Getting shortlisted for the TIFR GS 2026 interviews is a huge win. If you’ve seen your name on the list that came out on January 28, 2026, first of all—congratulations! Now comes the part where they actually test how you think, not just what you’ve memorized.
For the 2026 session, interviews are happening across centers like Mumbai, Bangalore (CAM/NCBS), and Hyderabad. Since today is February, many of the Physics and Biology rounds are currently in full swing or just finishing up.
TIFR GS 2026 Interview Schedule
1. Mathematics (The Next Big Window)
If you are a Math student, your most important dates are coming up in March.
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TIFR Centre for Applicable Mathematics (CAM), Bangalore: They have already released a specific schedule. Interviews for both PhD and Integrated PhD are set for March 25 to 27, 2026.
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School of Mathematics (Mumbai): They usually conduct a Stage II Written Test first. This is scheduled for March 15, 2026. If you clear this, your interview dates will be announced shortly after.
2. Physics (Mumbai & Hyderabad)
Physics interviews started early this year.
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Integrated PhD (Mumbai): February 16 – 17, 2026 (Completed).
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PhD (Mumbai): February 23 – 24, 2026 (Just finished).
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Physics (JEST/GATE Route): If you applied through JEST, the interview dates are often slightly different and usually fall in late March or April. Keep an eye on your email!
3. Biology (JGEEBILS)
The Biology selection process is a bit unique because multiple centers (NCBS, TIFR-H, DBS) use the same score.
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Round 1 & 2: Many virtual interviews for Integrated PhD and PhD were held between February 16 and February 20, 2026.
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NCBS Bangalore: They often have a “Round 2” where they invite you to the campus. If you haven’t heard back yet, check your dashboard; some slots extend into March.
4. Chemistry, Computer Science & LIDS
These subjects are generally scheduled for the March–April 2026 window.
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TIFR Hyderabad & Mumbai: They usually release these shortlists in batches. If your subject says “TBD” (To Be Determined), it means the department is still finalizing the faculty slots.
| Subject Board | Interview Status | Dates / Expected |
| Physics (I-PhD/PhD) | Completed | Feb 16–24, 2026 |
| Math (CAM Bangalore) | Upcoming | March 25–27, 2026 |
| Math (Mumbai) | Stage II Test | March 15, 2026 |
| Biology | Ongoing | Feb–March 2026 |
| Chemistry/CS | Upcoming | March–April 2026 |
5. How to Check Your Interview Slot
TIFR doesn’t always put a giant list on the front page. Here is how you actually find your name:
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Go to the TIFR GS Admissions Portal.
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Click on your specific Subject Board (e.g., Chemistry or Biology).
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Look for the link: “List of candidates shortlisted for Interview.”
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Check your Email: This is the most important. TIFR sends a formal “Call Letter” via email which contains your Zoom link (if online) or Travel Instructions (if offline).
6. What to Carry (For Offline Interviews)
If you have to travel to Mumbai or Bangalore:
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Original Certificates: 10th marksheet up to your latest degree.
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Travel Tickets: TIFR usually reimburses 3-tier AC train fare. Keep your tickets (and even your boarding pass if you fly) to claim the money.
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Recommendation Letters: Ensure your referees have uploaded them. Some departments won’t interview you if the letters are missing!
7. A Quick “Human” Tip for the Interview
Don’t try to impress them with big words. TIFR professors love it when you say, “I don’t know the answer to this, but here is how I would try to solve it…” They are looking for research potential, not a human textbook.
Practice solving problems on a piece of paper while explaining your logic out loud—this is exactly what they will make you do!