My daughter got into MSc program at IISER tvm, and is also no. 1 on the wait list for iPhD. Should we take the MSc seat or lose it and wait for iPhD acceptance? She wants to pursue PhD in the long run but is unsure if she'll continue in the same institute. They allow exit option only after 3 yr with MS research degree.

Ans: Kamal Sir, IISER Thiruvananthapuram’s two-year MSc program is a fully residential, research-oriented degree with a flexible curriculum and electives across Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics, and Physics, but does not offer an institute fellowship for MSc students. Admission to the Integrated PhD (iPhD) is based on national tests and interviews, with top waitlisted candidates often receiving offers before the next academic session. The iPhD includes two years of coursework plus a one-year research project; exit with an MS(Res) degree is permitted only after completing three years (four semesters of coursework plus one year of thesis) and securing requisite grades, with no early exit after the MSc slot. Integrated PhD scholars receive fellowships from the outset, accelerate their research trajectory by one year compared to sequential MSc + PhD pathways, and benefit from continuous mentorship and funding. However, declining the MSc seat risks leaving no backup if the iPhD offer does not materialize.

Final recommendation:
Given your daughter’s long-term PhD ambition and the fellowship and fast-track advantages of the integrated program, recommendation is to accept the MSc offer to secure guaranteed admission, while maintaining waitlist status for the iPhD; this preserves her options and ensures she remains in a vibrant research environment without financial support gaps. All the BEST for the Admission & a Prosperous Future!

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