PhD in Bioinformatics: Course Details, Eligibility, Admission, Fees

Roumik Roy

Updated on - Dec 18, 2023

PhD in Bioinformatics is a three to five year doctorate program that deals with the advanced knowledge about management and analysis of data for modern biology and medicine with the application of computer technology. Graduates from this course can get hired for various job roles which include Professor, Bioinformatics Trainee, Medical Coder, Associate Research Scientist, Bioinformatics Analyst, etc.

About PhD in Bioinformatics

The Bioinformatics PhD is a three to five-year doctorate program. The PhD in Bioinformatics syllabus and subjects aims to provide in-depth knowledge in Computational Biology and Bioinformatics. PhD in Bioinformatics job scopes include a wide range of employment opportunities in public and private sectors.

Eligibility Criteria for PhD in Bioinformatics

There are specific Bioinformatics PhD requirements for enrolling in a PhD in Bioinformatics in India. The following are PhD in Bioinformatics eligibility requirements:

• The applicant must hold a Master's degree in Science, Mathematics, Biotechnology, or Bioinformatics from an accredited institution.
• The candidates must have achieved a minimum of 50% marks in both their postgraduate and undergraduate studies.
• There are no age restrictions for enrolling in this course. 
• Students are required to meet the cut-off marks in the entrance exam.

Who Should Pursue a PhD in Bioinformatics Course?

PhD in Bioinformatics is open to students who wish to gain specialised knowledge in Bioinformatics-related areas. The Bioinformatics PhD course is for students who want to gain advanced knowledge in Research Methodology for Molecular Biology, Biostatistics and Biotechnology.

How To Get Admission for PhD in Bioinformatics?

PhD in Bioinformatics admission is limited to students who meet the eligibility criteria. Before being scheduled for a private interview, students must pass with the required cut-off marks in the entrance examinations which can be varied for different colleges. The details of the PhD in Bioinformatics admission procedure are as follows:

How to Apply?

Admission forms for Bioinformatics PhD programs are usually distributed between March and June, and students can complete them through online or offline. Students may obtain an admission application form by visiting the college admission desk or the college website. They must submit their required documents based on academic discretions once they have completed their registration by filling out the application form.

Selection Process

Admission to the PhD in Bioinformatics course is determined by an entrance exam and a merit-based selection based on the performance of the candidate's master's degree grades. Students must obtain a minimum of 55% in their postgraduate degree. After achieving the required cutoff marks in the entrance exam, students may need to participate in personal interviews and other aptitude rounds.

Check other important PhD Courses

Types of PhD in Bioinformatics Courses

The Ph.D. in Bioinformatics, a research-based programme, can be completed in one of three ways: full-time, part-time, or through distance learning. Several prestigious universities offer PhD in Bioinformatics in India for aspirants. The various types of Ph.D. in Bioinformatics course details are given below.

Full-Time PhD in Bioinformatics

Numerous prestigious institutions and universities offer three-year PhD in bioinformatics courses. This full-time course primarily consists of assignments, projects, and classroom learning. An integrated PhD in bioinformatics course is also offered by several universities as well.

Part-Time PhD in Bioinformatics

There is a part-time PhD in Bioinformatics in India that lasts between three to five years. This course format is primarily designed for working students and professionals. Working professionals and students who are unable to enroll full-time can enroll in this course. However, there are online PhD Bioinformatics courses available for students as well. 

Distance PhD in Bioinformatics

A distance learning course facilitates knowledge acquisition anytime and from any location. However, the distance learning facility for this course are few for the complexity of the course which requires students to be present on the campus and learn through practical training.

Popular Entrance Exams for PhD in Bioinformatics

Students need to take national entrance exams if they fulfill the PhD in Bioinformatics course eligibility requirements. Some of the popular entrance exams for PhD in Bioinformatics courses are listed below:

A Quick Glance at the PhD in Bioinformatics  Entrance Exams

Students interested in pursuing  PhD in Bioinformatics course should conduct extensive research on the exam structure and curriculum in advance. This will help students prepare for entrance exams on time. In general, the entrance examination is structured as follows:

• Students should be familiar with the general exam format.
• The exams comprise MCQs and/or subjective-type questions.
• The exam is conducted in both online and offline modes.
• The Language medium of examination is English.
• Students go through the previous question papers to prepare better for exams

Top 10 PhD in Bioinformatics  Colleges in India

India is home to some of the world's top universities for PhD in Bioinformatics courses. Students are admitted to prestigious universities and colleges based on their entrance exam scores and postgraduate grades. Qualified Students can also acquire PhD Bioinformatics scholarship to pursue this program.

Below is the list of the top best PhD in Bioinformatics colleges in the country: 

Top PhD in Bioinformatics Colleges in New Delhi

Some of the best PhD in Bioinformatics universities in the country are in India's capital city. The following table lists the top PhD in Bioinformatics colleges in New Delhi:

Top PhD in Bioinformatics  Colleges in Mumbai

The following list comprises the top colleges for PhD in Bioinformatics in Mumbai:

Top PhD in Bioinformatics Colleges in Pune

The following list includes the top PhD in Bioinformatics colleges in Pune:

Top PhD in Bioinformatics Colleges in Bangalore

Bangalore is home to some of India's top universities offering PhD programmes in bioinformatics. Here is a list of the best colleges in Bangalore for a PhD in Bioinformatics:

Top PhD in Bioinformatics Colleges in Kolkata

The table below includes a list of top colleges for PhD in Bioinformatics in Kolkata:

Top PhD in Bioinformatics Colleges in Hyderabad

Check the Table below for the top colleges for PhD in Bioinformatics in Hyderabad:

Fee Structure for PhD in Bioinformatics

The PhD in Bioinformatics fees in India range between INR 40,000 to 3 LPA. The course fee structure may vary depending on the type of institution, location, infrastructure, faculty, and amenities provided. Below is information regarding PhD in Bioinformatics university fees.

Syllabus and Subjects for PhD in Bioinformatics

The curriculum of the PhD in Bioinformatics programme is divided into six semesters over the course of three years. Case Studies, Lab Work, Thesis Writing, and Research Project Work comprise the course outline. The following are some of the program's core subjects:

• Computational Biology
• Molecular Biology and Biochemistry
• Computational Genomics
• Biostatistics

Read More: PhD in Bioinformatics Syllabus and Subjects

Why Choose PhD in Bioinformatics Course?

Before enrolling in a PhD in Bioinformatics course, students should know its specifics. Before deciding on a career in this field, students may encounter questions such as "What is a PhD in Bioinformatics?" and "Why choose a PhD in Bioinformatics?" To help you understand the answers to these questions, we have formulated the following guidelines:

What is PhD in Bioinformatics All About?

PhD in Bioinformatics duration is three to five years which is a semester-based doctorate programme. This course provides students with research opportunities in the fields of Computational Biology and Bioinformatics. The course teaches students about diverse biological data and how to organise it systematically. Students can also create their own bioinformatics tools for conducting various experiments.

What PhD in Bioinformatics Graduates Do?

Bioinformatics in PhD candidates can work in both the public and private sectors. Candidates can acquire various job opportunities and potential career prospects in various fields, including educational institutions, hospitals, biomedical organisations, research institutions, etc.

Clinical Bioinformaticians: They construct new techniques and approaches for the storage, retrieval, and analysis of biological data. They are also responsible for creating and enhancing ways for collecting, storing, organising, and analysing biological data that can assist in the provision of health care

Reasons Why PhD in Bioinformatics  Can Fetch You a Rewarding Career?

PhD candidates in Bioinformatics are recognised for their skills and knowledge. Upon completion of the course, students' employment prospects will vastly improve. The probability of securing a well-paying position is high, and candidates will have numerous options.

Diversity in Job Jobs: Graduates from this program can pursue a variety of career paths. The wide range of specialisations available to students enables them to pursue several career options.

Read More: PhD in Bioinformatics Jobs & Scope

PhD in Bioinformatics Course Comparison

PhD in Bioinformaticsis primarily designed for students who are interested in Computational Biology and Bioinformatics. However, there are similar courses that cover similar areas of study. The comparison of PhD in Bioinformatics with a similar course is given below.

PhD in Bioinformatics vs PhD in Biotechnology

The table below showcases the differences between PhD in Bioinformatics and PhD in Biotechnology:

Read More: PhD in Biotechnology

Preparation Tips for PhD in Bioinformatics Course

Students should consider some factors when deciding whether to pursue a PhD in Bioinformatics. The following list of suggestions will assist students in completing the course successfully and performing well on exams.

• Have an innate knowledge of, and interest in subjects: If a student is intrinsically interested in and knowledgeable about a subject, they will be motivated to learn more than what is required by the curriculum.
• Read and Practice More: It is essential to remain updated with the course curriculum. If students practice and read more, they will become more knowledgeable about the curriculum and perform better on tests.
• Be Updated: It is essential to stay up-to-date with the latest developments in the field in order to avoid falling behind.

Salary of a PhD in Bioinformatics  Graduates

Based on the role and industry, PhD in Bioinformatics graduates typically earn between INR 3 to 15 LPA [Source: Glassdoor]. If students pursue higher training or gain additional work experience, their salaries can increase exponentially.

Read More: PhD in Bioinformatics Salary

Career Options After PhD in Bioinformatics

PhD in Bioinformatics jobs focus primarily on performance and efficiency. Students with a medical background have greater opportunities for employment in the bioinformatics industry. The following are some positions are available to PhD in Bioinformatics programme graduates:

• Professor
• Medical Coder
• Bioinformatics Trainee
• Research Associate
• Clinical Bioinformatician

Skills That Make You The Best PhD in Bioinformatics Graduates

PhD in Bioinformatics graduates must possess various complex skills to succeed in their careers. These are not inherently skills that can be acquired in the classroom. Instead, these are abilities that are acquired through experience. Some of these skills are:

• Critical Thinking
• Complex Problem-Solving Skills
• Innovative Ideas
• Statistical Skills
• observation skills
• Programming Skills
• Being detail-oriented