INFORMATION BROCHURE
for admission to
Ph.D. (Full Time) Programme
Session 2024
INTERNATIONAL CENTRE FOR FREE AND OPEN
SOURCE SOLUTIONS
Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala - 695581
Recognised Research Centre of Jawaharlal Nehru University
(JNU), New Delhi
01. INTRODUCTION
ICFOSS (International Centre for Free and Open Source Solutions) is an autonomous
institution under the Electronics & IT Department, Government of Kerala, which was set up
with the mandate of providing services to the Government, Industry (particularly SMEs),
and Civil Society, for the promotion of Free and Open Source Solutions and related
domains. Since it started functioning in 2011, ICFOSS has undertaken several activities to
achieve the objectives, including Training & Capacity Development, Research,
Consultancy; studies and surveys; International and domestic advocacy and networking.
ICFOSS also strives to promote Kerala as a destination for FOSS based IT work including
Open Source Hardware through creating critical mass of trained human resource and by
providing mechanism for market interface. ICFOSS has started on the above concepts and
currently focuses on FOSS based support services to Government departments, innovators,
young graduates and students. ICFOSS also works with groups that want to work towards
incubation, by providing pre-incubation services.
Government of Kerala, set up ICFOSS as a nodal organisation to support and extend free
software activities in the state, at the same time linking with communities, developers,
groups and institutions abroad. During these years ICFOSS has made a solid platform in the
field of FOSS for providing high-end services to the general public, Engineering students,
academicians, SME's, Universities etc. ICFOSS has been approved by Department of
Scientific & Industrial Research (DSIR), Govt. of India as a Scientific and Industrial
Research Organization (SIRO).
The Centre has been recognized as a Research Centre of Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU)
for pursuing Researach & Development in multidisciplinary areas such as Computational
Linguistics, Computer Science, Management and Entrepreneurship.
02. DOCTORAL RESEARCH: PROGRAMS AT ICFOSS
The Ph. D program will lead to the award of Ph. D by JNU, subjected to satisfactory completion of
the academic and research requirements of JNU.
The Doctor of Philosophy degree is awarded for research work in various FOSS areas recognized
by JNU. The research should demonstrate originality, whether through the uncovering of new facts,
a novel perspective on interpreting and implementing existing facts, or the creation of equipment
that significantly advances FOSS technology. It must showcase the candidate's ability for critical
analysis, sound judgment, and offer an original contribution to the current body of knowledge.
03. AREA OF RESEARCH:
Research opportunities are available in the following areas
1. Computer Science ( Artificial Intelligence/ Machine Learning/ Data Science)
2. Computational Linguistics
3. Entrepreneurship and Management
04. ACADEMIC ELIGIBILITY :
1. Applicants with Masters degree in Engineering/ Computer Applications/ Computer
Science/ Computational Science/ Computational Linguistics/ Linguistics/ Data
Science/ Mathematics/ Physics/ Electronics/ Management, with a minimum of 55%
marks aggregate or equivalent grade (5.5 CGPA on 10-point scale).
2. A relaxation of 5% of marks or equivalent grade may be allowed to SC/ST/OBC
(non-creamy layer)/PWD (as per the norms of the UGC from time to time).
3. Candidates should have qualified Junior Research Fellowship (JRF) under
CSIR/UGC- NET.
4. Candidates need to apply within 3 year from the declaration of the fellowship result.
5. CGPA or percentage of marks in aggregate (in case marks are awarded) of all
years/semesters will be considered. If the CGPA is awarded on a scale other than a
10-pointscale, proportionate conversion to a 10-point scale will be considered.
6. Candidates under OBC-NC,SC/ST and Economically Weaker Sections (EWS) category are
required to submit a copy of valid certificate, issued after 31st March, 2023, while
submitting the application issued by a competent authority.
05. APPLICATION FEE:
• Application Fee (non-refundable): Rs. 1000/- for General/OBC category and Rs.
500/- for SC/ST/ category candidate. The candidates can deposit the requisite
application fee by using net banking or debit/credit card facilities to our bank
account. Additional charges will be applicable as per the rule of the concerned bank.
The Fee will not be accepted through any other mode.
Bank Details:
Bank : State Bank of India,
Branch : Technopark, Tejaswini.
Account No : 67242303296
IFS Code : SBIN0070737
The transaction number may be indicated in the online application.
06. SELECTION PROCESS:
1. Candidate may apply online.
2. Candidates will be shortlisted by ICFOSS.
3. ICFOSS will invite the eligible candidates for the selection process, which may
include a written test/ Interview.
4. The selected candidates will be registered for Ph.D. programme in the current
semester under JNU as per JNU regulations.
5. Selected candidates will start working as JRF under the assigned faculty member
(Ph.D. Thesis supervisor) from the date of admission. However, the course work will
be taken in the next semester, if the admission registration is after the last date for
course registration in the current semester.
07. IMPORTANT DATES:
Start of online Application Process 17th April, 2024
Last date for submission of online application 04th May, 2024 – 04:00 PM
Candidates are requested to apply online and a hard copy of the same application should be
send to ICFOSS (Address mentioned below) along with cv/certificate copy/ transaction
details through registered post. Last date of receiving Hardcopy at ICFOSS will be 09 th May
2024.
08. COURSE FEE STRUCTURE
The annual fee for the Ph.D. program is Rs. 25,000/ + University Fees as per JNU norms.
ICFOSS reserves the right to increase the fees. The students have to pay the fee annually.
Dates will be noticed by ICFOSS.
09. CANCELLATION OF ADMISSION
The Institute reserves the right to cancel, at any stage, the admission of a candidate admitted
to a programme and is later found that he/she is not entitled, being unqualified or ineligible
in accordance with the Regulations in vogue, or suspension/termination of programme. In
case of cancellation/withdrawal of admission after registration from programme, fee will not
be refunded.
10. MATTERS OF DISPUTE
Disputes, if any, arising out of or relating to any matter whatsoever shall be subject to the
exclusive jurisdiction of the Trivandrum Courts.
1. INSTRUCTIONS FOR ONLINE APPLICATION & OTHERS
A) Documents
Before applying online, candidates are required to keep the following documents
ready for uploading:
Sl. No Particulars Size
1 Colour photograph (only in JPEG) Up to 500 KB
2 Signature (only in JPEG) Up to 500 KB
3 EWS/OBC/SC/ST Category Certificate (PDF) (If applicable) Upto 5 MB
4 10th Certificate/Marksheet (in single PDF) Upto 5 MB
5 12th Certificate/Diploma and Marksheet (in single PDF) Upto 5 MB
6 Bachelor’s Degree or Provisional and Consolidated Marksheet/ All Upto 5 MB
marksheets (in single PDF)
7 Master’s Degree or Provisional and Consolidated Marksheet/ All marksheets Upto 5 MB
(in single PDF), if applicable
8 JRF score card / Fellowship award letter (in single PDF) (If applicable) Upto 5 MB
NOTE: If any of the submitted document is password protected, then the application will
not be considered for admission.
B) Steps for Registration
Candidates must follow the followings steps while filling online Application Form:
a) Visit https//icfoss.in/phd
b) Register
c) Login
d) Complete the application
e) Submit
Candidates may download their online submitted application form, completed in all respect,
for their own record, if required.
The candidates are advised to read each and every instruction given in this Information
Brochure very carefully before applying Online.
C) Other Information, Terms & Conditions
1. Selection process is purely based on merit. Stipulated dates for a interview shall be
communicated by the ICFOSS to the shortlisted candidates. Simultaneously, the
dates shall be uploaded in the ICFOSS website.
2. The prescribed qualifications and experience are the minimum required and the mere
fact that a candidate possesses the same will not entitle the candidate for being called
for an interview.
3. ICFOSS reserve the right to restrict the number of candidates to be called for
interview to a reasonable number, on the basis of qualifications/experience and based
on the norms of ICFOSS.
4. Candidates must fill/enter their CGPA or percentage of marks as issued by their
institute/college/university. Candidate must not convert their CGPA into percentage
and vice-versa.
5. Candidates should complete application in all respect in the admission portal and
submit it online only. No correspondence / communication will be entertained for
incomplete application.
6. The last date for submission of online application shall not be extended. Accordingly,
no request shall be entertained for accepting the application after the last date.
7. Admission will be offered subject to availability of seats and faculty in the
specialization.
8. Students shall be governed by ordinance/ regulations of JNU vogue.
9. Candidates are required to verify the accuracy of their online submissions; ICFOSS
bears no responsibility for inaccuracies. Candidates are solely responsible for
ensuring the authenticity of the information provided. Once submitted, applications
are considered final and cannot be modified. ICFOSS will not be held accountable
for technical errors during submission or fee payment. Candidates are strongly
encouraged to apply well ahead of the deadline. Accurate and active email addresses
must be provided for online communication. All updates, including interview
schedules and results, will be exclusively accessible on the Institute's website.
Candidates must regularly check for updates.
10. The Institute reserves the right to verify the documents submitted by the candidate at
any time during their period of research. In case it is found that the documents
submitted by the candidate are not genuine, then his/her admission shall be
terminated, and disciplinary / criminal proceedings will be initiated.
11. Merely applying for / being shortlisted / appearing for the interview or subsequent
processes do not imply that a candidate will necessarily be offered admission in
ICFOSS.
12. Candidates must ensure they meet all specified eligibility criteria. Their admission
will be provisionally accepted pending confirmation that they meet the prescribed
eligibility requirements and approval from JNU. The issuance of call letters to
candidates does not imply eligibility has been determined.
For further information, please contact:
INTERNATIONAL CENTRE FOR FREE AND
OPEN SOURCE SOLUTIONS (ICFOSS)
Swatantra, Sports Hub, South Pavillion
Karyavattom, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala 695581
Phone: +91 471-2413012, +91-9400225962
Email: phdadm@icfoss.org Website: https://icfoss.in/
Working Hours: Monday to Saturday 10 AM - 6 PM,
Except government holidays and 4th saturday.
Annexure-1
Undertaking by the applicants for submission of the required certificates towards
admission to Ph.D. Programme 2024-25 through Rolling Advertisement
I......................................................................S/o/Do..............................................................
R/o(address) .....................................................................................................want to apply
to pursue my study in Ph.D. programme at ICFOSS.
I hereby undertake that I will submit the following required documents:
1. .............................................................................................................
2. .............................................................................................................
3. .............................................................................................................
at the time of registration. In case, I fail to submit the required documents within the due
date, or found ineligible or information/certificate found incorrect/false at any stage, the
Institute reserves the right to cancel my admission offer and registration.
Signature of the Applicant:...........................................
Name of Applicant:........................................................
Email:..............................................................................
Application No:..............................................................
