PhD in Computational Biology And Bioinformatics (Doctor of Philosophy in Computational Biology and Bioinformatics)

PhD in Bioinformatics About

PhD in Bioinformatics is a semester-based doctorate course in Bioinformatics. The course may have a duration of 3 to 5 years. This course offers research opportunities to students in the field of Computational Biology and Bioinformatics.

At the end of the course, the students will have to submit their research papers on various topics related to Bioinformatics. Check the full list of Bioinformatics colleges in India.

To be eligible for the Ph.D. in Bioinformatics course, you need to have a postgraduate degree in Biotechnology/Bioinformatics. Some colleges also consider candidates with a bachelor’s degree in Biotechnology or Bioinformatics who have enormous research experience.

Most of the reputed colleges demand a minimum of 50% marks in the bachelor's/Master's level to be eligible for this course.

To secure admission to the course, the candidates will have to appear for an entrance test followed by a personal interview. The candidates who perform well in the interview will be able to be admitted to the college. Some of the most popular Ph.D. entrance exams in India are UGC-NET, UGC-CSIR-NET, etc.

Bioinformatics is taught in several top colleges in India. Here we have enlisted some of the colleges/ universities offering a Ph.D. in Bioinformatics. The average tuition fee charged for the Ph.D. in Bioinformatics course is INR 40,000 to INR 3,00,000, depending on the institute.

Some of the important research areas covered in this course include Biostatistics, Genomics, Protein Databases, Scientific Writing, etc.

PhD in Bioinformatics Course Highlights

Eligibility Criteria for PhD in Bioinformatics

There are a few eligibility criteria that the students must fulfill if they wish to be a part of this course. Here, we have listed some of the most important eligibility criteria:

• The candidate must complete his masters in Science, Mathematics, Biotechnology or Bioinformatics from a recognized university.
• The candidates must have at least 50% marks in their post-graduation and graduation. The SC/ ST/ OBC/ PwD candidates may get certain relaxation.
• If the college conducts an admission test, the candidates must also clear the entrance test and perform well in the personal interview.

Entrance Exam for PhD in Bioinformatics

CSIR UGC NET

UGC NET

IIT JAM

GPAT

VITMEE

Duration of PhD in Bioinformatics

• The duration of the PhD program in Biology Bioinformatics varies depending on the institution and the research project.
• Typically, the program takes 3-5 years to complete and includes both coursework and research.

PhD in Bioinformatics Selection Criteria

Admission to a PhD program in Biology Bioinformatics is highly competitive, and selection criteria typically include academic record, research experience, letters of recommendation, and personal statement. Universities may also consider the results of entrance exams and interviews.

Admission Process for PhD in Bioinformatics

• The admission is done either based on the marks acquired by the candidates in the entrance exam or on their performance in their master degree course.
• In some cases, a personal interview may also take place.
• Some of the most common entrance tests for the PhD in Bioinformatics students are GATE, BINC (Bioinformatics National Certification Examination) and NET UGC.
• The application forms for entrance to the PhD courses are released in the month of May or June.
• The shortlisted candidates are either called for admission or they have to sit for the entrance test.
• All details related to the admission process can be found on the official website of the respective universities.

Merit-Based Admission

Step 1: Fill the application form: Once you have finalized the colleges, you will have to fill up the application form. The application forms will have to be submitted before the deadline.

Step 2: Admission to the college: The candidates will be shortlisted based on their performance in their master's degree course. The marks requirement may vary from college to college.

Entrance-Based Admission

Step 1: Fill the application form: The first step of the admission process is filling up the application form. Once you have successfully submitted the application form, you may proceed with the further steps of the admission process.

Step 2: Appear for the entrance test: Most of universities accept students based on the marks scored by them in the entrance test. The cut-off for the entrance test is determined by the college authorities.

Step 3: Appear for an interview (optional): Some colleges also conduct a personal interview. The candidates will be shortlisted based on their performance in the interview.

Step 4: Admission to the college: The final stage of the admission process is getting admitted to the college. For that, they need to submit all the required documents and pay the admission charges.

PhD in Bioinformatics How to Apply

1. To apply for a PhD program in Biology Bioinformatics, candidates should research institutions offering the program, review admission requirements, and prepare their application materials.

2. Application materials typically include transcripts, a personal statement, letters of recommendation, and entrance exam scores.

3. Candidates may also be required to submit a research proposal and/or a writing sample.

4. The application process is usually completed online through the university's website.

PhD in Bioinformatics Application Process

PhD in Bioinformatics Fee Structure

PhD in Bioinformatics Syllabus

1. Basic Concepts of Computer
2. Biostatistics
3. Quantitative Techniques
4. Scientific Writing
5. Techniques in Molecular Biology
6. Research Techniques
7. Genomics
8. Protein Databases

PhD in Bioinformatics Job Scope

PhD in Bioinformatics Career Opportunities

There are many career opportunities available to graduates with a PhD in Biology Bioinformatics, including:

Academic research: working as a researcher or professor at a university or research institution.

Industry research: working in the biotechnology, pharmaceutical, or healthcare industries.

Government research: working for government agencies such as the National Institutes of Health or the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Bioinformatics software development: working for companies that develop software for biological data analysis.

Data analysis: working in fields such as genomics, proteomics, or metabolomics.

PhD in Bioinformatics Top Colleges

Some top institutions offering a PhD in Biology Bioinformatics include:

• Harvard University
• Massachusetts Institute of Technology
• Stanford University
• University of California, Berkeley
• University of Cambridge (UK)
• University of Oxford (UK)
• Max Planck Institute (Germany)
• University of Tokyo (Japan)
• Peking University (China)
• University of Zurich (Switzerland)

Admission Process for PhD in Bioinformatics

1. Application for the entrance exam 
2. Result declaration
3. Entrance pass scholar calling for the interview and document verification
4. Provisional registration for pre Ph.D. course work classes
5. Coursework classes shall be attended as scheduled by University
6. Course work examination
7. Result declaration of coursework
8. Submission of synopsis ( 2 spiral bound copies with soft copy of synopsis)
9. Departmental research committee meeting scheduled by University
10. A registration letter shall be issued
11. Research work started by scholar
12. 6 progress reports shall be submitted
13. Soft copy thesis submit
14. plagiarism report check by the university
15. Final after the plagiarism report soft copy thesis shall be sent to experts for evaluation
16. After the consent of experts pre-submission, one set spiral binding shall be submitted
17. After the successful presentation of the pre-submission thesis 3 copies of hard bound thesis shall be  submitted
18. Viva shall be conducted as scheduled by University, Degree Awarded.

Document Required for PhD in Bioinformatics

1. Documents (10th onwards)
2. Aadhar Card/Pan Card, Caste Certificate
3. Migration Certificate (Original)
4. NOC (From Organization/ Institute/ University)
5. Affidavit (undertaking)
6. Guide Willing
7. Assignments
8. Synopsis (3 copies), Progress Report
9. Library No Dues
10. Lab Letter
11. Thesis Hard copy (Spiral binding)
12. No Dues, Thesis (6 hard copies)
13. Affidavit -Submission (on Rs 100 Stamp and Notary Attested)
14. C.D Soft copies (Thesis & Synopsis)
15. Conference Certificate - 2
16. Research Papers -2 (with ISSN No.)
17. summary (page limit 20-30) -3 Copies 
18. Plagiarism Report Below 10%

FAQs About PhD in Bioinformatics

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.