’ Front reminded that every teacher has the right to seek a transfer. He noted that union representatives even met the Director of Secondary Education, pressing for urgent solutions.
Teachers argue that this is more than a technical flaw, it directly affects classroom management and learning outcomes. Punjab’s education system has repeatedly struggled with online transfers, exposing deeper management problems. Mid-year shifts often hinder syllabus completion and unsettle students.
In Ludhiana, where schools already face pressure to maintain standards due to the city’s industrial environment, stability is crucial. Teachers now demand a fairer and more efficient system, with better communication from the department to avoid confusion.
Ultimately, the pause has highlighted systemic weaknesses that require immediate reform. Ludhiana teachers frustrated by these delays, want a reliable process that ensures both effective teaching conditions. And an uninterrupted academic journey for students.
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