Bhubaneswar, Oct. 9: The National Institute of Science Education and Research (Niser) today partially shifted to its new campus at Jatni, which is around 30km from the city.

The premier institute is at present operating from the Institute of Physics (IoP) campus in the city.

The director’s office, registrar’s office, administrative block, accounts department and parts of the research and development wing will be shifted in the first phase.

However, theoretical and practical classes will continue to be held on the old campus.

Niser registrar A.K. Naik said by December classes were expected to be held on the new campus.

“Classrooms are almost ready but the finishing touches and furnishings would take about two more months. We can shift after the vacations in December. We are planning to invite the Prime Minister to the campus sometime in April- May,” he said.

The 294.8-acre campus is being developed by the department of atomic energy (DAE) for Rs 500 crore.

The campus will have an academic complex spread over 72,700sqm consisting of 11 buildings housing school of sciences (chemistry, physics, biology and mathematics), humanities, library, auditorium and a meditation centre.