Admission Open 2025 | Ph.D. in Bioinformatics

Objective of Ph.D. in Biotechnology and Bioinformatics: The objective of a D. in Biotechnology and Bioinformatics is to develop advanced expertise in the integration of biological sciences, computational tools, and biotechnological innovations to address complex biological and societal challenges. The program aims to enable students to design and conduct original research to advance the fields of biotechnology and bioinformatics, train researchers in cutting-edge technologies, such as genetic engineering, bioinformatics algorithms, and data analysis, for applications in healthcare, agriculture, and industry and to develop critical thinking, project management, and communication skills to lead scientific endeavours in academia, industry, or governmental sectors.

• M.Sc. in Biotechnology or Bioinformatics/Microbiology/Agricultural Science/Biochemistry or other relevant branches of Life Sciences with a minimum of 60% marks or 6.5 CGPA on a 10-pointscale. (55% for reserved categories).
• Preference will be given to candidates who have cleared CSIR/UGC-NET(including JRF) or GATE or equivalent examinations.

• Minimum Duration: 3 years, including coursework.
• Maximum Duration: 6 years, with extensions provided as per UGC regulations.

The core of the PhD is independent, original research, culminating in a dissertation. Preferred research areas

• Plant Biotechnology & genetics
• Agriculture bioinformatics
• Plant molecular biology
• Functional genomics and proteomics
• Plant tissue culture
• Environmental Biotechnology
• Solid waste management

A PhD in Biotechnology and Bioinformatics offers a broad and versatile scope due to the rapid advancements in biological sciences, computational biology, and the integration of these fields in various industries. Here’s an overview of its potential scope:

1. Academia: Positions such as professor, lecturer, or researcher.
2. Research and Development in Industry: PhDs are in high demand in pharmaceutical industries, fermentation and beverages industries, waste treatment farm, biotechnology and seed companies to develop genetically modified crops, biofertilizers, and biopesticides, food processing and safety unit. They have roles in R&D, clinical trials, and drug design, biopharmaceuticals, vaccine development, or molecular diagnostics. They may also engage in personalized medicine, molecular diagnostics, or biomarker discovery.
3. Government and Policy: Advising governments on biosafety regulation policy as an advisor, public health microbiologists, or regulatory officials. They might get the chance to work with agencies like the FDA or WHO to ensure compliance in drug and product development.
4. Interdisciplinary Research: Interdisciplinary research in collaborations with international research organizations or interdisciplinary teams combining biotechnology with bioinformatics, biophysics, or nanotechnology shows a great path towards sustainable and environmentally friendly society.

The coursework is structured to align with UGC guidelines, ensuring comprehensive research training.

Coursework Components

1. Research Methodology
   • Covers research techniques, quantitative and qualitative analysis, and academic writing.
   • Develops critical thinking and analytical skills essential for high-quality research.
2. One Core Paper Related to the Discipline of Research

• Topics include core area of specialization on biotechnology or bioinformatics.
  • Course aim to solidify foundational knowledge and explore specialized field.

3. Research and Publication Ethics (RPE)
   • Provides a thorough understanding of ethical research practices and publication norms.
   • Topics include plagiarism prevention, intellectual property rights, and research integrity.
4. Research Training (Review Paper)

The Selection procedure is based on Entrance exam and Interview.

• The Entrance Examination is MCQ based. There are two sections. First section consists of 50 MCQ based on General Awareness and Research Methodology. Second section consists of 50 MCQ questions based on subject domain knowledge. Candidates with an overall score of 50% or higher in the General category and 45% or higher in the SC/ST/OBC category will be eligible for an interview.
• Admission process will be followed by Personal Interview (PI).Every eligible candidate interested in pursuing a Ph.D. in Microbiology will be required to appear in an interview conducted by the University’s Committee.