PhD in Biology 2026 – Eligibility, Admission Process, Top Colleges & Career Opportunities | Updates | Search Shiksha
PhD in Biology 2026 – Eligibility, Admission Process, Top Colleges & Career Opportunities

PhD in Biology 2026 – Eligibility, Admission Process, Top Colleges & Career Opportunities

Category: Admission Updates
07Nov, 2025

PhD means Docotorate of Philosophy. In this students can study a research-based degree that provides a solid foundation in scientific knowledge, research skills, and professional experience. All University was established with an objective to make the higher education accessible to the educationally Independent for interested people.

PhD in Biology Eligibility

Interested Candidate who wish to pursue PhD must have completed a Master's degree in the relevant field and also must have secured a minimum 50-55 percent aggregate marks or equivalent CGPA score along with a valid PhD entrance exam score which helps them to get admission. The Average fees of PhD is three to five lakh.

 

PhD in Biology Entrance Exams

The admissions of the interested candidates are done on the basis of the national-level Research Entrance Test or University-level Entrance Exam for a PhD. This is followed by a personal interview wherein candidates have to present their research proposal for doing higher studies. Such as UGC NET, GATE, etc. are conducted for PhD Admissions. The most popular entrance examination for PhD Admission is UGC-NET which is conducted twice every year for PhD Admissions by the govt.

 

PhD in Biology Entrance Exam Syllabus

GPAT

There are 5 five sections in GPAT 2024 exam namely, Pharmaceutics & Allied Subjects ,Pharmacology & Allied Subjects , Pharmaceutical Biology & Allied Subjects, , Pharmacology & Allied Subjects, and other subjects.

 

 

UGC NET

The syllabus have two sections that is Paper 1 and Paper 2. Paper 1 is common for all the candidates for any subject whereas the Paper 2 exam is subject specific which include the questions from the subject that the candidates choose to appear for the exam. The list of the topics that is asked in the UGC NET Paper 1 exam has been given below for the candidates: a)Teaching Aptitude b) Research Aptitude c) Reasoning d) Math e) Communication f) Data Interpretation g) Environmental Studies, etc.

 

GATE

The syllabus for GATE reach across various disciplines and topics such as Verbal Ability and Numerical Ability are the common topics for all papers. Moreover, the syllabus which is for various specializations graduation-level, and also for the candidate’s ability to solve reasoning and numerical questions are tested through this examination.

 

PhD Admission Procedure

The PhD admissions process in India can slightly different between institutions and fields of study, but the general steps are as follows:

 

1. Research Potential Universities and Programs:

 Candidate should find universities and research institutions that align with their research interests and offer PhD programs in your desired field.

 

2. Meet Eligibility Criteria:

Ensure you meet the minimum academic qualifications, which is given in this site typically include a Master's degree or equivalent with a good GPA.

Some programs may also require specific subject matter expertise or research experience.

 

3. Prepare Application Materials:

Firstly collect your all the important documents, including your academic transcripts, research proposal, letters of recommendation, statement of purpose, and any required entrance exam scores (if applicable).

Candidates should customize their application materials to spotlight their research interests, qualifications, and fit with the specific program and institution.

 

4. Submit Application:

Candidates should submit their completed application to the designated admissions office offline or online portal.

 Candidates should follow the specific instructions and deadlines provided by the institution.

 

5. Entrance Exams (if applicable):

Some universities may require Candidates to take entrance exams, such as the Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering (GATE) or the Common Admission Test (CAT), to assess their suitability for PhD studies.

 

6. Interviews and Evaluations:

If candidate shortlisted, they may be invited for an interview or evaluation to assess their research potential, communication skills, and motivation.

This may involve discussing their research proposal, answering questions about their academic background, and interacting with potential supervisors.

 

7. Admission Decision:

The admissions committee will review their application materials and may conduct additional evaluations as needed.

Candidate will receive a notification of the admission decision, which may include offers of admission, waitlists, or rejections.

 

8. Enrollment and Orientation:

If admitted, Candidate will need to complete the enrollment process, including paying tuition fees and submitting required documents.

The university may also conduct orientation sessions to familiarize candidate with the PhD program, research facilities, and campus resources.

 

Syllabus of PhD in Biology

1 Microbiology

2. Biochemistry

3. Genetics

4. Immunology

5. Cell Biology

6. Molecular Biology

 

Top colleges of PhD in Biology

1. Indian Institute of Science, Bengaluru

2. Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi

3. University of Hyderabad, Hyderabad 

4.  Calcutta University, Kolkata  

5. Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal           

6. Bharathiar University, Coimbatore                     

7. Jamia Hamdard, New Delhi

8. University of Madras

9.  Chennai Panjab University, Chandigarh

Job profiles of PhD in Biology

1. Sr. Research Associate

2.  Research Biologist

3. Environmental Staff Scientist

4.  Clinical Lab Scientist

5.  Sr. Microbiologist

6.  Product Manager

7.  Natural Science Manager

Top Recruiters for PhD in Biology

1.  Paramount Diagnostics & Research Center

2. Sun Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd.

3. HCL

Career and scope for PhD in Biology

When a student done a PhD course in Biology subject they can achieve a good career path. It is a great choice which gave them a great opportunity to grow. This can help them to getting hired in many big industries.

FAQ`S

Q1. What is the duration of a PhD in Biology?

The PhD in Biology program usually takes 3 to 6 years to complete, depending on research progress and university guidelines.

Q2. What is the eligibility for a PhD in Biology?

Candidates must have a Master’s degree in Biology or related disciplines (such as Biotechnology, Zoology, Botany, or Microbiology) with at least 55% marks from a recognized institution.

Q3. Is there an entrance exam for PhD in Biology?

Yes, admission is usually based on entrance exams like UGC-NET, CSIR-NET, GATE, or institutional tests followed by an interview.

Q4. What are the top research areas in PhD Biology?

Popular areas include Molecular Biology, Cell Biology, Genetics, Ecology, Evolutionary Biology, Microbiology, and Environmental Biology.

Q5. Which are the top colleges for pursuing a PhD in Biology in India?

Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bangalore
Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), New Delhi
University of Delhi
Banaras Hindu University (BHU), Varanasi
Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (TIFR), Mumbai
IISERs (Pune, Bhopal, Mohali, etc.)

Q6. What career options are available after a PhD in Biology?

PhD holders can work as Researchers, Professors, Biotechnologists, Biomedical Scientists, Environmental Consultants, or R&D Scientists in private and government sectors.

Q7. What is the average salary after completing a PhD in Biology?

The average salary ranges from ₹6 LPA to ₹18 LPA, depending on experience, research area, and organization type.

Q8. Can I pursue a PhD in Biology after an MSc in Biotechnology or Zoology?

Yes, candidates from Biotechnology, Zoology, Botany, Microbiology, or Life Sciences backgrounds are usually eligible.

Q9. Is there scope for PhD Biology abroad?

Yes, there is strong demand for Biology PhDs globally in research labs, universities, and pharmaceutical industries, especially in the USA, UK, Germany, and Australia.

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