PhD in Biology (Doctor of Philosophy in Biology)
PhD in Biology About
PhD in Biology is a minimum three-year doctorate level programme. The course deals with the study of microorganisms and their surroundings. It is the highest level of educational degree that one can achieve in Biology. To be able to pursue the programme, one needs to have a master’s degree in the same field of study, from a recognized university. A minimum aggregate score of at least 50% is needed to apply for PhD in Biology. Admissions are held through entrance examinations and a round of personal interview. Each institute holds its own entrance examination that tests the candidates research methodology and basics of research along with general knowledge.
PhD in Biology Highlights
| Course | Ph.D. (Biology) |
| Full Form | Doctor of Philosophy in Biology |
| Course Level | Doctoral programme |
| Course Duration | 3 years (minimum) |
| Course Structure | Semester/Year wise |
| Eligibility | Candidates should have a master’s degree in the Biology or relevant field from a recognized institute with a minimum of 50% aggregate marks. |
| Admission Process | Entrance Exams |
| Major Areas | Cell and Molecular Biology, Ecology and Evolution, Computational Biology |
| Job Positions | Sr. Research Associate, Research Biologist, Environmental Staff Scientist, Clinical Lab Scientist, Sr. Microbiologist, Product Manager, Natural Science Manager |
| Major Recruiting Industries | Educational Institutes, Medical Research Centres, National Conservation Centres |
| Recruiters | Paramount Diagnostics & Research Center, Sun Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd., HCL |
PhD in Biology Entrance Exam
| Entrance Exam |
| CSIR UGC NET |
| UGC NET |
| IIT JAM |
| GPAT |
| VITMEE |
PhD in Biology Admission Process
| Online registration: | Registration portal opens up only during a specific date and it is advertised by the institute. The application form and all documents need to be uploaded through the portal. |
| Fill up application form: | Fill up the application form with all basic details like email id, phone number, past educational achievements, job experience, entrance exam score etc. Correctness is needed while filling the form. |
| Upload documents: | Upload mark sheets and all other required documents to the portal. Documents must be in a specific format and size as specified by the portal. |
| Application fee: | Pay a minimal application fee to process the application. Payment can be done using all major online payment methods. |
| Examination: | If the candidate passes the eligibility criteria, they can sit for the entrance exam. Download admit cards, prepare for the exams and sit for it. Results are announced in a couple of weeks. |
PhD in Biology Eligibility Criteria
| Candidates must have a master degree in Biology from a recognized institute or university. |
| A minimum aggregate score of 50% must have been scored. |
| Entrance examination scores like IIS, BITS Pilani or UGC Net is required |
| Candidates need to have a research proposal ready stating the research objective, process, methodology etc. This proposal will be used during a personal interview round. |
PhD in Biology Duration
The duration of a PhD in Biology program can vary depending on the research project and progress of the student. Typically, the program takes 4-6 years to complete.
PhD in Biology Selection Criteria
- The selection criteria for a PhD in Biology program may include academic achievement, research experience, letters of recommendation, research proposal, and personal statement.
- The program may also consider factors such as diversity, community involvement, and leadership potential.
PhD in Biology How to Apply
| 1 | Prospective students can apply to a PhD in Biology program through the institution's online application portal or by submitting a paper application. |
| 2 | Applicants will need to provide official transcripts, letters of recommendation, a personal statement, a research proposal, and other supporting documents as required by the program. |
| 3 | Some programs may also require an application fee. |
| 4 | It is important to carefully review the application instructions and deadlines for each program to which you apply. |
PhD in Biology Application Form
The application form for a PhD in Biology program can typically be found on the institution's website. Applicants will need to create an account and provide basic personal information, academic records, and other required documents. Some programs may require additional materials such as writing samples, a research proposal, or a statement of purpose.
PhD in Biology Application Process
- The application process for a PhD in Biology program involves submitting the application form and supporting documents, paying any application fees, and possibly participating in an interview or campus visit.
- Applicants should carefully review the application requirements and deadlines for each program they are applying to.
PhD in Biology Application Fee Structure
The application fee for a PhD in Biology program can vary by institution, but is typically around updated Soon.
PhD in Biology Syllabus
| Areas of research |
| Microbiology |
| Biochemistry |
| Genetics |
| Immunology |
| Cell Biology |
| Molecular Biology |
PhD in Biology Salary and Jobs
Graduates of a PhD in Biology program can pursue a variety of careers in academia, industry, government, and science policy. The salary and job opportunities can vary depending on the specific career path and location. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual salary for postsecondary biology teachers was $96,720 in May 2020. Some other careers that graduates of a PhD in Biology program may pursue include research scientist, biotech consultant, science writer, or government policy analyst.
PhD in Biology Career Opportunities
| Job Role | Job Description |
| Microbiologists | A microbiologist studies bacteria, algae and fungi to understand how they cause diseases and how the environment is affected. |
| Natural Science Manager | A natural science manager works in the role of a supervisor who overlooks the work of biologists, scientists, chemists and physicists etc. regarding research and development, testing etc. |
| Research Biologist | Research biologists study all the natural elements in our environment in order to understand them better. Often they work in one specific specialization. |
| Professor | Professors gain employment in the educational sector and help educate the next generation of biologists. |
PhD in Biology Top Colleges
Some top colleges for a PhD in Biology program include:
- Harvard University
- Massachusetts Institute of Technology
- Stanford University
- California Institute of Technology
- University of California, Berkeley
- University of Chicago
- Princeton University
- University of Pennsylvania
- Johns Hopkins University
- Yale University.
PhD in Biology Admission Procedure
- Application for the entrance exam
- Result declaration
- Entrance pass scholar calling for the interview and document verification
- Provisional registration for pre Ph.D. course work classes
- Coursework classes shall be attended as scheduled by University
- Course work examination
- Result declaration of coursework
- Submission of synopsis ( 2 spiral bound copies with soft copy of synopsis)
- Departmental research committee meeting scheduled by University
- A registration letter shall be issued
- Research work started by scholar
- 6 progress reports shall be submitted
- Soft copy thesis submit
- plagiarism report check by the university
- Final after the plagiarism report soft copy thesis shall be sent to experts for evaluation
- After the consent of experts pre-submission, one set spiral binding shall be submitted
- After the successful presentation of the pre-submission thesis 3 copies of hard bound thesis shall be submitted
- Viva shall be conducted as scheduled by University, Degree Awarded.
PhD in Biology Document Checklist
- Documents (10th onwards)
- Aadhar Card/Pan Card, Caste Certificate
- Migration Certificate (Original)
- NOC (From Organization/ Institute/ University)
- Affidavit (undertaking)
- Guide Willing
- Assignments
- Synopsis (3 copies), Progress Report
- Library No Dues
- Lab Letter
- Thesis Hard copy (Spiral binding)
- No Dues, Thesis (6 hard copies)
- Affidavit -Submission (on Rs 100 Stamp and Notary Attested)
- C.D Soft copies (Thesis & Synopsis)
- Conference Certificate - 2
- Research Papers -2 (with ISSN No.)
- summary (page limit 20-30) -3 Copies
- Plagiarism Report Below 10%
FAQs About PhD in Biology
Q.1 - What is the procedure for Ph.D.? Admission to the University?
ANSWER: - The Ph.D. and M.Phil. programs of prestigious Universities are conducted and guided strictly as per the provisions and regulations dictated by the UGC (Minimum Standards and Procedure for Award of Ph.D./M.Phil. Degrees) (1st Amendment) Regulations, 2018 and subsequent amendments. The entire procedure for admission to the research programs encompasses a Research Entrance Exam (RET) and then an Interview/Viva Voce. The performance of a candidate in the RET is given 70% weightage, and the remaining 30% weightage is given to his/her performance at the Interview.
Q.2 - What are the modes of pursuing M.Phil. & Ph.D. programs at the University?
ANSWER: -Both the full-time and part-time modes are available at University for pursuing its Ph.D. programs and only the full-time mode is available for M.Phil. program in the desired subjects/fields. These highly-qualitative and prolific research programs are available in a rather broad range of fields/subjects. At University, the minimum time duration of the M.Phil. and Ph.D. programs is 1.5 Years and 3 Years, respectively, in general.
Q.3 - Are the Ph.D. and M.Phil. Degrees granted by any University valid abroad?
ANSWER: -Yes, of course. If the University is properly recognized under section 2(f) of the UGC Act of 1956 and is a prestigious member of the AIU (the Association of Indian Universities). It is an M.Phil. and Ph.D. degrees granted in various fields/subjects are duly valid across India and the world.
Q.4 - What are the main eligibility criteria for participating in the University Research Entrance Exam (RET)?
ANSWER: -The following are the main eligibility conditions for participating in the RET: - A rigorous Master’s Degree in the proposed subject/field obtained from any recognized university/institution located in India or abroad, with a minimum 55% marks in aggregate or an equivalent grade. Candidates belonging to SC/ST/OBC/Differently-abled categories are given a 5% relaxation in respect of this eligibility criterion. Candidates with an M.Phil. degree in the proposed field/subject, or have qualified for the UGC (JRF) Examinations/ NET/ SET/ SELT, etc., will be allowed to appear directly for the interview, without appearing in the RET. Impressive academic records, and any prior experience in research work, will be given additional advantages.
Q.5 - What relaxations are granted to the reserved categories for Ph.D.? Admission to the University?
ANSWER: - Candidates belonging to the categories of SC/ST/OBC (Non-Creamy layer)/Differently-Abled, and so on, are given all relaxations prescribed by the Govt. of India and the UGC. These relaxations are provided in form of 5% reduced marks for them at post-graduation, and also in the minimum qualifying marks at RET. Thus, candidates belonging to these categories only need to score a minimum of 45% marks at RET, to qualify for the final interview.
Q.6 - How will be the pattern of RET?
ANSWER: - The syllabus or pattern of RET consists of subject-specific matters, research methodology, and aptitude (covering logical reasoning, numerical ability, analytical reasoning, statistics, etc.).Thus, RET will contain a total of 70 multiple-choice questions (MCQs).
Q.7 - Are M.Phil. Holders/UGC- NET (including JRF)/ UGC-CSIR NET (including JRF)/ SLET/ GATE exempted from appearing at RET?
ANSWER: - Yes. The holders of M.Phil. degrees in their respective fields/subjects are made exempt from appearing in RET. The same is the situation in cases of aspiring candidates who have qualified exams like UGC-NET (including JRF)/ UGC-CSIR NET (including JRF)/ SLET/ GATE, etc.
Q.8 - How is the application fee paid?
ANSWER: - The Application Fee (i.e. the fee for getting participated in RET) can be paid online or offline, like the Application Form. Payment Modes: DD (in Favor of the University) / NEFT/ Cash Deposit.
Q.9 - Do working candidates require to obtain NOC from employers for pursuing research at any University?
ANSWER: - Yes, necessarily. Working Professionals who are interested in research at any University are required to obtain the NOC (No Objection Certificate) from their respective employers, in order to avert any intrusion ever during the entire doctoral course.
Q.10 - Does an M.Phil. holder require to undergo Ph.D. coursework?
ANSWER: - Yes. M.Phil. holders are again required to undergo the coursework in Ph.D. at some Universities. However, their prior knowledge in the field/subject will be very supportive to them for learning and performing efficiently during the Ph.D. program.
Q.11 - Can I pay the yearly program/course fee in installments?
ANSWER: - Yes, you can pay the yearly course fee as many as in two installments, but well within the yearly session.
Q.12 - Does Any University provide any scholarship or stipend to pursuing scholars?
ANSWER: - Yes, of course. Many Universities offer scholarships as well as stipends to meritorious and talented candidates who undertake research studies at the University. Scholarships are granted to those candidates who come under the top 21 by scoring higher marks in RET and interviews. And, stipends are provided to those scholars who also give lectures to UG or PG students at the University, in addition to doing their Ph.D. coursework. The amount of the monthly stipend will be commensurate with the candidate’s qualifications and capabilities and may go up to Rs. 20,000.
Q.13 - What other many facilities are provided to research scholars at the University Campus?
ANSWER: - All necessary and constructive resources, amenities, and facilities are offered by well-established and prestigious universities to research scholars in various streams/subjects. These facilities include the following - spacious and peaceful study rooms, erudite and well-experienced academicians and research experts, Wi-Fi and diverse IT devices, state-of-the-art laboratories, well-stocked libraries, lavish R&D amenities, separate amenities for lodging and foods for male and female candidates, peaceful and constructive environment within the university campus, and many other comforting and convenient facilities and services.
DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY IN BIOLOGY (PHD IN BIOLOGY)
Doctor of Philosophy in Biology (PhD in Biology) is a 3 Years Doctorate Degree Courses program that focuses on Doctor of Philosophy. The course combines theoretical knowledge with practical skills to prepare students for a career in Doctor of Philosophy.
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